Disha's Diary: Four women talk the packaging talk about FMCG

Anupama Sajeet, 46, journalist

Which is the fastest moving packaged product in your kitchen?
We aren’t big consumers of the ‘chakna’ variety of tea-time snacks hence the ‘fastest moving’ would have to be the Red Label tea, Amul Taaza milk or peanut butter (previously Sundrop’s, now MyFitness’s, of which my son is a recent fan).

What is the best packaged product you have come across?
If I have to speak about a product I’ve used extensively it would be the resealable 1 kg pouch of Red Label tea simply for its convenience & ease of refilling into a jar, while keeping the freshness of the tea leaves intact.

One message you have for the big brands about what they can do with their packaging?
In contrast, Amul Taaza milk is something I use daily because of its quality. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about its packaging. The 1-litre milk is packaged in a tetra pack. It needs to be snipped off to open it, leaving the remaining milk to remain exposed to the elements till it’s over (which for a 1 litre pack can typically take 3 to 4 days minimum). Now, it would make so much more hygiene sense if it only had a screw-on top.

Also, apart from making a gradual switchover, we understand it cannot be overnight but baby steps in the right direction help too, to an eco friendly packaging, my grouch with most Indian brands is: please keep the packaging’s user friendliness in mind when designing it. As in the ease of access for the consumer wherein the user doesn’t need to struggle with a plethora of tools like a scissor or knife or worse, to open the packaging and get their hands on a mundane product of  everyday use! It’s just plain annoying and sometimes downright frustrating. While we understand there are safety and hygiene concerns which cannot and should not be compromised, we can look to our western counterparts for some inspiration on this front where neither is compromised - and yet the unboxing can be smooth, and without a struggle.

Mrunal Sawant, 34, sales executive

Which is the fastest moving packaged product in the kitchen - why so?
Ready to eat chicken food, dals, etc.

What is the best packaged product you have come across - in what way?
Perfumes and premium quality sweets and dry fruits. 

One message for the big brands about what more they can do with their packaging ?
Packaging should reflect the product and attract the customer along with the value for the particular product and image/position of the brand in the market.

Akansha Kanamadi, 24, design management student

Which is the fastest moving packaged product in the kitchen - why so?
The fastest-moving packaged product in the kitchen for me is salt. This is because salt is a primary ingredient used in almost every type of cooking and is frequently required in small to large quantities, making it an essential and frequently used product.

What is the best packaged product you have come across - in what way?
The best packaged product I have come across as a student is ready to eat packaged foods. They offer convenience and nutrition for students on the go, and are quick to prepare and provide a budget-friendly meal option.

One message for the big brands about what more they can do with their packaging ?
A message for big brands regarding their packaging could be to prioritise sustainability. Encouraging brands to use eco-friendly materials, reduce excess packaging, and promote recycling can contribute to a more sustainable future and reduce the environmental impact of their products.

Nishika Karmani, 21, branding and advertising student

Which is the fastest moving packaged product in the kitchen - why so?
Amul milk packet. It’s everywhere and keeps the cost low.

What is the best packaged product you have come across - in what way?
Cadbury dairy milk, dark fantasy cookies.

One message for the big brands about what more they can do with their packaging?
They can be more creative with their audience as in putting characters or maybe personalise according to their niche.