VERTU
“Young Talents” showcases visionary food and packaging concepts developed as part of the Packaging Design project workshop at the Media University Frankfurt. Under the guidance of guest lecturer Andreas Milk, students develop brands and products for the food industry of tomorrow—strategically sound, creatively conceived, and consistently designed with packaging in mind.
Non-alcoholic drinks are changing bar culture—but for many cocktails, acidity remains a challenge. While lemon and lime dominate the flavor profile, are expensive, and often have to be imported, the modern food and beverage industry is searching for a regional and more precise alternative.
This project was developed by:
Yllea Reich
With VERTU, student Yllea Reich is developing a packaging and branding concept for a high-quality verjus made from unripe Riesling grapes. The product is not intended to be just another non-alcoholic beverage, but rather a professional tool for bars and kitchens: mild acidity instead of harshness, regional origin instead of imported goods, and an upcycling approach that reinterprets green harvest as a valuable resource. The elegant design combines historical references with a modern, premium aesthetic, positioning VERTU as a contemporary ingredient for a new generation of discerning gastronomy.
The brand identity translates this vision into a distinctive design. The packaging combines classic wine tradition with a contemporary, almost iconic premium aesthetic. The striking serif typography lends the brand character and prestige, while the geometric patterns on the label evoke historical ornamentation yet appear modern and minimalist. The rich color palette of deep green, warm natural tones, and vibrant accents evokes the brand’s origins, sustainability, and the freshness of unripe grapes—without falling into the typical “organic” aesthetic.
The packaging’s consistent information architecture is particularly compelling. The front conveys the brand and the product’s benefits at a glance, while the back clearly explains the history of verjus, its uses, and its sustainable origins. The result is a design that not only attracts attention but also provides guidance and builds trust—a crucial factor for a product that is still unfamiliar to many consumers.
VERTU impressively demonstrates how packaging design goes far beyond the mere design of a package. The project develops a complete brand universe—from strategic positioning to naming and storytelling to visual identity—and transforms an almost forgotten ingredient into a contemporary premium product for the culinary world of tomorrow.
Young Talents – Packaging Design Project Workshop.
How are the food brands of tomorrow created? The Packaging Design project workshopat the Media University Frankfurt is dedicated to exploring this question. Under the guidance of guest lecturer Andreas Milk, managing director of the packaging design agency MILK., students are developing forward-looking food and beverage concepts—ranging from trend and target audience analysis to brand strategy, visual identity, and market-ready packaging design.
The results are intentionally speculative, yet at the same time closely reflect real-world market opportunities. In our “Young Talents” section, we showcase selected projects that use creative ideas and strategic depth to offer a glimpse into the food industry of tomorrow.
