The Artisanal Packaging Redesign of Caves of Faribault
Crafted with passion, aged with tradition, and internationally celebrated – Caves of Faribault’s premium cheeses are a true testament to the timeless art of craftsmanship.

History and Location
Originally carved in the 1850s and revitalized by Caves of Faribault in 2001, the legendary sandstone caves overlook the picturesque Straight River nestled in Faribault, Minnesota. The location has a rich history and provides natural conditions ideal for maturing and aging cheese with unique flavor profiles.

Creating a Unified Look
The primary objective was to establish a cohesive family of brands that unites all existing and new products together under one uniform aesthetic, encompassing a total of 39 SKUs. To achieve this, Design Resource Center undertook an extensive discovery process, including in-store and online category audits, to ensure that the packaging redesign would stand out amidst the cluttered competition.

It was crucial for the design system to reflect Caves of Faribault’s handcrafted and complex cheese making process. Design Resource Center aimed to create a packaging system that not only remained true to the brand’s roots but felt personal and resonated with consumers.

Dedicated to the Craft
Focusing on what makes this brand special, we created a hand-drawn sketch of the scenic Minnesota caves as seen from across the Straight River. The illustration style is rough and organic yet distinctive with realistic shading and silhouettes of the pine tree bluffs.

Framing the illustration, a bold ring houses special claims communication about the location and aging processes, with the brand acting as the keystone which holds the entire label together. The use of hand-written typography, distressed textures, and sophisticated color adds a human touch and reinforces the super-premium quality of these products.

The result was an artisanal packaging design that embodies the unique location, pioneering spirit, and dedicated craftsmanship of Caves of Faribault.

SCOPE: Strategy, Package Design, Illustration.