Packaging for Truffles, Bars, and Holidays

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Whitman on March 15, 2012 at 9:09pm

I need packaging that will show off my product on the shelf. That means a clear top is essential. Maybe some "big names" can sell product that the customers can't see, but for the smal artisanal producer the visual appeal is critical. I've found that the most popular box size is about 5 pieces - this gets a retail price below $8.95. Over $9/box and the sales drop off fast. Oh, and I need this box for about $0.15USD each or less in lots of 5,000, shipping included. Printing would be extra. If you can provide this, I expect you could get a lot of customers.

Permalink Reply by Kathryn James on March 16, 2012 at 2:20am

You're echoing my sentiments exactly!  I go to a lot of trouble to make my truffles pretty...that's all pointless if people can't see them.  I've looked at Distant Village products on the Nashville Wraps website and my biggest turnoffs were price and available colors.  If I can't have chocolate brown and hot pink, then I'd at least like plain white that I can dress up with ribbons or whatnot.

Permalink Reply by Rich Cohen on March 19, 2012 at 10:31pm

Hi Kathryn and Steve, I appreciate your insight and feedback, especially because we CAN develop packaging that meet your needs.  Over the past few years, clients have called out for LOWER PRICED packaging that is still decorative, well-designed, functional and high quality.  I am currently developing an open tray that will cost about $0.15 each.  Would you be interested to see a sample?  It will be made from our wild grass paper fiber blended with hemp fiber on a 100% recycled chipboard base.  Also, as another example of a more elaborate chocolate tray with custom die-cuts and printing, are two photos of a 4-piece box with an over-wrap band with windows (note: the tray would be shrink-wrapped by client after they place the truffles in the tray); and a 2-piece tray without a over-wrap band.  The trays start at under $0.50 each and the bands are $0.15 each.  We're also making truffle boxes (1-pc and 2-pc around $0.45+ each).  Of course, everything we produce is sustainable from natural plant fiber and Fair Trade.  Since Distant Village is focused on custom packaging, we can (and do) produce packaging that is focused on matching needs.  We have other low-cost solutions that do not compromise the sustainability of the solution.  Until they are carried by distributors, we will continue to offer these solutions directly.  Feel free to contact me at rich@distantvillage.com if you would like a free quote or additional info.

I sincerely appreciate your comments.  If this does not match your needs - or if I have misunderstood - please comment so we can improve and adjust.  We sincerely care to understand how we should continue meeting the needs of chocolatiers.  Thank you for your time and sharing advice.

Rich

Founder and President

Distant Village, Inc.

Permalink Reply by Rich Cohen on March 26, 2012 at 3:17pm

We're including your feedback and ideas for Artisan Chocolate Packaging.  We are currently developing a 4-piece chocolate tray which are targeting around $0.15USD each.  These will be simple trays made of our natural fiber paper and/or 100% recycled material.  The chocolatier must put their truffles in the tray after putting the truffle in a paper candy cup.  Then the tray will be shrink-wrapped to seal in the freshness.  Would this solution meet your needs?  Please let us know your thoughts.  I am happy to share info about the new sample trays and learn if there is interest also for custom colors and styles.

Thanks again to this forum for valuable input.  We are pleased to produce packaging to match the needs of artisan chocolatiers.

Rich

Distant Village Packaging

www.DistantVillage.com

rich@distantvillage.com

Permalink Reply by Steve Whitman on March 27, 2012 at 10:36am

Rich - Looking at the photos you've attached, I'm not sure where I would put my own labels on this box. On the top of my current boxesI have my company name label and the variety label The ingredient label (which goes on the bottom. The colors shown are attactive, but I would probably wnat a more neutral color scheme (which you may well have) - the red abnd blue shown would probably clash with many producers existing color palletes.

Permalink Reply by Rich Cohen on March 27, 2012 at 10:49am

Steve, we produce packaging on demand (custom).  We will adjust the packaging to match your needs, including space for your labels and match any color (in your case a neutral color scheme).  The photo is just a prototype.  The intention of this box is for lower costs and higher volume sales chocolates (versus our other highly decorative rigid boxes).  Everything we produce follows fair trade standards, and sustainable and socially-conscious practices while sincerely focusing on helping artisan producers such as fine chocolatiers.  We care about your needs and how to produce packaging to best of our abilities which contributes to your success.  We have many satisfied clients listed on our portfolio page.  Let us know how we may help your company too.  Rich (rich@distantvillage.com)

Permalink Reply by Rich Cohen on March 27, 2012 at 10:43am

On the fancier side, for holiday and gift, we had made these boxes for a raw chocolate company which was later bought out by another company.  But boxes like these (rigid) are closer to $3.50 each, which is what you may have seen before.  Our hallmark is brand design of sustainable handmade packaging.