Evolution of Chinese Tea Packaging: From Historical Traditions to Modern Communication Strategies
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Abstract
Since ancient times, tea drinking has been a part of Chinese culture and daily life. However, the packaging of tea is a prerequisite for its sale. Chinese tea packaging communicates cultural, historical, and informational messages between producers and consumers. The objectives of this study were to 1) investigate the communication role of Chinese tea packaging from 1636 AD to the present and 2) better understand the communication state and public demands of Chinese tea packaging. The researchers gathered information regarding the evolution of Chinese tea packaging from museum and collector materials, scholarly literature, and expert interviews. The study looked at China's top 10 selling tea brands in 2022. Three hundred seventy-eight individuals shared information about their tea consumption preferences. The research revealed that tea packaging has become increasingly crucial for cultural expression, corporate identity, and customer involvement. Packaging technology has evolved in tandem with societal developments and market demands, from simple paper packaging during the Qing Dynasty to information-rich packaging in the twenty-first century. Modern packaging integrates traditional motifs and calligraphy, which increases the product's cultural and market appeal. The survey discovered that as consumers desire to understand more about tea goods, there is a greater emphasis on offering full information, such as brewing methods, tea varieties, and stories. Finally, this study sheds light on Chinese tea packaging's history and communicative purposes. Understanding the intricate interplay between packaging design, cultural symbolism, and consumer preferences allows tea manufacturers to develop packaging strategies that appeal to their target demographic while also promoting tea culture and history.
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