Rijeka-Based Company Wins Prestigious International A’Design Award for the Visual Identity and Communication of the Green Captain Brand from Šipan Island
Innovative approach to traditional and indigenous products conquers the international scene.
Rijeka, May 22, 2024 – The Rijeka-based company Zambelli Brand Design has won the prestigious A’Design Award for the visual identity and packaging design of the Croatian brand Green Captain. This award is a recognition of the attention to every design detail and the innovative approach to traditional Croatian gastronomic products.
Green Captain was awarded for its successful branding and packaging design of products that promote Croatian cultural heritage. This success highlights the importance of collaboration between young Croatian brands and local talented creative teams, potentially opening doors for future projects in the hospitality branding sector.
The Green Captain brand is inspired by the beauty of the Croatian coast and islands, particularly the island of Šipan, known for its natural treasures and the fascinating life story of its founder. The products include premium gastronomic delicacies such as olive oil, wine, and carob. The packaging design reflects authenticity and rich tradition, combining modern aesthetics with elements of Croatian cultural heritage.
Mato Goravica, the founder of Green Captain, was one of the youngest oil tanker captains in the world. Despite a successful career, he decided to leave his captaincy to follow his dreams and return to his native island of Šipan. Goravica began his entrepreneurial journey in 2011 when he purchased an olive oil mill, and in 2016, he completely stopped sailing to dedicate himself to his passion for cultivation and production on his island. His love for authentic Croatian products continued through wine production and carob processing. Today, Goravica runs a successful business, with his carob being used in various delicacies, including sweets and ice creams.
“Our task was to create a unique story and brand identity that reflects the founder’s deep commitment to preserving heritage and his love for his native Šipan,” stated Zambelli. She added, “Every design element was carefully selected to reflect maritime and island heritage. The Green Captain brand and packaging successfully convey the founder’s journey and the essence of Šipan, creating a strong emotional connection with consumers. This project shows how passion for local production and collaboration with creative teams can result in international recognition,” concluded Zambelli.
Receiving this award further emphasizes the potential of Croatian designers on the international stage, highlighting the value of local talent and creativity in a global context. The conclusion of this inspirational story is that small entrepreneurs, driven by passion and dedication, can achieve extraordinary successes by collaborating with local talents and investing in authentic products. Mato Goravica and Green Captain exemplify how dedication to local production and collaboration with creative teams can result in international recognition, encouraging others to follow a similar path to success. This achievement further emphasizes the potential of Croatian designers on the international stage, highlighting the value of local talent and creativity in a global context.