Blending festivity and coffee with elite military heritage

Our work with Contact Coffee Co for their Christmas advent calendar was rooted in their bold identity and the unique background of their founders, elite Royal Marines. We sought to merge the festive spirit of Christmas with the brand’s rugged military heritage, creating a design that truly reflects the bold, ambitious personality of Contact Coffee Co.

Design and Aesthetics

The packaging design for this advent calendar brings a playful yet powerful nod to the founders’ military background. Front and centre is an image of Santa, dressed in full camouflage gear, abseiling down the side of a building on a snowy night, his rucksack overflowing with presents. The scene is set in a residential area of a city, capturing both the warmth of Christmas and the gritty action-packed spirit of the Royal Marines. This bold imagery not only adds a festive touch but also aligns with the brand's adventurous identity, appealing to both coffee lovers and those drawn to the thrill of military life.

The rest of the box design follows suit with sleek, military-inspired tones and precise detailing, ensuring it reflects the discipline and professionalism of the Royal Marines. Every design element, from the typography to the layout of the 25 sachets, incorporates subtle nods to this heritage while maintaining a festive and approachable aesthetic.

Simplified Usability

Just like the elite forces who value efficiency, functionality was at the core of our design process. The advent calendar is compact and fits neatly on any kitchen countertop, with each of the 25 sachets of freshly ground coffee clearly labelled for easy selection. The design allows users to interact with the product daily, enjoying a new blend from Contact Coffee Co.’s curated selection with minimal effort—just like a well-executed mission.

Storytelling and Military Heritage

This design is more than just a festive package—it’s a tribute to the military roots of the brand.

With every sachet, coffee drinkers are reminded of the adventure and discipline that come with each brew. The blends themselves are carefully selected from around the world, reflecting the global reach and diversity of flavours, much like the global operations of the Royal Marines. Through this advent calendar, Contact Coffee Co. shares not only their love of coffee but also the story of their founder’s journey and the values that define them: precision, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of quality.