Holy Grains

Description

Holy Grains was a specialty bread brand developed in partnership with Chef John Folse & Company and Saint Joseph Abbey in Louisiana. The project focused on creating a cohesive brand identity and packaging system that brought consistency and distinction to a diverse line of artisan bread products, including Original, Whole Wheat, Multigrain, Olive Loaf, and Raisin Loaf. The visual direction unified the product line under a recognizable brand, creating a consistent look and feel across all packaging while allowing each variety to maintain its own identity on the shelf.

Production
1Definition of objectives and scope of the project
The objective was to develop a new food product brand that aligned with the values and identity of Saint Joseph Abbey while extending the reach of its Pennies for Bread and the Abbey Program. My role as designer was to establish a cohesive brand identity and packaging system for the Holy Grains bread line, translating the Abbey’s mission and heritage into a recognizable consumer brand. The scope included developing the visual direction, establishing consistent branding across five bread varieties, and creating packaging that unified the product line while supporting its retail presence and connection to the Abbey’s broader mission.
2Planning and Research
Collaborated directly with Saint Joseph Abbey to understand its operational requirements and ensure the packaging design could be seamlessly integrated into the existing manufacturing process. This included evaluating production constraints, determining product and packaging budgets, and working with packaging manufacturers to assess cost efficiencies at varying production volumes. I coordinated these considerations with production partners to establish realistic pricing, manufacturing timelines, and production schedules, ensuring the final packaging solution balanced brand objectives, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.
3Project Management
Managed project coordination, communication, and scheduling between Chef John Folse & Company, Saint Joseph Abbey, and packaging manufacturers to keep the project on track from concept through production. Established and maintained production timelines, coordinated deliverables across stakeholders, and negotiated packaging costs based on volume to meet budget requirements. Developed production-ready packaging artwork to meet printer specifications and collaborated with Chef John Folse & Company’s manufacturing division to verify nutritional labeling and ensure compliance with applicable USDA regulations. Balanced creative objectives, manufacturing requirements, regulatory standards, and production schedules to deliver a consistent, market-ready product line on time and within budget.

Clients

Chef John Folse & Company

Chef John Folse & Company is a Louisiana-based parent corporation encompassing a wide variety of food-related businesses founded by renowned Cajun and Creole chef John Folse. It operates in custom food manufacturing, culinary education, event catering, and publishing.

Saint Joseph Abbey

Saint Joseph Abbey is a Benedictine monastery and seminary college located in Saint Benedict, Louisiana. Founded in 1889 the abbey serves the Gulf South region with several key ministries and community pillars.

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