I’ll admit it: I judge a book by its cover. I can’t help it. I’m simply visually stimulated. I suspect most women are — at least I know several who were oohhhing….and…..ahhhing….over this UK campaign to plant more flowers.
If you’ve got a moment, press start. The site is beautifully designed, complete with soothing tweety birds.
Ahem…so back on topic. When it comes to food packaging, I can be even more judgmental. Here are a few urban farming companies whose product looks sooo good, I could literally eat it. Heck…I don’t know, maybe it is edible. Maybe their packaging is made from WikiCells or something.
Houweling’s Tomatoes
There are a few design elements Houweling did right with their packaging:
1. They show you their greenhouse — right up front.
You get to see essentially where your tomatoes are grown – which means a lot to people.
2. They showcase their heritage.
As one who found passion for horticulture from my grandfather, this endearment speaks to me. Deeply.
3. They share a heart-felt message.
“The key is to walk the greenhouse every day, watching and observing, getting in touch with the crop”
4. And lastly, they put Casey Houweling on the cover. With his signature.
Doesn’t he just look like a man with integrity? A hard worker. A guy that takes growing tomatoes very serious. One who “signs off” on every single tomato harvested.
I want Casey growing my tomatoes.
Houweling’s Tomatoes is basking in the social media sun (which is another smart move). Check them out on their blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest! If you live in California or Canada, find a location and get yourself some tomatoes!
Backyard Farms
I first caught wind of Backyard Farms after Chris Higgins posted this picture on our Facebook page. I was immediately drawn to “Cocktail”. While there is absolutely no reference in their packaging to a cold, stiff drink, my mind quickly went there. Much like my digression towards half-naked men carrying flowers above, my mind works in mysterious ways.
In all seriousness, their brand-messaging is very approachable. The clever use of a picket fence containing the tomatoes makes you feel as if they were grown in someone’s backyard – much like you would grow your tomatoes. Which then helps make me think they have wholesome values – much like I would have, growing my own tomatoes. See the visual connection here?
They’re also sharing lots of tomato recipes. Coming from a gal who just recently got interested in cooking for the family, this is very very helpful. Stay up-to-date with Backyard Farms on Facebook page — I’m drooling over their recent breakfast burrito post {sigh}.
FarmedHere
Love how FarmedHere incorporates a city skyline. It’s a subtle reminder that their aeroponic, aquaponic produce is grown urban-style within existing city warehouses. They also have a sweet basil vinaigrette {salivating} and “Windy City Arugula“. I’m also quite impressed with how many locations they’re sold at in the Chicago area! Stay connected with FarmedHere on Facebook and Twitter.
A closing remark: If you’re anything like me….you’re judging me on this sexually-under-toned post and last week’s reference to Beauty and the Geeks. I can see that. I don’t know how much truth there is to the phrase “sex sells” but I guess I’m testing that theory here. What’s your opinion?
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About Katie Ketelsen, Urban Ag Products Blogger and Advocate
Katie is a jack of all trades: Co-owner of Maverly Lands, a hydroponic grower of herbs and greens; contributing online garden editor for Better Homes and Gardens; board member for National Green Centre. If you’ve got something to share with Katie, please contact her here.
