Studio Blackthorns crafts stories for the daring.

Design agency specializing in beverages, beer, wine and spirits for HoReCa & retail.

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Lökki Kombucha

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The entire brand strategy was logical and the final result harmonious in every aspect.

Benjamin Furlan

Great workshop led by Ludovic!

Team Volcelest

Very NICE!! Wow great job on the illustrations, we love it.

Julie Poitras-Saulnier

We now have a clearer vision of who we are, what we want to do, and where we want to go.

Sebastian Landaeus

A trustworthy partner, strong in client proposals, creative and responsive.

Michael Fleury

We are very satisfied with Ludovic's intervention: listening, suggestions, advice, and responsiveness!

Sandrine Bonnier

A very classy, original, and harmonious result.

Sandrine Lambey

From the beginning, it felt like psychotherapy, with real introspective work. Revealing yourself, understanding who you are with your weaknesses, accepting it, and ultimately changing to improve.

Raphaël Prade

The new design is super recognizable compared to the old one. You can't mistake the product. Overall, everyone really appreciated the change!

Virgile & Laura

An absolute success with results unanimously acclaimed by all!

Lionel Amougou

Thank you to Blackthorns and Ludovic for the excellent work on our agency's visual identity.

Nicolas Fieulaine

Films that rival the greatest directors... Simply brilliant.

Elodie Naslin

You asked me questions that allowed me to think differently. I see the path starting to take shape so I'm very happy. We're taking action and moving forward...

Elodie Swanberg

They trusted us

Frequently asked questions about our agency

Do you have any other questions? Let's talk about your project

What types of beverage brands do you work with?

We support both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage brands: craft breweries, distilleries (gin, whisky, rum, tequila, mezcal, vodka, liqueurs), spirits houses, wine estates, RTD (Ready-to-Drink) brands and soft drinks.

Our clients range from pre-launch startups (positioning research, identity creation) to established brands undergoing strategic repositioning (complete redesign, range extension, internationalization). We also work with investors and groups acquiring brands who want to revitalize them.

Our hyper-specialization allows us to intuitively understand your market, your regulatory constraints (Loi Évin, claims), and the codes of your category. We speak your language: IBU, ABV, SKU, terroir, blending, distillation, fermentation.

How much does a branding project with Studio Blackthorns cost?

Our projects start at €15,000 for a complete brand identity including positioning strategy, naming (if needed), logo creation, brand guidelines and packaging design for a flagship product.

Strategic repositioning projects or multi-product launches (full range, brand architecture) range from €25,000 to €50,000+, depending on complexity and your ambitions.

We also offer standalone strategic consulting missions (brand audit, positioning, range architecture) starting at €5,000, ideal for validating your direction before investing in creation.

Every project is customized: we adapt our approach to your stage of development, your budget and your business objectives. Let's talk about it to define the optimal investment for your brand.

What is the timeline for a complete branding project?

A complete project (brand strategy + visual identity + packaging design + applications) typically takes between 4 to 6 months, from the discovery phase to delivery of final files.

A rebranding project for an established brand typically takes between 6 to 12 months. This is the time needed for a thorough audit of the existing brand (field interviews, reflection time) followed by impactful brand strategy.

For packaging alone on an existing identity (label, bottle/can design), allow 4 to 6 weeks.

We also offer accelerated sprints of 2-4 weeks for ultra-urgent launches or brands in fundraising phase that need solid branding quickly.

What is the difference between Studio Blackthorns and a generalist communication agency?

We have been exclusively specialized in the Beverage sector (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) since 2019. This niche specialization radically changes the game:

– Intuitive understanding of your market: we know sector trends (craft, premiumization, low/no alcohol, RTD, sustainability), distribution channels (HoReCa, retail, wine shops, export), and competitive dynamics of each category.

– Mastery of regulatory constraints: Loi Évin, health claims, mandatory labeling, responsible communication… We integrate these constraints from the design phase.

– Active sector network: through his SuperPotion™ podcast (the reference media for the beverage sector in France), Ludovic interviews founders, brewers, distillers, lawyers. This constant immersion feeds our expertise and industry knowledge.

– Zero time wasted on education: you don't have to explain what an IBU, blending or terroir is to us. We speak your language from the first conversation.

– 100% beverage portfolio: every project we undertake enriches our sector knowledge. We draw on dozens of cases similar to yours.

Result: maximum impact, minimum friction. We cut straight to the point because we live in your world.

Do you only offer design or also strategy?

Studio Blackthorns considers itself a "strategic design" firm. Our conviction: beautiful packaging without solid strategy is an empty shell.

Our strategic missions include:

– Brand audit: diagnosis of your current positioning, strengths/weaknesses, differentiation opportunities
– Brand DNA workshops: defining your essence, vision, mission, values
– Strategic positioning: identifying your distinctive territory on the market
– Brand architecture: structuring your product portfolio
– Market and trend analysis: sector monitoring, benchmarking, insights

These missions can be carried out upfront (to validate your direction before investing in design) or integrated into a complete branding project.

We also offer a Turbo Coaching format to solve specific challenges: naming, storytelling, launch strategy, etc.

Design is the visual expression of your strategy, not decoration.

Do you master the constraints of the Loi Évin?

Absolutely. It's a non-negotiable requirement to work in the beverage sector.

Loi Évin (France):
– Prohibition of valorization, incentive to consume
– Mandatory mentions (alcohol content, volume, health message, pregnant woman logo)
– Restrictions on visuals (no characters, festive atmospheres)
– Communication only allowed on specific media

We integrate these constraints from the design phase and work if necessary in collaboration with your lawyer. Result: your packaging is creative AND compliant.

What is the difference between a brand rebrand and a refresh?

Rebrand (complete overhaul):
A rebrand is a deep transformation of your brand identity. It starts with a strategic phase (repositioning, redefining your DNA) and can include:
– Name change (renaming)
– New logo and complete visual identity
– New verbal identity (tone, storytelling, manifesto)
– Packaging redesign for the entire range
– New website and communication materials

When to do a rebrand?
– Your brand no longer reflects your ambition or reality
– You're pivoting strategically (new positioning, new target)
– You're merging with another brand (M&A)
– Your current identity is hindering your growth (perceived as amateur, dated, generic)
– You're preparing a fundraise or internationalization
Budget: €25,000 to €50,000+ depending on scope.

Refresh (targeted evolution):
A refresh is a modernization of your existing identity, without questioning everything. It generally includes:
– Logo optimization (readability, modernity) without radical change
– Brand guidelines update (colors, typography)
– Packaging redesign (design, not positioning)
– Range harmonization (visual consistency)

When to do a refresh?
– Your identity is 5-10 years old and starting to look dated
– Your positioning is good, but visual execution could be improved
– You're launching new products and want range harmony
– You want to trade up (premiumization) without losing your DNA
Budget: €15,000 to €25,000.

Not sure what you need?
We offer a brand audit (€3-5K) to diagnose your situation and recommend the optimal approach.

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Studio Blackthorns crafts stories for the daring.

Design agency specializing in beverages, beer, wine and spirits for HoReCa & retail.

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