Golden – Honey sweetened soda from Aotearoa

Golden is a low-calorie soda sweetened with premium mānuka and kānuka honey, flavoured with real New Zealand fruits. It’s a drink that’s not only refreshing but genuinely better for you. Crafted with care and grounded in New Zealand’s finest natural ingredients, it strikes the perfect balance: premium New Zealand honey paired with locally sourced, nutrient-rich fruits. Every ingredient is chosen thoughtfully, delivering natural sweetness and real benefits without relying on refined sugars. The outcome is a functional soda that presents familiar flavours reimagined more healthily.

The design strategy focuses on creating a visual identity that captures the energetic spirit of a sweet drink while differentiating itself from traditional soft drinks and so-called “guilt-free” options. We aim to establish a unique voice that blends these worlds, challenging stereotypes and moving beyond the binary.

We were inspired by two key elements: beehives and education. Although they may seem unrelated, both embody important values. The beehive reflects Golden’s commitment to quality beekeeping, while the book spine signifies the pursuit of reliable information about honey and bees, which are vital to our existence and Golden beverages. Both elements share a similar stacking structure and can be simplified visually by lines. These lines will be found throughout the visual identity, establishing a new and accessible language for the brand that feels both premium and familiar.

Golden isn’t just a drink—it’s a celebration of what honest, hardworking ingredients can achieve and a reflection of New Zealand’s exceptional produce.

Photography by Golden