TCHO's logo is loosely based on Stephan MĂĽller's FF Container as adapÂted by Ralph Carrois for Erik Spiekerman of EdenSpiekermann. Packaging and visual identity design is credited to Susanna Dulkinys also of EdenSpiekermann. The body type features Erik Spiekerman's and Christian Schwartz's FontFont Unit.
FF Container, created in 1999 for FontFont, is a display font ideal for ads and packaging. FF Unit, created between 2003 – 2014, is a sans font that is adaptable for use in ads and packaging as well as body and small type.Â
EdenSpiekermann features these two courageous fonts on TCHO's milk chocolate packaging. TCHO (pronounced choh!) manufactures craft chocolate in San Francisco and is self-described as obsessed with chocolate. Besides chocolate, they go beyond fair trade and believe in raising awareness of human trafficking and slavery.
The adaptation of FF Container allows the square, sans letterforms that make up# the logo to live side-by-side the bold, geometric tessellations swirling in the packaging environment. FF Unit performs its duties so distinctly — it breathes in the tense space with clear legibility. I can say from personal experience: the visuals definitely have a dimensional movement to them. The slim box is visible from feet away and instantly magnetizing.
This award-winning identity and packaging paired with award-winning fonts gives me the courage to adjust and adapt fonts to pair beautifully with vector-based graphics. Mathematical explorations usually result in a cold, stale aesthetic, but this time they provide an mesmerizing experience. In another sense, I always enjoy a good paring of fonts. This one knocks it out of the park. Mmmm chocolate!
