Bob Evans New Sausage Design; Still 16-Ounces

Package design changes from time to time; the idea is by changing the package, the product will attract new customers. This should come as no surprise, we have all spent an extra second or two hovering over an often-used product that has been repackaged. Usually we decipher the new colors and symbols rather quickly and throw it in the cart without a second thought. For the marketers and designers behind the scenes however, this is very serious business.

Bob Evans announced that the packaging for its food product line will be given an overhaul. An example is the sausage roll pictured above. Hopefully, given the amount of time and effort spent on the redesign they knew enough to not change the amount of sausage in the package from 16-ounces to 12-ounces. (And yes, this post was just an excuse to add that internet-classic link.)

Read the rest of the press release below.

Bob Evans Announces New Farm-Fresh Look for Food Products Line
The iconic brand redesigns its packaging to resonate with shoppers

COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 18, 2011) /PRNewswire/ — The Bob Evans Farm proudly announces a packaging redesign for its popular food products line. As product distribution grows stronger and grocery store shoppers become more familiar with Bob Evans Food Products, it is increasingly important for the brand to leverage its expansion through a revitalized presence on grocery store shelves. After months of rigorous research and consumer testing, the new design is being unveiled.

The packaging now carries a cleaner, more contemporary look to make the brand more relevant to its audience and prominently displays both the Bob Evans logo and the iconic Bob Evans barn. This not only makes the brand more noticeable to shoppers, but reminds them of a key differentiator for the company – its rich farm heritage.

“Superior quality and taste is extremely important to us,” says Mike Townsley, president of BEF Foods, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bob Evans Farms, Inc. “It’s something we strive for not only because it was so important to our founder, but because our consumers have come to expect it. Our new packaging communicates our commitment to farm-fresh goodness and we will continue to deliver on that promise with convenient meal solutions for our consumers.”

Another objective of the new packaging is to unify the brand’s various products under one design umbrella. The “farm-fresh goodness” pledge displayed on the packaging meets this goal by tying the brand to the heritage of the Bob Evans Restaurants division and serving as a reminder that the brand is dedicated to quality and satisfaction at all levels. This is especially important as Bob Evans continues to gain distribution farther from its restaurant locations.

Although the overall look will be consistent, consumers can expect clear product segmentation on the new packaging to improve their shopping experience. Classifications such as Bob Evans Oven Bake™, Everyday Classics, Flavorful Selections and Seasonal Favorites will be featured on the packaging with different color enhancements to make product selection easier and highlight the brand’s variety.

Throughout the design process, concepts were tested nationally and consumer feedback helped to narrow the focus to two finalists. Loyal Bob Evans consumers then helped to determine the selected direction. All products are expected to show off the fresh look by late June and will be followed by a new Bob Evans advertising campaign which will include exposure on both television and in print.

“We didn’t take this process lightly – a lot of research and insight went into the final design,” adds Townsley. “We believe this packaging change is a win not only for consumers, but for our retail partners as well.”
About Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

Bob Evans Farms, Inc. owns and operates full-service restaurants under the Bob Evans and Mimi’s Cafe brand names. At the end of the third fiscal quarter (Jan. 28, 2011), Bob Evans owned and operated 561 family restaurants in 18 states, primarily in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States, while Mimi’s Café owned and operated 145 casual restaurants located in 24 states, primarily in California and other western states. Bob Evans Farms, Inc. is also a leading producer and distributor of pork sausage and a variety of complementary homestyle convenience food items under the Bob Evans and Owens brand names. For more information about Bob Evans Farms, Inc., visit www.bobevans.com.