Benson Group launches student packaging design competition

Benson Group has launched its first design competition for students, in conjunction with long-standing client Willie’s Cacao, whereby packaging students have been tasked with designing a cartonboard gift box to contain a selection of Willie’s Cacao products for members of its new and exclusive Chocolate Club.

The design challenge is to create an original gift box to be used for a new Chocolate Club promotion being launched by Willie’s Cacao. The pack will be delivered to the homes of club members on a monthly basis.

The contents will allow club members to further explore the chocolate range, giving them the opportunity to discover new and exciting flavours. The premium quality product will sit within the online gift market, and will be aimed at adults aged 35-65.

Competition entrants must be part- or full-time students at a college of art, college or university in the UK or overseas, and must register online no later than August 30.

Free cartonboard and brand logos can be provided to aid students.

Along with a range of cash and chocolate prizes, the overall winner will be provided with two weeks of work experience with the design team at Benson Group’s Bardon headquarters and production facility.

Nikki Clark, marketing manager at Benson Group and head of the design team, said: ‘This represents a tremendous opportunity for students to promote their abilities and talents to a huge audience.’

Clark, Willie Harcourt-Cooze, owner of Willie’s Cacao, and Gwyn Davies, design director at BrandOpus, will judge the entries.

Harcourt-Cooze said: ‘I want people to discover and experience some of the awakening that I did - the zing of fruit or nut flavours that are the product of genetics, soil and climate.

‘Our ranges of products are to be explored, you can decide whether to make a sweet or savory dish and you can taste the true cacao flavour.

‘These delights and more await the members of our new club. What we need, however, is suitably exciting packaging in which to deliver these delights through the doors of Britain’s chocolate lovers. I am already looking forward to seeing what creations the innovative design student population can deliver.’

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