Lithuanian design agency gave new life to beloved Christmas drink Kissel

FOLK, one of the most recognized design agencies in the Baltic region, reintroduced the nation’s Christmas favorite, a cranberry kissel, in unique packaging. Generally sold as a powder mix, the newly-formulated product, called “Slippery Business,” is packaged in a tin casing to shake and liven up the traditional festive table.

A Lithuanian beloved kissel is a non-alcoholic drink where cranberries, the star of the flavor palette, shine through a slightly gooey and slippery texture. It is served almost exclusively on Christmas and is usually the one drink no Lithuanian family forgoes.

However, the design agency felt the conventional drink packaging lacked some festive charm and should be given the justice it deserves in a specially-made tin casing. The product name, design, and font were inspired by the drink’s unique texture, while the colors represent the acidity of cranberries. The new drink formula also has less sugar, is vegan and gluten-free to suit everyone’s dietary requirements.

The freshly repackaged kissel was a Christmas gift to FOLK’s clients, friends, and partners. According to Ignas Kozlovas, creative director at FOLK, business gifts present a great opportunity to showcase the ingenuity and challenge oneself in non-conventional tasks. Therefore each year FOLK, which has a passion for Lithuanian folklore, aims to surprise their clients with knock-your-socks-off gifts.

“Traditions have a tendency to change over time, even during the biggest holidays of the year. Several past years have shown us that you can join everyone for a festive dinner through a smart device, or order international dishes instead of traditional ones,” said Kozlovas. “Not many things stay the same in these changing times, but kissel remains a national treasure every single Christmas. However, the drink is too good to be enjoyed only once a year, and we believe the new tin packaging might give it a chance to make an after-holiday come-back.”

“Slippery Business” also allowed the agency to experience the manufacturing process hands-on. The agency was involved in formulating the modern yet well-known flavor and adapting tin casing to the drink’s unique texture—the tin, filled with non-fizzy drink, is softer than usual, therefore allowing to feel the kissel’s texture without even tasting it.

“We created the product having in mind that Christmas itself is a slippery business with unexpected topics at festive dinners or unusual office parties. The entire process—from design to manufacturing—allowed us to also understand the challenges that our clients face every day and be better prepared to tackle the new unique tasks next year,” added Kozlovas.

A couple of years ago FOLK also presented an alternative Christmas gift set “Corporate Folk Kit” where cliche corporate phrases, like “Ball is in your court,” were turned into objects. The agency also designed a new typeface to mark the centenary of Lithuania’s independence in 2018.