# Occult Branding Moody, clandestine imagery aims to inspire product-driven ritual in consumers. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Aug 4, 2015 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occult-branding ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 13, 2015 to Oct 5, 2017 - Published: Aug 4, 2015 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Occult Branding trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Occult Branding trend means for industry ### For 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 for Occult Branding Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 61%, activity 65%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 61% - Activity: 65% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Occult Branding trend 9 featured examples from Jan 13, 2015 to Oct 5, 2017. - [Cult Coffee Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-bar-branding): This Coffee Bar Branding Channels Occult Imagery (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for cafes and coffee shops to differentiate themselves by adopting unconventional branding and creating a cult-like following. - [Ominous Juice Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-bottled): These Alluring Black Bottled Health Juices Represent the Zumería Juice Bar (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for the juice packaging industry to explore the use of black bottles to differentiate products. - [Ethereal Tea Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/august-tea): August Tea Has Developed a Branding Strategy That Reflects Its Unique Taste (Category: Art & Design) Implication: As a beverage company, August Tea has the opportunity to disrupt the saturated tea market by creating innovative flavor combinations and sophisticated branding. - [Occult-Inspired Juice Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/juice-apothecary): This Juice Apothecary Boasts a Chic Understated Visual Brand (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The use of unique and visually appealing branding and packaging can set a juice brand apart in the highly competitive cold-pressed juice market. - [Ritualistic Gin Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gin-branding): The Packaging for Gillemore Gin is Inspired by Black Magic (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The spirits industry presents opportunities for fresh, creative branding and innovative packaging designs. - [Dark Ritualistic Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alchemy-coffee): This Alchemy Coffee Co Branding is Ultramodern and Gothic (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for graphic design firms to collaborate with coffee companies looking for a bold and unique branding strategy. - [Stark Tequila Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aged-tequila): This Aged Tequila is Featured in Matte Black Glass Bottles (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Exploring branding opportunities for aged alcoholic beverages through unique packaging and visual identities. - [Truffle-Infused Artisan Mustards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chablis-mustard): The Maille Black Truffle and Chablis Mustard is Elegantly Upscale (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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… - [Wrapped Bottle Winery Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visual-brand): The Puchang Winery Visual Branding Focuses on Nature (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating unique design elements in wine packaging can create an emotional connection with consumers and improve brand recall. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)