Food packaging/branding/design specialist needed

[Erin Edds]

Hi all.
As farmer's market season nears its end, Country Mouse City Mouse is wanting to expand its retail visability. Our packaging doesn't really lend itself to big store merchandising (we need to make it cheap and tamper evident) and we really need someone with the knowledge of commercial food packaging to help us source and design new, professional packaging solutions. We have started on our branding and really like the direction we're going, but we need to expand upon it to help create our products awareness. We're also really interested in pursuing some commercial packaging and production options.
Help us make Country Mouse City Mouse a household name!!!
Check out our website (which I struggled to design) and let me know if you, or someone you know might be able to help.
www.countrymousecitymouseindy.com
Thanks!
Erin and Katy
p.s. we also need help figuring out how to start a mail order program (all of our products require refrigeration and it seems a little cost prohibitive to ship our stuff, but we've had a LOT of interest in it)

[Nila Nealy]

Whee...packaging can be "fun." Really, it is fun - the visual design, that is. The process of developing it and working through vendor issues can be fun in an entirely different, rather ironic sense of the word. I know of a few good sources (including, but not limited to, myself) that could be of help. Email me at nila[at]discoverelementthree[dot]com or call 317 879 9592 and ask for Nila (NY-luh).

[John Nichols]

Another place you might want to try for packaging help especially is Tree Packaging (www.treepackaging.com). The do all sorts of amazing packaging options that might help you along the way.

Good luck,
-John

[Diane Wieland]

Good luck to you. If you missed this recent article on Marketing Sherpa (July 1, 2008), you can see it for free with a limited time membership. I don't have any connection with Marketing Sherpa, I just think they have lots of valuable advice. Label Design Primer: 13 Tips to Help Your Product Get Noticed on Store Shelves https://www.marketingsherpa.com/barrier.html?ident=30690

My own labeling experience is strictly labeling for pharma, but this is a very good article.

[Brian Hubers]

Erin and Katy,

I would be more than happy to hear about your business and the exciting opportunities of growth that you now face. I have a degree in Packaging Engineering and have over 10 yrs experience in the industry.

My contact information is: Mobile [phone]

Thanks and Best Wishes,

Brian Hubers

[Jenny Erb]

Erin & Katy,

I have the Delilah Compound Honey Butter at home right now and love it. I noticed the Country Mouse City Mouse label was covering some pre-printed text and how obviously the neon colors don't match the brand. I thought to myself that this brand is so awesome that I hope you're able to work out those little kinks soon as you grow. So, I'm very glad to see that you are!

What an awesome brand! Best of luck.

Jen

[Kristin Seed]

Interested in talking with your company. Have experience with catering and personal chef work. Am looking for contract/project work. We may be able to help each other.

[Laurie Gross]

hi erin and katy:

a friend of mine passed this along to me....thinking this would be me.....BUT it's not....however I do know someone who would be perfect for this position. She is a very talented graphic artist who is currently working in marketing for her mother's dental practice, but wants to get back out in the private sector. She did all the marketing and design work for a local company that is similar to yours. (although not an edible product....i think candles or soap or something) Her name is Cassie Halsema....and I forwarded your info to her.

As for the mail order program. I don't think anyone in a similar business who does food mail order....would object to talking to you since the "wheel" has already been invented. I would google and call everyone I could think of who does food mail order. A really good person who could help you pull it all together is Chris McEvoy at Actum Group. I highly recommend him for business coaching and marketing consulting.

Good Luck Mice!

Laurie Gross
317-442-3908

PS. I am a former small business owner who was recently widowed. I dissolved my direct mail marketing business over the summer and I am looking for a position in sales and marketing. :)