Lunar New Year is a time rich with tradition and symbolism, offering brands a unique opportunity to connect with consumers through thoughtful and impactful packaging designs. As we prepare to welcome the Year of the Snake in 2025, brands must craft packaging to Be Seen, Shoppable, Seductive, and most importantly, Selected. With consumers seeking both cultural authenticity and innovative trends, it’s essential to strike the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Here’s how brands can charm their way into consumer hearts this Lunar New Year.
What Works
Traditional colors like red and gold, signifying luck and prosperity, have timeless appeal. These vibrant hues not only attract attention but also deeply resonate with consumers celebrating Lunar New Year. For example, Sunkist Growers has mastered this by unveiling custom-designed cartons adorned with intricate Chinese-inspired illustrations for the Year of the Snake. Pepsi's ZS Snake Year Limited Edition can (pictured below) also utilizes the vibrant colors, attracting attention at shelf. These thoughtful touches enhance the emotional connection with consumers. By incorporating such culturally meaningful design elements, brands can show respect for tradition while standing out in a crowded market.
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Modern consumers value sustainability, and this trend is only growing stronger. Eco-luxury packaging—combining biodegradable or recycled materials with sleek, premium aesthetics—offers the perfect balance of responsible consumption and elegance. Features like embossed patterns, textured finishes, and subtle metallic touches elevate the unboxing experience while minimizing environmental impact. In 2025, showcasing eco-consciousness through packaging will not only appeal to consumer values, but also position brands as forward-thinking leaders in the marketplace.
Nothing creates a stronger bond with consumers than personalization. Offering packaging that can be tailored—whether through customizable labels, personalized greetings, or even monogrammed details—makes every purchase feel like a gift. At the same time, inclusive design is key. Packaging should feature high-contrast colors, accessible fonts, and intuitive layouts to ensure it speaks to all demographics. Personalized and inclusive designs show that a brand values every consumer, fostering loyalty and brand affinity.
With technology becoming an integral part of the consumer journey, packaging can no longer be static. QR codes and NFC tags that unlock exclusive content—like Lunar New Year greetings, zodiac predictions, or product stories—turn packaging into an interactive experience. Immersive features such as AR animations or gamified elements further enhance engagement. By merging innovation with tradition, smart packaging can transform simple products into memorable, shareable experiences.
Trends to Watch in 2025
As AI continues to reshape industries, packaging is no exception. In 2025, expect to see packaging that adapts in real-time to consumer preferences, offering personalized recommendations, product insights, or even exclusive content. This level of integration elevates the consumer experience while showcasing innovation.
Second, dynamic gradients that shift across vibrant hues mimic the energy and excitement of Lunar New Year celebrations. These designs pop on both physical shelves and digital platforms, making them a favorite for brands seeking maximum visibility.
Furthermore, futuristic finishes add a layer of sophistication and intrigue, appealing to consumers looking for unique and premium packaging. These designs also resonate well with younger, trend-savvy audiences eager for novelty.
Here’s to the Year of the Snake!
The Year of the Snake presents a golden opportunity for brands to showcase their creativity and cultural understanding through packaging. By blending tradition with modern design trends—focusing on sustainability, personalization, and technological integration—brands can create packaging that is not only visually stunning, but also deeply meaningful. Avoiding common pitfalls and embracing innovation will ensure your packaging charms consumers and strengthens your brand’s presence during this festive season. Let your packaging slither into the hearts of consumers in 2025—be bold, be thoughtful, and be unforgettable.
At Behaviorally, our use of AI and expansive behavioral databases revolutionizes packaging and e-commerce visual asset testing, bringing accelerated results, enhanced agility, and predictive success.
Contact us today to learn more about how our AI product stack can help guide you with Decision Precision intelligence!
THE AUTHOR
Nichole Gu is the Managing Director of Asia at Behaviorally, based in Singapore. She oversees operations throughout the APAC region including Singapore, China, Australia, and the Middle East. Nichole specializes in building strong client relationships and understanding consumer decision-making through a behavioral framework. She provides actionable insights for driving shopper growth. Prior to Behaviorally, she held various senior positions at firms in the region, including Kantar (TNS & Research International) and PRS IN VIVO.
