CF18 Chocolatier
OlssønBarbieri• Date added
• Date added
CF18 Chocolatier is a chocolate brand founded by Christian Fredrik Furuholmen in 2018. A former civil engineer, Christian pursued his dream of becoming a chocolatier by studying at Cordon Bleu in London.
Oslo-based design studio OlssønBarbieri crafted an identity that communicated precision, innovation and craft while taking a sustainable approach to packaging that eliminated the use of plastic commonly found in chocolate packaging.
Client
CF18 Chocolatier
Year
2019
Creative Director
Erika Barbieri
Designer
Erika Barbieri
Henrik Olssøn
Typefaces in Use
CF18 Chocolatier is a chocolate brand founded by Christian Fredrik Furuholmen in 2018. A former civil engineer, Christian pursued his dream of becoming a chocolatier by studying at Cordon Bleu in London.
Oslo-based design studio OlssønBarbieri crafted an identity that communicated precision, innovation and craft while taking a sustainable approach to packaging that eliminated the use of plastic commonly found in chocolate packaging.
OlssønBarbieri has long been fascinated by what occurs when disciplines collide, and was further intrigued by the story of a civil engineer starting an artisanal chocolate production. Drawing inspiration from the ancient art of engineering – intricately tied to geology and construction with stone as its primary material – OlssønBarbieri saw parallels with the physical and chemical processes of melting and tempering chocolate. This presented an opportunity to connect the narrative of CF18 Chocolatier with the rich hues and patterns of Norwegian stones and minerals, which imitated the natural colours and textures in the design and decor of their chocolates.
In terms of the packaging, the trays used are crafted from 100% recycled Eska board, adorned with textile for a touch of elegance. Padded paper and glassine with holographic foil are used to ensure that the chocolates remain secure during transportation. Within each box, a colour-coordinated dépliant made of paper and textile serves as a map of the different chocolates. The customisation of the packaging not only optimises material and tooling usage, but also eliminates the need for plastics commonly used in inlays for holding the chocolates in place.
In a bid to promote sustainability, no glue is used to fix the inlays to the tray, allowing the box to have a second life, while all elements of the packaging are assembled in Sweden, a short 2-hour drive from CF18 Chocolatier's location.
To create a unique experience, OlssønBarbieri custom developed all elements of the packaging. Featuring a 360 degree tear-off, the opening of the box is elevated to a performative moment by gradually revealing the contents within, reflecting the intangible value and craftsmanship of the product.
The outer boxes and inlays are crafted from FibreForm, a food-safe paper certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) which is known for its exceptional moulding capabilities. The deep blind embossing on the uncoated paper creates a mesmerising play of shadows, and when combined with the opening ritual, gives the packaging a sense of modern luxury with a mindful approach to materials and their environmental impact.
OlssønBarbieri also drew inspiration in the presentation of geological museum collections. The concept of drawers with separate compartments for stones influenced the design of CF18 Chocolatier's packaging. The boxes are available in 3 stackable sizes, containing 6, 12, and 24 pieces of chocolate.
"To create a unique experience we decided to custom develop all the elements of the packaging. The ritual of the opening with a 360 tear-off and the gradual revealing of the content, elevates the opening to a performative moment, reflecting both the intangible value and craft of the product."
CF18 Chocolatier's oval brand mark symbolises the tools shared by chocolatiers and geologists, which highlights the craftsmanship and creativity involved in both disciplines. The use of foiled glassine paper, adorned with an extract from the periodic table, further reinforces the connection to chemistry and geology in a subtle way. The clean white outer box, tear-off feature, monochrome colour palette, and typography selection come together to reflect the overall contemporary philosophy of CF18.
OlssønBarbieri
OlssønBarbieri is an internationally award-winning design studio, specialising in developing future-oriented brand identities with a focus on food and beverages. They have worked with a diverse range of clients, from ambitious startups to established companies, delivering conceptual and progressive design solutions with a high tenure of craft to help articulate their unique stories and establish meaningful relationships with audiences. They work with clients who share their values of forward-thinking, ethical responsibility, and a growing demand for products and experiences that are long-lasting, beautiful and meaningful.
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