London Design Silver

2026

Sei Premium Vanilla Beans Grade A, Kingdom of Tonga

Entrant

Sei

Category

Packaging Design - Dairy, Spices, Oils, Sauces & Condiments

Client's Name

Hulita Mansoor Qureshi

Country / Region

United Arab Emirates

Sei Premium Vanilla Beans Grade A from the Kingdom of Tonga transforms a classic ingredient into a luxurious culinary experience, appealing to both home bakers and professional chefs in the premium market. Launched in Dubai, this gourmet alternative to synthetic vanilla extracts elevates the baking experience.

The design departs from traditional plastic vacuum-sealed designs to a sophisticated aesthetic that blends elegance with functionality, ensuring a striking presence on shelves. Intricate, nature-inspired illustrations create an authentic connection to the product's origin, highlighting its unique qualities and rarity. Drawing from the Vava’u landscape and ‘Kupesi’ cultural motifs, the design features significant local elements like ‘Fata'o Tu'i Tonga’ motif, and iconic birds such as the ‘Malau’ and ‘Lupe’. These components reflect Tongan heritage while preserving social values through visual language. Additionally, the local red ‘Heilala’ flower signifying royalty and love, enhances the products emotional resonance, transporting consumers to tropical islands even before the box is opened.

A carefully curated colour palette of soft beige, accented with intricate gold detailing and muted tones, evokes the sun-drenched shores of the Pacific and the rich hue of the vanilla beans within. The typography balances cultural authenticity with modern minimalism; the "Sei" brand name flows in a decorative script that mimics ocean waves, while interconnected fonts and meticulously woven patterns embody key Tongan values of a deep connection to family and nature.

The slim box structure reflects the long length of the vanilla beans and includes a unique “one-motion” opening mechanism, creating a theatrical unboxing experience that feels special and memorable. Inside, the beans are presented in a clear glass tube topped with a dark wooden lid and a gold rim, ensuring freshness and aroma retention while adding a touch of elegance.

Crafted from 90% recycled materials like corrugated cardboard and non-laminated paper, the design harmoniously blends luxury with sustainability. Each Sei vanilla bean represents a year of dedication, as the orchids bloom for just one day, requiring hand-pollination and meticulous care before harvest. With no shortcuts or machines involved, the packaging embodies this passion and craftsmanship, honouring the exquisite rarity of what lies within.

https://youtube.com/shorts/QN9ioUAvjWs?si=RgvRZHQMMhry5Upr
https://youtube.com/shorts/NQumbaOXM-E?si=yAo2ugtoVRdSbUn3
https://youtube.com/shorts/AsgSEEWmJ7A?si=ELq4VY0jRgYu5865

Credits

CEO
Hulita Mansoor Qureshi
More Silver Winners
Service
2026
London Design Awards - Paricares
Xinrui Song

Entrant

The Glasgow School of Art

Category

Service Design - Fashion

Interior
2026
London Design Awards - The Marble Field

Entrant

YIFANGTIAN INTERIOR DESIGN

Category

Interior Design - Living Spaces

Product
2026
London Design Awards - Interactive Scenario-Based Safety Learning Platform
Qianmo

Entrant

Tsinghua University

Category

Product Design - Baby, Kids & Children Products

Video
2026
London Design Awards - Agripina Gala
Agripina Fest

Entrant

Brooklyn Porter

Category

Video (New) - Event / Exhibition