Mill Creek Chocolates – Making Tradition Modern

Mill Creek Chocolates has been making sweet treats for 25 years. Being based in small communities, traditions are hard-pressed to change — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the try.

We sat down with Teila Dunlop from Mill Creek Chocolates to talk about the business’ shift from tradition (in their packaging) to a more modern aesthetic. Read on to learn more!

About Mill Creek Chocolates

Founded in 1997, Mill Creek Chocolates is a family-run business that specializes in handmade chocolates and chocolate-dipped snacks. Based originally out of Port Elgin, their goal was to create a luxurious, personal shopping experience to compete with the big box stores. Now, their expansion into Kincardine and Owen Sound has them looking to the future.

As she prepares to take over some of the ownership of the business from her parents, Teila is looking to bring them into a more modern light.

Since the company’s inception in 1997, they had used the same packaging supplier — until they found LeKAC! After browsing our website and Instagram, Teila sent us a message to get started on her packaging journey.

The Issue

Teila’s vision for the business’ new packaging was minimal and stylish. Her main concern was that new designs wouldn’t appeal to the community.

With us being located in a small town, trends don’t get to us as quickly. It’s a community where we like tradition. Change is hard, and if there’s too much change, we would definitely hear about it.

Teila Dunlop

Especially since their locations are mostly in small cities, gathering customer feedback is important! Whether this is feedback on the packaging’s design, or the function of the packaging itself, they’re constantly listening and adjusting accordingly.

Initially, their goal was to create an all-in-one packaging solution that would help them streamline their packaging process and give the existing packaging a revamp. They were also keeping in mind the upcoming plastic ban and how that would affect their packaging decisions.

The Solution

When creating designs for Mill Creek Chocolates, Teila gave us full creative control. Keeping her request of minimal and stylish designs in mind and using their existing packaging as a base, we created a simple, modern design. From there, we’re able to adjust the design to create other complimentary or matching packaging!

Teila noted that with their previous supplier, there were many restrictions on how much customization they could have. LeKAC’s fully-custom design service was the perfect solution for this!

In last week’s post, we talked about how keeping the entire packaging family consistent can help create luxury with packaging. Keeping complimentary elements across their year-round products helps us emulate the personalized, luxurious shopping experience Mill Creek Chocolates aims to provide their customers.

Overall, we made sure to incorporate the abstract line work into all of the packaging we created, which created consistency. This consistent style approach even extends to their seasonal packaging!

When taking customer feedback into account, one of the main requests was related to their chocolate-dipped snacks. Customers were asking for a resealable option, so they could savour their snacks rather than eating them all at once. We created a resealable bag with a window so you can see exactly how much deliciousness you have left. Additionally, they had never put nutritional information on their packaging, but knew that they would need to on their new packaging.

Experience Working With LeKAC

Teila’s favourite part about working with LeKAC was the collaboration with our Business Development Consultant, Phil and our Graphic Designer. Our overall speed of communication, customer service, included graphic designer, and affordable pricing were what drew her to LeKAC!

Since deciding to make the switch to LeKAC, we’ve made them 40 different packaging designs, with more on the way! One of the first items we created for them was their white Kraft paper shopping bags. Especially with the plastic ban upcoming, it was important for them to look at alternatives for their business.

Striking the balance between modern and tradition was at the heart of our designs for Mill Creek Chocolates. Interested in seeing how we can incorporate your ideas into unique packaging for your business? Contact us today to find out how we can help you get started!

In the meantime, check out Mill Creek Chocolates in-person or online for some sweet treats! Teila’s recommendation? Try the Rocky Road Popcorn!

www.millcreekchocolates.ca

Check them out on Instagram!