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NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Minimalism is marketing's modern doctrine: Why are brands simplifying their visual image?
Why are brands going minimal? Dr Sandra Smith, a senior marketing lecturer at the University of Auckland Business School, attributes the adoption of minimalism to a mix of 'digital adaptability' and consumers' growing preference for 'clean, modern' aesthetics. 'Using a minimalist branding strategy seems to reflect an avant-garde aesthetic,' she said. Dr Sandra Smith is a senior marketing lecturer at the University of Auckland Business School. Smith pointed to local examples like Garage Project, which, despite being known for its artistic can designs, released a starkly minimalist pale lager simply titled 'BEER'. Blunt Umbrellas rebranded in 2023 with a single, pared-back 'B' logo, while SO Auckland, part of the SO Hotels group, has leaned into high design to appeal to a modern, more conscious market. Meanwhile, Griffin's removed its famed Cookie Bear from packaging altogether in April, opting for a visually neutral look. When asked about the change, the company said it was 'refreshing' the packaging to make it 'easier to find your favourite biscuits'. Minimalist design changes can serve practical goals beyond visual appeal, Smith said. As visual consistency becomes more important within digital environments, minimalist rebrands scale well 'across various platforms, working with both mobile devices and large displays'. Griffin's Biscuits removed their Cookie Bear mascot from packaging in April after a 57-year run. Photo / Facebook Simple logos and layouts are therefore easier to recognise – and reproduce – across both digital and physical formats. Changing strategy or changing style? While it may appear purely aesthetic, Smith said many brands are using minimalism to reposition themselves entirely. 'While minimalism aligns with modern aesthetic preferences, it could also serve broader strategic goals such as enhancing brand recognition ... reducing production costs ... signalling premium quality ... or sustainability.' A 2023 study published in Psychology and Marketing supported the link between minimalism and sustainability, with the design trend often seen as a response to overconsumption and a sign of a brand's environmental stance. Eco-conscious brands like Ecostore and Ethique have used minimalism not only for visual clarity but also to promote their environmental credentials. In the case of Blunt, Smith said simplified packaging prepares the company 'for future growth beyond umbrellas'. Blunt Umbrellas rebranded in 2023 with a single, pared-back "B" logo and sleek packaging. Such changes can help brands reposition themselves, establish a timeless brand identity or simply modernise their look to improve brand clarity and boost relevance. Ultimately, the goal is to 'create a memorable space in the market and gain a competitive advantage', Smith said. Can minimalism backfire? Trying to capture consumers' evolving tastes in the nutshell of a brand doesn't always land with the target market. 'I think reactions can be mixed,' Smith said. Some consumers may view minimalist redesigns as 'sleek, modern and trustworthy', she said, but 'others may feel a loss of connection, especially when the brand is a nostalgic or distinctive brand and favourite elements are removed'. The 2009 rebrand of Tropicana in the United States was cited as a cautionary tale. US juice brand Tropicana made several branding mistakes with its 2009 packaging redesign. The juice giant traded its familiar straw-in-an-orange image for an impersonal design after spending $58.2 million (US$35m) to rebrand. Consumers, feeling visually detached from it, failed to recognise the product, and Tropicana reverted to its original design within weeks – but only after losing an estimated $33.2m (US$20m) in sales. 'If brands are using a more minimalistic design to somehow stand out and cut through the noise online, there is a point where using overly generic branding can reduce memorability,' Smith said. In other words, minimalist design may help brands look current, but it doesn't necessarily help them stand apart. What does minimalism say about today's world? To Smith, the shift towards simplicity is reflective of three key trends that are driving interest in minimalist product design. 'Consumers want less clutter in their lives', she said. Sandra Smith says the switch shows consumers want "less clutter in their lives". Photo / Rebecca Zephyr Thomas '[They're learning about] consuming and communicating with and about brands in an increasingly complex digital marketspace.' Meanwhile, eco-conscious shoppers may find they're attracted to more minimal or sustainable packaging choices. Referencing a brand that has embodied this philosophy since its inception, Smith cited Japanese retail brand Muji, which has long embraced a 'no-brand' philosophy to focus on selling simple, functional and sustainable products. The approach has earned Muji a loyal following of consumers who seek 'a simplified, clutter-free lifestyle in a world saturated with overly complex choices'. Is this the new normal? For now, minimalism is very much in vogue. However, the effect of it as a marketing tactic often depends on your socio-economic status. Those on the higher end of the scale tend to favour quality over quantity in products, while the opposite is true for those on the lower end, triggering a 'catch-22″ situation for brands navigating opposing expectations while trying to capture the right market. And like any major trend, minimalism is cyclical. 'While minimalism is dominant now, we may see a return to bold, expressive designs in the future, or we might see more nostalgic branding coming back,' Smith said. Brands may eventually revisit nostalgic or maximalist aesthetics once consumers begin to crave more emotional connection and storytelling. But for now, minimalism remains the dominant force in branding – and it doesn't seem to be dying out any time soon. Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Brew Of Islands 2025: Brews, Beats, Feast, Repeat!
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Location: Brews, Beats, Feast, Repeat – Experience it all at Brew of Islands 2025! One day. Two immersive sessions celebrating craft beer, live music, matched with gourmet street food cuisine, showcasing some of Northland's best! Northland's premier craft beer festival, Brew of Islands 2025, is set to return on June 28, 2025, offering a unique Northland themed celebration of some of Aotearoa's top craft beer breweries, dynamic live performances, artisanal cocktails, and gourmet street food. This year's festival promises to be another winter highlight for all attendees. Brew of Islands 2025 proudly features eight standout craft breweries from around the North Island, each bringing their own spin on flavour and innovation. Wellington's Garage Project leads with its boundary-pushing, experimental brews, while Northland Locals, PhatHouse Brewing Co., brewed right on-site in the Bay of Islands, keeps it hyper-local. From Waipu, McLeod's Brewery serves up coastal character and quality through traditional methods. Auckland's Urbanaut delivers bold, creative styles for every palate, and Parrotdog, also from Wellington, brings a crowd-pleasing lineup of flavourful, easy-drinking beers. Another Northland champion, Kainui Brew Co. of Kerikeri blends farmhouse roots with experimental flair, and 8 Wired out of Matakana pushes limits with barrel-aged and sour gems. Making their Brew of Islands debut in 2025, Double Vision Brewing Co., also from Wellington, rounds out the list with a fresh take that bridges tradition and innovation. Together, this diverse lineup answers every beer lover's dreams – from hop heads and sour seekers to fans of clean, classic styles. Every brew at Brew of Islands will be matched by an epic lineup of Northland's very best gourmet street food, keeping you fuelled throughout the day. Making his Brew of Islands festival debut is American pitmaster Mat Fulton of Wingless Angel, serving up his authentic low'n'slow BBQ straight from the smoker, using his own rubs, seasoned oak wood, and time-honoured technique. Also joining the lineup is the fresh to the Northland scene, Taco Bandit – a culinary outlaw known for hand-rolled tortillas, rich birria, and slow-cooked flavour that hits all the right notes. Returning favourites Northland Fine Foods are back with their crowd-pleasing Northland-style bratwurst, while seafood lovers can enjoy fat, creamy oysters, from Northland's Tasty Tucker alongside their fresh, sustainably farmed paua cooked in cream. Finally, who can resist a tasty Mussel fritter from the legendary local Mrs Miller - the perfect pairing to a nice crisp lager. From smoky BBQ to kai moana and bold street eats, there'll be something to satisfy every craving while you sip, snack, and soak up the festival vibes. The atmosphere at Brew of Islands 2025 will be electric, with a packed lineup of live music, DJs, and surprise performances throughout the day. The Live Hall will host three incredible bands: Superhero Second Line will bring the heart and soul of New Orleans with their high-energy, brass-heavy second-line sound (and yes, they perform dressed as superheroes!); Albi & The Wolves will light up the stage with their award-winning indie-folk; and local legends Kōhia will deliver a soulful blend of roots, rock, and reggae with an unmistakably Aotearoa sound. Merv Pinny, Kerikeri's own global sensation, will also take the stage for a powerful hometown set. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Nightclub Zone returns with house, D&B, and electro sets from top DJs including Rhys, French Kiss, Sye, and PAWS, whose electrifying performances are backed by stunning visual displays. And you'll never be bored when just around the corner you might run into Street Entertainer Conrad Comb, back with another wild array of surprise characters and interactive roaming performances – last year it was the gnome army… wait 'til you see what he has in store this time! For those after something beyond the beer, Kindred Spirits will be mixing hand-crafted, artisanal cocktails and mocktails, adding a splash of sophistication to the lineup. Meanwhile, the Gin Bar by Bay of Islands, Black Collar Distillery offers a curated selection for gin lovers chasing bold botanicals and a top-shelf experience. Join us for a day of exceptional brews, electrifying beats, and mouth-watering feasts. Brew of Islands 2025 invites you to immerse yourself in a celebration of craft culture in one of New Zealand's most picturesque settings. It's the perfect chance for a last hurrah before Dry July!
