Bluemarlin, a creative agency, focused on highlighting the craftsmanship, culture, and natural beauty of Malta when developing a design solution for a brand. They incorporated details inspired by Maltese craftsmanship, such as ironwork, woodwork, and tile patterns that reflect the country’s history. The design also subtly incorporated the Maltese cross, a symbol of Malta’s heritage, while embracing modernity. The colorway of terracotta and aqua represents the sunny climate and beautiful seascapes of Malta.
Islands8 co-founder, Annabel Xuereb, explained that they chose bluemarlin as their agency because of their deep understanding of Maltese culture and their commitment to thorough research. The creative team at bluemarlin created a brand system that not only represents the gin but also embodies Maltese culture in “spirit form”. George Xuereb, co-founder of Islands8, expressed his satisfaction with bluemarlin’s passion and dedication throughout the process, resulting in a product that stands out on store shelves and optic line-ups.
Andrew Eyles, CEO of bluemarlin, highlighted their eagerness to support young companies like Islands8 with the experience they have gained from working with major brands. He saw partnering with Islands8 as an opportunity to redefine the story of gin and move away from the traditional botanical tropes often associated with the beverage.
Gareth Roberts, design director at bluemarlin, emphasized the creation of a pack design and brand system that reflects the unique heritage of Malta while appealing to the national consumer base and target demographic. This design is intended to disrupt the market dominated by established international brands.
Bluemarlin’s partnership with Islands8 resulted in a visually striking and uniquely Maltese brand for their gin. The agency’s understanding of Maltese culture and dedication to research ensured that the design accurately embodied the essence of Malta. By breaking away from traditional gin design tropes, bluemarlin created a standout product that appeals to the national consumer base while also disrupting the market.
