Discover the branding and packaging design of Di Ligúria, a Brazilian pizzeria, blending Italian heritage with Brazilian charm.
When two Brazilian entrepreneurs with Italian heritage set out to create Di Ligúria, a pizzeria in Belo Horizonte, they wanted more than just a menu of pizzas. They sought a brand that paid homage to the flavors, traditions, and warmth of Italian culture while embodying the lively spirit of Brazilian dining. Designer Danilo Akan took on this challenge, developing a branding and packaging design that bridges these cultural elements seamlessly.
Di Ligúria’s brand identity is grounded in a love for Italian cuisine, inspired by the founders’ Genoese roots and the culinary culture of the Liguria region. Akan crafted a visual concept that honors this Italian foundation while infusing a relaxed Brazilian vibe. The name “Di Ligúria” itself is a tribute to Italy’s Liguria region, signaling an immediate connection to Italian authenticity.
Akan’s design approach captures this dual identity, focusing on simplicity, elegance, and a playful touch. Using negative space and bold typographic elements, Akan brings the essence of Italian tradition forward, yet retains a fresh, contemporary look that appeals to a wide audience. His design balances modern aesthetics with nostalgic elements of Italian dining, creating a memorable brand that invites customers to savor the Italian experience.
The most striking element of Di Ligúria’s brand identity is its innovative typography. Akan developed a typographic style that incorporates subtle nods to pizza and pasta, the core offerings of Di Ligúria. By using negative space within the letterforms, particularly in the letter “G,” Akan brings visual references to pizza slices and pasta strands. This clever use of negative space allows the brand to visually communicate its primary products in an understated yet effective way.
The logo’s typeface is both modern and classic, giving a nod to Italian design’s timeless elegance. This typographic style doesn’t just serve as a brand marker but becomes an integral part of the visual experience, subtly reinforcing the restaurant’s Italian roots while remaining approachable.
Packaging that Enhances the Experience
In addition to branding, the packaging design plays a significant role in delivering Di Ligúria’s identity. Packaging is designed not just for functionality but as an extension of the dining experience. By integrating graphic patterns inspired by Italian motifs, Akan’s design makes every pizza box, pasta container, and salad package an experience in itself.
The patterns, echoing Italian ceramic tiles and Mediterranean styles, contribute to the visual storytelling of Di Ligúria. They evoke the charm of Italy and the idea of gathering around a table with family and friends. With packaging that feels thoughtful and distinctive, customers are reminded of the quality and heritage behind each meal.
From the moment a customer sees the logo to when they unbox a fresh pizza, Di Ligúria’s branding and packaging tell a story. Each design choice reflects the founders’ desire to create a brand that goes beyond fast food and into a cultural experience, filled with Italian warmth and Brazilian vitality. Akan’s thoughtful use of typography, graphic patterns, and packaging demonstrates how design can capture a brand’s essence and elevate the customer’s experience.
For anyone looking to explore Akan’s creative process and Di Ligúria’s full brand story, more details are available on his website.
Di Ligúria’s branding and packaging design provide an excellent example of how design can connect cultural roots with a fresh perspective. Akan’s work successfully weaves Italian traditions into a Brazilian setting, delivering a design that’s as inviting as the food it represents.
Branding and visual identity artifacts
