Sardine Showstopper.
Karen Leland
Award Winning Agency ? CEO & Personal Branding ? Company Rebranding ? INC.Com Columnist ? TEDx Speaker ? YPO Resource ? Current MLA Harvard ? HBR Advisory Council
While walking in Porto, a vibrant window display caught my eye from across the street. The bright pops of pink, orange, yellow, purple, and seafoam green drew me in. However, once I pressed my nose against the glass, I saw that this colorful display of designed cans contained sardines.
I have to admit something: I don't like sardines. There, I said it. I don't like them on Caesar salads, I don't like them on crackers. Despite this, I went inside the store to inquire about the decorative display.
The shopkeeper explained to me that this was a Portuguese specialty. Sardines are often put in fancy cans to celebrate their cultural significance and history. The elaborate designs not only attract buyers but also preserve the quality and flavor of the sardines, making them a popular gift item and a staple in Portuguese cuisine.
I've made this point many times in my posts, but sardine cans be damned, I need to make it again: Packaging has power. It can take the most mundane item and turn it into a star.