The powerful storytelling & branding within commodities can destroy categories. Richard shares his thoughts on standout brands like Liquid Death and provides behind-the-scenes details on successful projects like Seabrook and Horlicks. This conversation dives deep into the nuances of maintaining brand identity and leveraging creativity to break through saturated markets.

Richard emphasizes the importance of understanding business problems before jumping into creative solutions, a strategy that has guided Brandon Consultants in their work with established consumer goods brands. They discuss the significance of seamlessly blending emotional storytelling and clear communication in packaging design, illustrated through examples like the evolution of Seabrook's packaging and the transformation of Horlicks from sleep aid to relaxation beverage. Moreover, the episode touches on the trends in today's packaging industry, emphasizing the need for maintaining brand integrity while staying current in a rapidly evolving market.

About the Guest:
Richard Brandon Taylor is the co-founder of Brandon Consultants, a branding and design agency. With extensive experience in the Middle East and the UK through significant agencies such as WPP's Brand Union and Landor Associates, he has honed his expertise in growing iconic brands. Richard specializes in finding creative solutions for businesses in commoditized categories, combining a strategic approach with creative execution. His background in client service, strategy, and commercial understanding makes him a valuable leader in the branding industry.

Key Takeaways:
Branding in Commoditized Markets: Creativity is key to standing out in saturated markets, as illustrated by successful brands like Liquid Death and Seabrook.

Emotional Storytelling: Packaging must convey a story that resonates with consumers emotionally, making products like Horlicks not just about sleep, but about relaxation and comfort.

Client Insights: Understanding the client's business problems is essential to creating effective design solutions that drive growth and solve underlying issues.

Trends in Packaging: The rise of bold, provocative packaging and the importance of balancing trends with long-term brand integrity.

Category Disruption: Potential for innovation in traditionally dull categories, such as water, toilet tissue, and cleaning products, through unique storytelling and design.

Notable Quotes:
"I love challenger brands that do that… just use creativity and you might find a way."

"You see the challenges that have been faced internally within the organization by looking at their packaging."

"Brands need to have a heart, brands still have to have a truth to them that people buy into."

"We've always looked at what's the business problem trying to solve, how can brand help that, and then how can creativity help brand."

"It's really interesting, you can tap into the culture of a nation through a supermarket."

Resources:
Richard Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardbrandontaylor/

Brandon Consultants:
https://www.brandon-consultants.com

Evelio on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

Download your own free sustainable packaging guide:
https://idpdirect.com/design-guides/

Explore the dynamic world of branding and packaging with Richard Taylor in this episode. Don't miss out on these valuable insights, and stay tuned for more enlightening content from the podcast!