University student refreshes Kopparberg’s best-selling ciders

Ben McKay, a Ravensbourne University London student, designed a limited time makeover for the Swedish brewery and cider company’s most famed flavours. With the refresh coming into effect throughout the UK this summer, it is the first time in Kopparberg’s history the packaging has been altered.

Forming part of the brand’s ‘To Firsts That Last’ campaign, Kopparberg hopes McKay’s limited-edition designs will make a lasting impact. The independent, family-run business turned to students at the digital media and design university to pitch packaging designs which bring the world of Kopparberg to life.

Seeking a design which was bold, vibrant, striking, but also heroes Kopparberg’s bold fruit flavour, McKay’s “exciting designs” stood out. With a history of using spray paint and creating street art, the student’s designs for Kopparberg’s original Strawberry & Lime, Mixed Fruit, and Pear cider utilised bright, neon patterns to create a modern feel.

McKay says, “When responding to the brief, I turned to street art and pattern styles I was familiar with for inspiration. Using stencil art, spray can style and riso print, I aimed to create a free-flowing artistic style with a contemporary look which reflects how I view the world of Kopparberg.

He adds, “I’m incredibly excited to have been chosen for this opportunity and can’t wait to see my own designs on Kopparberg’s core range - it’s something that will stay with me forever.”

Furthermore, Kopparberg will pay for McKay’s university final year tuition fees and offer him a chance to cut his teeth at Neverland, an award-winning London-based creative agency, in the form of an internship.

Rob Salvesen, head of marketing at Kopparberg says, “At Kopparberg, we’re all about celebrating firsts that last. Offering Ben the chance to redesign our core range bottles, a first for the brand since it launched, does just that. We are very proud to be able to give independent talent a platform to show off their creativity and help set up what we hope will be a long and successful career for Ben through our internship and bursary.”

The brand’s packaging designs will be available in supermarkets, pubs and parks throughout the UK from this summer.