Labelling and packaging are crucial in today's globally-wired consumer world

Since labels seem to have a very important role in the life of every product, not following correct labelling requirements and forgetting cultural impact could be extremely expensive nowadays.
 
This reminds us of four golden rules when translating or adapting labels:
 
- you shall always make sure to translate labels correctly;
- keep in mind that words, names, colours or images on a label might be interpreted differently in other cultures;
- research for labelling requirements is a must;
- be sure to have your label written in every mandatory language according to national or regional labelling requirements.
 
For example, as far aesthetics are concerned, Americans and most Europeans believe that suntans are attractive, youthful and healthy. The Japanese do not believe it and would not consider the appearance of a suntanned individual on an ad or in a TV commercial very attractive. As far as colours are concerned, black and white are colours of mourning in Japan and should not be used on a product's package there. Similarly, a packaging with a green label would not be very well received in Malaysia because of the meaning of the colour green. Malaysians actually associate green with the jungle dangers and diseases.
 
Therefore, getting product label translations right or picking a good brand name for a product is/are either vital for consumer safety or can mean a high level of consumer brand awareness. I have taken time to collect and display some pictures of funny labels or brand names potentially having embarrassing double meanings. Here is now a nice compilation of examples which I have found on the internet and in the press.

Enjoy the hyperlinked document and start 2015 with a good laugh (and I am sure that some readers will laugh their head off)! One more evidence that labelling and packaging are crucial in today's globally-wired consumer world:

 

 
 

 

Best wishes to all readers,

-- Bert

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