How We Brought Powerade Into the Freezer Aisle
A behind-the-scenes look at brand expansion, packaging design, and digital support for CPG innovation.
When an iconic brand known for performance decides to enter a new category, the design has to lead. That was the case with Powerade Freezer Bars—a bold, frozen extension of one of the most recognizable sports drinks on the market.
Design Refinery was brought in to develop a complete creative system to support the launch—from packaging design to digital assets. Our goal: translate Powerade’s high-energy identity into a new product format, while delivering the clarity, impact, and consistency the brand is known for.
The Challenge
Create a packaging and digital design system that brings Powerade into the freezer aisle—without losing the bold, high-performance feel of the original drink line.
This wasn’t just a packaging assignment. The project needed to work across multiple touchpoints, from the freezer case to Amazon listings, ecommerce platforms, and brand-owned channels like the Powerade website.
Our Approach
We started with Powerade’s visual foundation—color, typography, energy—and built out a packaging system tailored for the freezer aisle. Stick film and carton designs were created to stand out in cold, crowded spaces while staying aligned with the brand’s visual identity.
From there, we extended the system into a full digital toolkit:
Amazon hero images optimized for fast scroll-stopping impact
3D product renders for immersive ecommerce and promotional use
Branded visuals for social, retailer assets, and the Powerade website
Every element was crafted to tell a clear product story and deliver consistent branding across shelf and screen.
What We Delivered
Art direction
Packaging design (cartons + stick film)
Brand-aligned asset creation
3D product renders (360° views)
Amazon visuals + digital marketing assets
Branded content for Powerade.com
The Outcome
Powerade Freezer Bars made a bold entrance into the frozen category with a unified design system that delivered at every touchpoint.
The packaging is built for retail impact, the digital assets drive ecommerce performance, and every piece of the rollout reinforces the Powerade brand in a new, craveable format.
Looking to Expand Your Brand?
If you’re exploring brand extensions or launching new products, you need a design partner that can move fast, stay strategic, and show up strong across retail and digital.
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