Can you believe it’s almost 2025? It feels like 2024 has zipped by - and before we know it, we’ll be packing up the Christmas decorations and lighting fireworks to welcome in the New Year. And with a new year comes fresh trends - so if you’re ready to start planning ahead, you’ll be excited to hear that Pantone has already revealed the Colour of the Year 2025 - the rich and inviting Mocha Mousse.

Mocha Mousse is pretty self-explanatory - it's a brown hue that offers suggestions of yummy chocolate and coffee, giving us the comfort we desire. It's sophisticated, earthy, and can be used in a wide range of palettes and applications - so how can you use it in your small business?

Which brands can use Mocha Mousse?

Mocha Mousse is great at striking a balance. By that we mean it’s warm but not overpowering, and elegant but not aloof. How does it make you feel? For me, it just exudes luxury and elegance, making it perfect for high-end goods. Think industries like artisanal food, wellness, interior design, and boutique retail - but of course it will go well with many more products and brands.

For example, imagine a local coffee roastery using Mocha Mousse for its sleek matte bags - either for the main bag itself or as part of its printed design. Or a handmade skincare brand could incorporate the shade into its labels, signalling natural, earthy ingredients with a touch of luxury. The key is to think of Mocha Mousse not just as a colour, but as a storyteller for your brand.

How to pair Mocha Mousse with other shades

Mocha Mousse is a great neutral tone - but while these are often described as ‘safe’, they’re anything but boring! The warmth makes it the perfect backdrop for bold accents, whether that’s a splash of turquoise or a dash of yellow. For small businesses, this means you can experiment with striking colour combinations while keeping your overall aesthetic nice and grounded.

For instance, a bakery could design cookie boxes in Mocha Mousse with playful hints of mint green or lavender to add a bit of charm and whimsy (because who doesn't like a bit of whimsy?). However you go about it, it will ensure your packaging feels contemporary and cohesive while still standing out on shelves.

Sustainability never looked so good

Another benefit of Mocha Mousse? It lends itself just beautifully to anyone who’s eco-conscious (which, let's face it, is pretty much everybody today!). Its earthy tones look just lovely with materials like kraft paper, recycled cardboard, or biodegradable plastics - using this shade aligns your brand with sustainability and enhances the eco-friendly aesthetic that’s so on-trend right now.

Think of candle makers wrapping their products in minimalist kraft paper boxes, with twine or tissue paper and perhaps a Mocha Mousse label. It’s an effortless way to convey that your business values both style and substance.

How to use Mocha Mousse on socials

Let’s not forget the power of social media in today’s small business success stories. Mocha Mousse is oh-so photogenic - it’s soft enough to complement natural light but rich enough to add depth to product shots. So whether you’re sharing an unboxing video or a flat lay of your bestsellers, this colour lends a polished, cohesive look to your feed.

Want to make the most of Mocha Mousse’s TikTok appeal? Consider pairing it with textures like wood, linen, or marble for lifestyle shots. Your audience will not only appreciate the aesthetic but also the super subtle emotional cues of warmth and reliability.

Step into 2025 with Mocha Mousse

As we step into 2025, Mocha Mousse offers small businesses an opportunity to align with a trend that’s both timeless and trendy. Its warmth, versatility, and eco-friendly appeal make it a smart choice for packaging that resonates with modern consumers. By embracing this rich and grounding hue, you’re not just staying on-trend - you’re creating an emotional connection with your customers that’s sure to stand the test of time.

So go ahead, let Mocha Mousse inspire your next big idea. After all, in the world of small business, it’s the little details - like the perfect shade - that often make the biggest impact!

Fancy reading about some more packaging trends? Read the latest here, from sustainability and personalisation to nostalgic and retro vibes. And tired of Christmas chaos? Get ready for January with these money-saving tips for small businesses here.