Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Occult
Branding
Moody, clandestine imagery aims to inspire product-driven ritual in consumers.
4.4
Trend score
Trend
What is the Occult Branding trend?
Occult Branding: In a reflection of the fascination with mystical spirituality, brands have begun using dark, occult-inspired imagery in packaging in hopes of influencing consumer spending habits. This use of supernatural imagery speaks to the postmodern application of formerly sacred symbols in order to de-stigmatize them, while also representing the modern consumer's routine-based relationship with their possessions.
Trend themes
Themes within the Occult Branding trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Occult Imagery
Dark, occult-inspired imagery speaks to the postmodern application of formerly sacred symbols in order to de-stigmatize them, while also representing the modern consumer's routine-based relationship with their possessions.
02
Ritualistic Branding
This dark, ritualistic branding takes the ritualistic nature of gourmet coffee drinking to the next level and seeks to distance itself from the stereotypical twee-branding of indie coffee shops.
03
Nature-Inspired Packaging
The paper-wrapped bottles and boxes for Puchang Winery create a naturalistic connection between the product, the brand and the consumer, using nature-inspired images to convey a natural approach to creating wine.
Industry implications
What the Occult Branding trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Food and Beverage
Brands in the food and beverage industry continue to use innovative packaging and branding to disrupt the market and attract consumers seeking unique and elevated experiences.
For
Design and Art
Branding and packaging design is increasingly important to businesses looking to differentiate themselves in crowded markets, with graphic designers and artists playing a critical role in creating visually compelling products.
For
Consumer Goods
These examples demonstrate how brands in the consumer goods industry are tapping into niche markets and leveraging trends like the occult to create unique, targeted product offerings that resonate with consumers.
Workshop question
How important is consumer ritual in your industry? How are you leveraging this?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Occult Branding
Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 61%, activity 65%, freshness 8%.
Popularity61%
Activity65%
Freshness8%
Audience
30%Men
70%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Evidence
Examples of the Occult Branding trend
9 featured examples from Jan 13, 2015 to Oct 5, 2017CategoryArt & Design
Cult Coffee Branding
This Coffee Bar Branding Channels Occult Imagery
Opportunity for cafes and coffee shops to differentiate themselves by adopting unconventional branding and creating a cult-like following.
CategoryLifestyle
Ominous Juice Packaging
These Alluring Black Bottled Health Juices Represent the Zumería Juice Bar
Disruptive innovation opportunity for the juice packaging industry to explore the use of black bottles to differentiate products.
CategoryArt & Design
Ethereal Tea Branding
August Tea Has Developed a Branding Strategy That Reflects Its Unique Taste
As a beverage company, August Tea has the opportunity to disrupt the saturated tea market by creating innovative flavor combinations and sophisticated branding.
CategoryLifestyle
Occult-Inspired Juice Branding
This Juice Apothecary Boasts a Chic Understated Visual Brand
The use of unique and visually appealing branding and packaging can set a juice brand apart in the highly competitive cold-pressed juice market.
CategoryLifestyle
Ritualistic Gin Branding
The Packaging for Gillemore Gin is Inspired by Black Magic
The spirits industry presents opportunities for fresh, creative branding and innovative packaging designs.
CategoryArt & Design
Dark Ritualistic Branding
This Alchemy Coffee Co Branding is Ultramodern and Gothic
Opportunity for graphic design firms to collaborate with coffee companies looking for a bold and unique branding strategy.
CategoryLifestyle
Stark Tequila Branding
This Aged Tequila is Featured in Matte Black Glass Bottles
Exploring branding opportunities for aged alcoholic beverages through unique packaging and visual identities.
CategoryLifestyle
Truffle-Infused Artisan Mustards
The Maille Black Truffle and Chablis Mustard is Elegantly Upscale
The food and beverage industry can explore the creation of artisan mustards infused with unique flavors like truffles to attract discerning customers looking for gourmet experienc…
CategoryLifestyle
Wrapped Bottle Winery Branding
The Puchang Winery Visual Branding Focuses on Nature
Incorporating unique design elements in wine packaging can create an emotional connection with consumers and improve brand recall.
