When pet parents browse store shelves or shop online, packaging is often the first interaction they have with a brand. In just a few seconds, that packaging needs to capture attention, communicate value, and earn trust. Great pet packaging design goes beyond aesthetics. It’s a powerful marketing tool that influences purchasing decisions, shapes brand perception, and helps products stand out in an increasingly competitive pet industry marketplace.
At Matrix Partners, we believe the strongest packaging starts with a deep understanding of a brand’s story, audience, and market positioning. By pairing creative execution with pet industry expertise, we help pet brands develop packaging that stands out on shelves and online, and builds lasting connections with pet parents.
That strategic approach secured Matrix Partners two Hermes Creative Awards, including a Platinum Award for Olive Pup and a Gold Award for Natoo Pet Foods.
Packaging That Brings a Brand to Life
For new pet brands entering a crowded marketplace, packaging plays an essential role in introducing the brand and showing what sets it apart.
Matrix Partners’ packaging for Olive Pup earned a Platinum Hermes Creative Award, the competition’s highest honor, for translating the brand’s Mediterranean-inspired approach to pet nutrition into a distinctive packaging experience. As a newly launched direct-to-consumer pet food brand, Olive Pup needed packaging that would help it stand out, connect with pet parents and build recognition in a competitive market.
The clean, elevated aesthetic incorporates subtle nods to the Mediterranean landscape and olive groves, reinforcing the brand’s fresh, premium positioning. Every element, from the visual identity to the unboxing experience, was thoughtfully crafted to reflect the quality and care behind the brand.
Helping Trusted Brands Evolve
For established pet brands, packaging refreshes require a careful balance of honoring brand recognition while fostering stronger connections with today’s consumers. A successful redesign should leverage the brand’s existing foundation while modernizing its look, messaging and shelf presence.
For Natoo Pet Foods, Matrix Partners developed a packaging refresh that strengthened the brand’s presence in the U.S. pet specialty market while staying true to its Brazilian heritage and sustainability-driven mission.
The Gold Award-winning new look celebrates Natoo’s story through vibrant, nature-inspired visuals, hand-drawn elements and a refined premium aesthetic. The updated design also introduced Natoo’s new tagline, “Better Pets. Better Planet.®,” reinforcing the brand’s commitment to improving pets’ lives while supporting a healthier planet.
Why Packaging Matters More Than Ever
Today’s pet parents have more choices than ever. Packaging is often the first opportunity a brand has to capture attention and help consumers make confident purchasing decisions. When rooted in strategy, effective packaging can:
- Differentiate products in a crowded marketplace
- Clearly express brand story and values
- Deepen emotional connections with pet parents
- Increase shelf impact and online appeal
- Support long-term brand recognition and loyalty
Building Brands Pet Parents Love
Receiving both Platinum and Gold honors in the Hermes Creative Awards reflects Matrix Partners’ commitment to shaping brands that connect with consumers and retailers through thoughtful strategy and compelling creative. From branding and packaging to public relations, influencer marketing and integrated campaigns, Matrix Partners helps pet brands engage audiences and grow with confidence.
Whether you’re introducing a new pet brand, refreshing an existing product line or expanding into new retail channels, effective packaging can be the difference between getting passed over and getting picked up.
Contact us at info@matrix1.com to explore how Matrix Partners can help bring your brand vision to life.
Wags,
Alyson
