Rasta Charqui (Student Project)

Designer: Rachel Bachmeier
Project Type: Student Project
School: University of Wisconsin – Stout
Course: Product and Packaging Design
Tutor: Nagesh Shinde
Location: Menomonie, USA
Packaging Contents: Jerk Ketchup
Packaging Materials: Paper, Glass bottle

This is a packaging project for my senior level packaging design class at the University of Wisconsin – Stout. We were asked to redesign or design a product that stood out against its competitors, keeping in mind the market and our demographic. Starting with the concept of jerk ketchup, I created this product’s logo, name, and packaging.

These sauces have a kick. Originating in Jamaica, jerk cooking involves seasoning meat and fish with a sauce made of a combination of hot peppers, thyme, spices, garlic, and onions. The varieties of Sweet Banana, Spicy Pineapple, and the original Rasta Sauce jerk ketchup are uniquely influenced by the original variations that have traditionally been homemade. The design was influenced by the Rastafarian culture, bold Jamaican colors, and incorporates hand-lettered typography to give it an authentic, edgy look. The name Rasta Charqui comes from a combination of the Jamaican ‘Rasta’farian culture with the original word for jerk being ‘charqui’.

What’s Unique?
This product is unique because the original jerk seasoning came from Jamaica and variations of the jerk ketchup recipe are not common in the United States. This product is paving the way in the market for this type of sauce variety and impactful visual design.