Packaging of ready-to-eat products: a mix research approach for exploring aesthetic element influence on brand preference

Purpose Packaging design has the power to convey persuasive and functional benefits, thereby inducing the brand preference as per empirical studies, but not much has been studied in detail about aesthetic aspects of packaging. This study is a careful attempt to understanding the influence of aesthetic elements—colour, illustrations/images/pictures and information representation’s influence on consumer brand preference for ready-to-eat (RTE) product category of pav bhaji. Design/methodology/approach The data for this study have been collected in two phases; phase 1 was a quantitative research where structure Google form was used while in order to elite consumer responses regarding their preferences structured interview was conducted in phase 2. Twenty-five respondents were selected using snowball sampling, who were approached for understanding how aesthetic element influenced their brand preference. Findings This research could help in identifying various underlying subthemes within the three major themes of aesthetic element in packaging. By utilising these, packaging modifications could be made to increase brand preference. Originality/value In case of RTE segment, in-store decisions are mostly take in spurn of minutes, hence making it one of essential topics of research. The findings of this research can contribute in placement of correct element in appropriate position to grab consumers’ interest leading to brand preference.