Through the years, this country has witnessed brilliant innovation in the form of food and beverage packaging.  From milk jugs and bread sleeves to resealable food bags and baby food pouches, there have been some really remarkable changes to how food is stored and sold.

While the shape and function of the package is very important, so is the design of it.  Package printing has also come a long way, which has made it easier and more affordable for startup companies to create new product lines. Unfortunately, not every manufacturer or marketer takes time to consider the look of the product when packaged, and that has led to some pretty devastating (though humorous) mistakes.  From things being mislabeled to handle punch outs adding a disturbing element to the design, there are plenty of funny examples to be found on the internet.  And, you should feel free to laugh along, but you should also take steps to avoid the same fate with your food product packaging.

There are several mistakes commonly made when it comes to product packaging.  If you can avoid these, while creating an enticing flexible packaging, your chances of success will be much greater.

Mistake #1:Failing to Know Your Customer

It is a huge mistake that can be tremendously costly.  Before you design the packaging, be sure that you know who you intend to sell your product to.  There are several ways that this error can cost you.  Food pouches containing baby food, which feature screw off lids small enough to be choking hazards, for instance, can lead to devastation for the consumer and for the brand.  On the other hand, when your target audience is the senior citizen market and your package features very small print that is not easily read, or seals that are not easily broken, then you are dooming your product to failure.

Mistake #2: Not Changing with the Times

Consumers do love nostalgia, but they are also fickle by nature, and that means that something new and exciting could entice them away.  Be sure that you are staying relevant with your package design.

Mistake #3: Failing To Proofread

The most frequent and potentially damaging mistake.  May companies have fallen victim to typos and misspellings, and several of those have wound up on “worst of” lists as a result.  While we all appreciate a good sense of humor, none of us want to be the butt of the joke.