The Focus
Fonterra, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest dairy producer, needed a design refresh that not only showcased its world-class nutritional science but also resonated deeply with the diverse needs of progressive Sri Lankan parents.
The challenge was to create two specialized packaging solutions—one for toddlers aged 1–3 years that focused on nurturing holistic growth, and another for preschoolers aged 4–6 years that underscored the connection between premium nutrition and academic readiness.
The goal was to elevate Pediapro from being seen as just another nutritional milk drink into a premium product line that emotionally engages parents and stands out on the shelf through its scientifically informed and visually dynamic design.
The Design
The team at Elephant started off with emphasizing the scientific approach to reassure new mothers about how nutritionally sound and reliable Pediapro was for their children.
We emphasized the nutritional aspect by keeping the Iron and Omega-3 story front and center, while incorporating a vibrant palette and modernized fonts to maintain a premium, engaging look.
The resulting package blended emotional appeal and scientific elements. We featured a mascot and Pediapro’s iconic imagery to enhance cognitive AND physical development cues, reinforcing the ‘holistic development’ that consumers sought.
The Story
Working with global dairy giant Fonterra and its Sri Lankan brand Anchor, Elephant Design embarked on a transformative journey to redefine Pediapro’s presence in the Sri Lankan market.
Faced with the challenge of bridging the gap between Fonterra’s international reputation for scientific excellence and the unique cultural and market dynamics of Sri Lanka, our team set out to create a dual packaging strategy that catered to two distinct age groups.
For toddlers aged 1–3 years, the aim was to emphasize trust, reliability, and holistic growth, while for preschoolers aged 4–6 years, the focus shifted to supporting academic readiness alongside physical development.
Insights
In our deep dive into the market, we discovered that modern Sri Lankan parents have evolved expectations. Urban and semi-urban consumers are now not only concerned with the immediate nutritional needs of their toddlers but are also looking for products that contribute to long-term cognitive and educational development. For younger children, the primary worries centred around issues like undernutrition, lethargy, and developmental delays.
Parents in this segment demanded reassurance through packaging that spoke of scientific reliability and nurtured an emotional connection—an assurance that their children were receiving the very best start in life. Conversely, as children approach school age, there is an increasing emphasis on preparing them for academic success. Here, parents sought a product that linked premium nutritional quality with the promise of enhanced cognitive function and educational achievement.
Fusing Scientific Cues with Emotional Pulls
Our design process was driven by these insights. For the 1–3-year pack, we designed a solution that fuses science with emotion. A visually engaging atom motif was used to symbolize the gathering of key nutrients, reinforcing the product’s nutritional benefits.
To infuse warmth and relatability, we introduced a playful lion mascot depicted in various cognitive activities such as reading and building blocks—visual cues that evoke both learning and fun. The use of a vibrant colour palette and modern fonts further ensured that the design felt contemporary and premium, addressing both the rational and emotional needs of parents.
A Story of Multifaceted Development
For the 4–6-year pack, recognized under the “School Champs” identity, our approach was to elevate the packaging into an interactive gateway for learning. Sophisticated educational motifs, including star patterns and refined typography, were introduced alongside premium finishes that resonate with Fonterra’s global standards.
Interactive elements, such as maze games and QR codes that lead to engaging educational content, transformed the pack into a multi-sensory experience. This design not only communicated the product’s nutritional credibility but also reinforced the idea that quality nutrition is integral to a child’s academic and cognitive journey.
The impact of this dual strategy has been profound. By integrating global expertise with localized insights, we transformed Pediapro from a standard milk drink into a compelling product that appeals to the modern Sri Lankan parent.
The redesigned packaging now stands as a symbol of trust, scientific rigor, and educational empowerment—successfully bridging the gap between international quality and local consumer aspirations. This project is a testament to how thoughtful design can redefine market presence and create meaningful, long-lasting connections with consumers.
