Located in the heart of Toronto, the Social Blend is an up-and-coming coffee shop which provides high quality Korean-style macarons and dacquoises.
We were able to sit down with the owner, Tom Wen, to ask him a few questions about his establishment and packaging process!
THE ISSUE
Since its opening in 2019, The Social Blend has been working towards growing its business and building a strong brand identity.
As a result, Tom wanted his custom packaging to invoke curiosity, encourage word-of-mouth marketing, and create awareness, resulting in brand loyalty. With a clear vision in mind, Tom would like to eventually expand his establishment as well.
So what was it like to find a supplier who could help achieve all of this? It required a lot of research!
Luckily, Tom’s friend was able to refer him to LeKAC Sourcing!
the solution
When we first approached Tom, he was in the process of comparing several suppliers. Nevertheless, he was able to select us and our service for three reasons!
For one, the personal relationship created through mutual friends made it easier to pursue a business relationship!
Secondly, as we’re both small businesses, there’s a greater room for flexibility because we are willing to understand one another.
Lastly, our pricing is pretty competitive in comparison to other suppliers!
With this in mind, we were chosen to create custom packaging for The Social Blend!
the result
Prior to selling macarons, The Social Blend predominantly sold coffee. One of its products include Hatch coffee beans which are available in brown Kraft packaging.
In order to establish uniformity across product lines, Tom’s original idea was to create custom Kraft paper bags and macaron boxes, focusing on eco-friendly materials.
Kraft paper is not only one of the most cost-effective packaging materials, but it’s also 100% recyclable! With its natural finish, it gives off a rustic feel which was perfect for selling coffee!
Nonetheless, as their Korean-style desserts continue to gain popularity across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Tom’s made the recent decision to offer custom premium packaging too!
As a result, The Social Blend can use the new packaging to align themselves with how they want their brand to be – known for premium, quality products and service!
The new premium packaging is a base and lid rigid box with a white background and gold foil logo and border. The overall box features matte lamination, can fit 9 macarons and boasts an elegant and modern design!
Customer Oriented Packaging
Out of all our clients, The Social Blend is one of the few which have shown immense growth by designing all of their packaging with their customers in mind!
How you might ask? All they had to do was simply listen to their customers!
By putting their customers’ needs first, they continuously transform their product flavours, menu and packaging!
For example, when a lot of clients mentioned 9 macarons were not enough (I can attest to this!), The Social Blend chose to have their original packaging dimensions customized to fit 15 macarons.
Even the decision to offer premium packaging has been driven by customers because many felt they wanted a nicer box to gift macarons in!
Consequently, customer centric packaging definitely pays off because so many people are loyal to this brand!
experience working with lekac
Given that the customers’ needs have always been put first, Tom’s pretty happy with his packaging decisions!
His favourite part about working with us has been our ‘yes’ mentality! In fact, if there ever was an idea Tom wanted to explore, our team would always step forward and help find him what he needed.
I personally really liked LeKAC’s ‘yes’ mentality! A business which tries to help their customer is better than one who says, ‘No, I don’t have it.”
Tom Wen, Owner of The Social Blend
With that being said, if you’re in the need for easy, custom packaging solutions, be sure to contact us today! We can offer free quotations, design work, and samples shipped directly to you.
You can also check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
In the meantime, be sure to try The Social Blend’s Korean-inspired desserts and premium coffee! They offer delivery across the GTA!
I personally love their signature 9 macarons, especially the blueberry cheesecake flavour! Each macaron is unique in flavour and has a delicious filling! I’ve listed their contact information and social media pages below for your convenience!
130 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, ON M4P 2X9
info@thesocialblend.ca
(416) 484-991
CHECK THEM OUT ON INSTAGRAM!
