# Benefit Branding Self-referential branding makes a product's benefits clear to consumers. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Oct 28, 2013, updated Nov 13, 2013 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/literal-packaging ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Benefit Branding trend? **Benefit Branding:** Putting the intended selling point of a product up front and center, very literal packaging makes a product stand out on the shelf. Creating an even more instantaneous connection with the consumer, this approach helps establish a brand as transparent and forward-thinking, while making the decision process much easier for consumers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 7, 2013 to Sep 17, 2014 - Published: Oct 28, 2013 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Benefit Branding trend ### Literal packaging Brands are putting the intended selling point of a product up front and center on the packaging, creating a more instantaneous connection with the consumer. ### Clever packaging design Brands are utilizing clever packaging designs that make their product stand out on the shelf and communicate the experience the product will give. ### Decorative packaging Decorative packaging is being used to dress up a gift in a simple and affordable way that works for any season. ## What the Benefit Branding trend means for industry ### For Consumer packaged goods Consumer packaged goods brands can benefit from exploring creative and clever packaging designs that communicate their product's benefits to consumers. ### For Retail Retailers can help distinguish their products on the shelves by utilizing decorative packaging designs. ### For Beverage Beverage brands can explore unique packaging designs that help communicate their brand identity and set them apart from competitors. ## Trend signals for Benefit Branding Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 71%, activity 58%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 71% - Activity: 58% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Benefit Branding trend 4 featured examples from Jun 7, 2013 to Sep 17, 2014. - [Plastic Pint-Like Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gold-mine-beer-packaging): Gold Mine Beer Branding Serves Up the Bar Experience Wherever You Are (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity to disrupt the alcoholic beverage industry by reimagining packaging to enhance consumer experience and differentiate brands. - [Illuminating Energy Drink Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-drink-packaging): Rise and Shine's Energy Drink Packaging Exudes Electricity (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The Rise and Shine energy drink packaging showcases an innovative approach to beverage packaging, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in the industry. - [Gift-Wrapping Tapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decorative-packing-tape): This Decorative Packing Tape Warns of 'Pretty Things Inside' (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Offering innovative and unique decorative packing tape options to enhance the gifting experience. - [Fruit-Topped Lotion Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/korean-cosmetic-brand): This Korean Cosmetic Brand Uses Cute and Compact Packaging (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Cosmetic brands can explore innovative packaging designs that reflect the product's qualities and enhance its appeal to consumers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Category Mashups](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/category-mashups) (Business) - [Festive Fusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/festive-fusions) (Lifestyle) - [Engineered Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/engineered-layers) (Fashion) - [Embedded Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-intelligence) (Tech) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Repairable Hardshell Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sperro-sv) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)