Product design with “surreal twist”: Naka launches all-natural CBD water as alternative to alcoholic drinks

08 May 2023 --- With its new Naka moonlight product, French beverage start-up Naka is doubling its product offer of cannabidiol (CBD) drinks. The drink contains 30 mg equivalent CBD per can, targeting relaxation and reduced alcohol consumption. 

The can’s graphic design was created by illustrator Jason Lyon and produced through the company’s collaboration with the French graphics team at Ardagh Metal Packaging. 

The company notes a growing demand for “NOLO” (no-alcohol or low-alcohol) drinks and functional beverages. As a low-carb and low-sugar drink, Naka moonlight offers a “refreshing and soothing experience” with herbaceous and fruity notes and a flavor of organic pear. 

“The first Naka can was already a head-turner – a great example of what can be done when a customer’s fantastic creative ideas meet the dedicated technical expertise of our local graphics teams based all over Europe,” says Gerlof Toenhake, director of regional sales at Ardagh Metal Packaging Europe. 

“The new Naka moonlight can is another triumph, pairing beautifully with the original and boosting the overall branding for Naka.” 

Product development 
Naka moonlight joins the company’s original edition, Naka sunset. Both cans use the company’s floating jellyfish as a focal point to cement the brand’s identity across its packaging. 

The company’s co-founders, Yan Decock and Lorène Tanchou, developed the drinks during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. 

“Working closely with Ardagh Metal Packaging’s graphics team in La Ciotat helped us ensure the perfect look once again for our second product,” comments Tanchou. 

Naka aims to offer consumers a relaxing alternative to alcoholic drinks with its CBD waters (Image credit: Naka). “From the initial color selection to approving the proof cans and taking it to final high-speed production, all the steps went smoothly and meant we could achieve a timely market introduction for Naka moonlight.” 

Opportunities for CBD ingredients 
With its CBD waters, Naka offers consumers a relaxing alternative to alcoholic drinks at apéritif and evening. The company is named for a Japanese concept that signifies internality and “centering.” 

Last year, F&B ingredient supplier Batory Foods reported that the market of CBD products is expected to grow at an annual rate of 25% through 2026. 

“As one of the fastest growing functional ingredients in F&B, CBD is the perfect fit for the future of the industry and consumers alike,” Nicole Zangara, technical business development manager at Batory Foods, previously told NutritionInsight.

The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) expects to see “CBD being integrated into bread, cereal, ice cream and other common foodstuffs to create a whole new functional food market,” according to Tom Risby, business R&D manager at ACI.

Naka’s CBD drinks are available in supermarkets and groceries across France – including Monoprix, Casino and Franprix – and specialist channels, such as La Grande Épicerie de Paris.

As the company aims to become a category leader in the CBD drinks sector, it will focus on exports. 

Surrealist product packaging 
The Naka CBD waters are sold in 250 ml slim aluminum cans that offer a 360-degree surface for the graphics created by Jason Lyon. The design features elements of nature, giving them a modern and surrealist twist. 

The midnight can’s jellyfish designs combine multiple colors and a “night-sky” background to give a spacey, sophisticated feel. 

Ardagh Metal Packaging's Premium Print dry-offset capabilities control for solid colors, half-tones, transitions and text readability to maximize the impact of the design’s lines and ombré effects. 

The cans are lightweight, safe and infinitely recyclable, allowing for transportation, in-store storage, point-of-sale refrigeration and home deliveries. 

Ardagh Metal Packaging recently launched H!ghend, a “transformative” new technology in its customization range of beverage cans, offering customers brand-enhancing opportunities. 

Edited by Jolanda van Hal