Supporting talented designers since 2015
Limited Edition Packaging
In 2015 we partnered with the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) to launch an exciting initiative that creates limited edition packaging that feels different and meaningful. By working with talented graphic design students, impactful stories and designs are produced each year that connect with you, our shopper. The project quickly became a fan favourite and ‘NESCAFE AZERA By Design’, as we like to call it, is now in its 6th year.
2024
Bex Mitchell
Coffee Catch up
“Only now is it starting to sink in that I will be seeing my designed tin when I pop into the shops!
My design is all about how folk come together for a chat. Coffee so often plays a part in that. Communication with the right people can open minds, inspire, impact, and might even change your life. All of which can lead to positive change.“
Lauren Mann
The silver lining
“I hope that my designed Nescafé Azera tin inspires people to become the silver lining to someone else’s story.
When someone picks up my Nescafé Azera tin, I want them to feel a sense of gratitude knowing they have the power and ability within them to reach out to someone feeling isolated and arrange to have a coffee date.”
Lauren Peters
Connecting C
“I look forward to seeing my design on the shelves, this will be the proudest moment of my graphic design career.
Creating my design allowed me to explore all the different experiences and emotions that arise when coming together over a cup of coffee. Coffee has been a journey into transitioning into adulthood, gaining knowledge, building human connections and finding inspiration.
My design emphasises creating spaces that facilitate meaningful conversations and celebrate the
global coffee culture, highlighting how coffee connects people from different backgrounds.”
Lisa McQuater
Love and Yoga
“My design reflects bringing people together through yoga which is a form of love and a way to change yourself for the better from the inside out.
My design reflects bringing people together through yoga which is a form of love and a way to change yourself for the better from the inside out. Yoga is a universally inclusive practice that exercises this motive in each sitting. Bringing people together is very important to me as you never know when you need a helping hand.”
2023
Julie Becaud
Jungle
“I thought about designing something natural, organic, and leafy. As someone who always works with colours, I was able to merge this all into a very simple yet effective design. My style always sort of originates from organic shapes and my design for this competition reflects just that. Being recognised for a design that is authentic to myself is such an amazing feeling.”
Hannah Joseph
Be Kind, Spread Love
“Kindness is a universal language that any race or language can speak. Something as simple as a hug, a high five or even just a smile, needs no words to make a world of a difference in someone’s life. I used this mindset for this design.”
Esther Johnson
Sunshine
“With the brief being ‘Making a Difference’, my interpretation was to make a difference to someone’s day. Sunflowers and Roses always make me smile, so I wanted to create a design that could make others smile. I started sketching sunflowers during lockdown to cheer me up, my hope is to make others feel how I did during that time.”
Jay Adlam
Helping Hand
“In my mind, coffee has always felt like a blend of community and the environment. To many, coffee is the warming start of their day. I wanted my design to invoke positive emotions for the person having their first cup of the day and the idea of going forward to make a difference in their lives through small acts of kindness and being eco-friendly whilst you’re at it.”
Bethany Davies
Something Sweet
“My design draws inspiration from Japanese kawaii illustrations, which are known for their adorable and heartwarming aesthetics. By featuring a pattern of doughnuts, a symbol of sweetness and comfort, I aimed to create packaging that not only delights coffee lovers but also brings a smile to their faces.”
2022
Holly Ramsay
Groovy Gardens
"The idea behind my design is that it's a stylish tin that will make a statement everywhere it goes! Why can't practical things be funky?! If the packaging is reusable and looks fabulous then it will be kept and repurposed, which is a big win for good ol' planet Earth!"
Farhana Ibrahim
Green Upcycling movement
"This design is inspired by the difficult past two years that the world has been going through. During the lockdowns, it was a time for us all to reset and focus on what is important in life. These values are depicted on the canvas bags which are a symbol of upcycling and sustainability. The values include family, energy saving, looking after the planet and love."
Ágnes V. Móricz
Cafe Nouveau
"Inspired by art movements, mindfulness, and the future of sustainable coffee plantations, I wished to create a tin that someone would like to keep as a piece of art in their surroundings, no matter if it is going to be in the office, home, or garden."
Edyta Skros
The Lush Floral Impression
"The design was inspired by my visits to my mum's beautiful village garden, where I love spending time with her. The design is influential for me, because eye-catching motifs give elements of ornamental flourishes and swirling formations, paired with pastel washes. My mother has been very influential through many journeys in my life."
Tayabah Makhmood
Colour your World!
"The inspiration came from my love of abstract art. I wanted to design something that would allow me to add many colours as certain colours alter our mood. I want everyone to enjoy my tin and brighten their day whenever they have a drink!"
2021
Kimberly McGregor
A positive boost for the mornings
"The reason behind this design is to produce a mental health boost whilst combating loneliness. The focus was to include many aspects that reflect me, the things that I am passionate about and the things that make me feel positive. I want to spark happiness and intrigue people when they see the tin, I want them to spend time looking for various illustrations they can see."
Emma-Leigh Hayes
Plants
"Plants give me joy, clean my air, and reiterate that I have a purpose here. They need me, and that makes me so happy. They're like silent cheerleaders reminding me 'you can do it!' when the depression shadow whispers that I can’t."
Kieran Bond
Go For It
"My design is full of motivational sticky notes, with the aim of giving you a burst of motivation to get you through the day, or to raise spirits in the morning! We all deserve to feel motivated, even when the world around us is crazy."
Lily Beer
Connection
"My design conveys the warmth felt when reaching out to connect with loved ones."
Emily Shine
Lifting Each Other Higher
“My design is inspired by community and the community spirit that has carried us through this pandemic. Ironically even when we haven't been able to see each other for the majority of 2020, community has never been more important.”
2020
Troy Simms and Kaiz Nawsath
Conversation Starters
"We think the world could do with a bit more friendliness. Watch our video to hear more."
Nick Moore
Standing for Understanding
"When I see somebody understand gender a little better, it gives me happiness. Watch my video to hear more."
Montell Barrett-Brooks
Just Dance
"Dancing has the beautiful power to bring people together. Watch my video to hear more".
Mohan Yang
Be True to You
"No matter what language you speak, where you grew up, or where you now call home, we are all born equal. Watch my video to hear more."
Charlotte Johnson
Mindful Footsteps
"Many suffer in silence with anxiety or depression – I was one of those people! Watch my video to hear more."
2019
Justina Radaviciute
Cirrus
"Cirrus is inspired by the images we imagine in the clouds, as well as the steam trails we see leaving a freshly brewed coffee cup. Sometimes the most interesting stories occur within the four corners of our curious minds."
George Stockley
Drink Me
"From a glance you can’t read me, but the design pulls you in – creating a satisfying feeling, that your curiosity has been rewarded, once you discover what the text reveals."
Austin Hazzard & Ravan Shokar
Graffiti
"Graffiti is free flowing; it tells a story and is a way to peek into the mind of an artist, while creating a scene that sparks curiosity from the viewer. Our design shows our minds after we enjoy a nice warm cup of coffee."
Ethan Salmon
Our Hands
"We use our hands to communicate – to create, to write, to touch and to feel. Connected through a ribbon you can follow the hands as you become curious as to what they represent: they spell out ‘UPLIFTING’ in sign language, and I hope that’s how this design makes you feel."
Alex Barrett
Lino Flowers
"Autumn has always captivated me: the leaves fall and turn rich, beautiful colours to create a wonderland. Made as an original lino cut, I used the hand-crafted technique to recreate the soothing chaos of the season."
2018
Nicholas Hurren
Barcelona Blues
"My favourite coffee moments have been in Barcelona where Gaudí’s work is prominent across the city and found in the most unexpected places. Inspired by his famous mosaics and use of blue, I gave each tile its own shape and story, bringing them together to create the final design."
Leon Hill
Thinking Out Loud
"Thinking out loud represents the fluidity of art and coffee. It was influenced by urbanism and peoples love for creative thinking. It’s important to stop sometimes and watch the world to gather sense and inspiration for a new adventure."
Aleksandra Glebocka
Urban Walk
"The design showcases billions of urbanites who wake up, enjoy their morning coffee ritual and trek across their city to whatever happens to be on their agenda for the day and experience something new. This is one of the unique features of urban living — the unexpected city experience."
Paddy Tate
Umbrellas
"The best adventures you can have don’t always happen on a sunny day. I was inspired by the umbrellas I saw while I enjoyed a hot coffee and hid from the rain. There was a strong contrast between the bright colours, walkways and crossings people use in the city."
Obaayaa Kwarteng
Spotlights
"After drinking a coffee, one of my favourite things to do is go and find unexpected places on my urban adventure. This design was inspired by spotlights inside of a club in Soho. I like the simplicity of the fading lights because it says a lot."
Sarah Adams
Grates & Handrails
"Only when taking the time to go on an urban adventure, will you discover the interesting layering of shapes and textures often overlooked by busy commuters. I stopped with my coffee and noticed the simple grates and handrails transform into a fascinating photographic moment."
Vanity Mistry
Colourful Path
"I have designed a colourful, dynamic and fun pattern that is inspired by street art. The unexpected shapes and colours showcase the personalities of those who are independent and expressive! Coffee to me brings joy and happiness and I wanted the design to reflect the same positive energy for younger culturally savvy urbanites."
2017
Lauren Mauger
POP
"This design was created using bubble wrap and acrylic paint. It represents having fun and what brings more joy than playing with bubble wrap!"
Olivia Edwards
Flight Of Freedom
"This design represents freedom inspired by birds flying in the sun-lit clouds. That freedom is expressed in the spontaneity of the Brazilian Carnival colours used."
Purvaja Patel
Golden City
"This design is inspired by San Francisco. Here coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a daily ritual and it brings together friends and families."
Ji Woon Kwak
Take Your Sky
"Each cloud has a unique shape and similarly, people dream in unique ways. This design represents those who run towards their dreams."
Carlos Viveiros
Anatomy
"This design showcases the process of coffee from the berries, to the blooming of the flowers, the branches and the roasted ground beans."
Alyssa-Tara Watling
Pulse
"This design is inspired by the beauty of Brazil, particularly the vibrant colours of the native fauna. The concentric circles are inspired by the eye of the Toucan."
Alistair Mackenzie
Shooting Goals
"Shooting Goals is an interpretation of aiming high through positive thinking. The light trail effect deliberately travels in an upward direction to reflect ambition."
Mahima Jaju
BE.
"Things come in different sizes, shapes and colours. Each unique piece makes the larger puzzle complete and each piece’s role is equally important and meaningful."
Bruna Souza Ribas
Capoeira
"Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art combining dance, music, sport and play. It reminds me of waking up in Brazil to the smell of coffee and hearing kids playing capoeira in the street."
2016
Penelope Speer & Natalie Francis
Particles
"Inspired by the molecule shape in caffeine that produces the euphoria and pleasant feelings that people often associate with the first cup of coffee in the morning. The design creates a busy ‘hive’ pattern, a ‘busy bee’ look and feel which fits with the product’s target audience profile."
Sanjana Jain & Neha Shah
Perseverance
"Inspired by life in an urban setting; the roads, the traffic, the lights! Inspires us to keep up with our fast-paced lives which can often seem like an intriguing puzzle. With NESCAFÉ AZERA you can find an excuse to pause, relax a bit and reflect upon your busy day."
Anna Brooks & Sandy Matta
City Sunrise
"Captures the warm, urban feeling of drinking coffee. Inspired by latte art on coffee shop coffees. The sharp angles on the lines reflect the different emotions that coffee evoke. The colourways are inspired by early morning sunrises."
Ryan Simmons, Chris Fewin and Rachel Hayes
Hustle & Bustle
"A playful approach, taking the original NESCAFÉ AZERA logo and breaking it up to create a bold graphic style, which aims to evoke the energy of our consumers’ busy lives."
Emma Sprules
Floral Fashion
"Inspired by fashion and a busy achievers’ taste for the contemporary. The floral design links in with the spring campaign launch and evokes the feeling of warmer, energising times. A non repeat, organic, pattern celebrates individuality and variety."
Sanjana Jain & Neha Shah
Paper Planes
"Inspired by childhood, and the boundless aspiration and optimism that children have. Encouraging consumers to make the most of life, and dream of bigger and better things. You can always fly by simply folding a piece of paper."
Charles Anker-Smith & Harry Brown
Conquer The Day
"Inspired by mountain ranges and the challenge they evoke. When you wake up in the morning, the day ahead can be seen as a challenge, a cup of coffee can help you conquer those every day. Sharp, pointing lines embody the strong kick the coffee gives you and the elevation you feel after drinking NESCAFÉ AZERA."
2015
Alex Donne Davis & Oliver Smith
The Creative Spark
"This is all about graphically representing the enticing aroma of NESCAFÉ AZERA. Creating an explosion of colour and abstract shapes emerging from the brand logo."
Conor Dowse & Carla Graves
Morning Chorus
"Inspired by that first morning coffee and designed to evoke the serenity one feels when sipping NESCAFÉ AZERA and hearing the birds sing, setting a positive tone for the day to follow."
Ieva Straupaite
Form
"This disruptive design aims to attract the eye to the NESCAFÉ AZERA tin by using wavy lines, which create motion."
Charlotte O’Bee, Claudia Ramcke & Louise Griffin
Flower Watching
"This design team love to wake up and sit drinking coffee at a table dressed with flowers. This design aims to bring this moment to life, so everyone can enjoy NESCAFÉ AZERA with beautiful flowers."
Jamie Bitmead, Perry Harding & Mason Termill
Glitch Art
"A blend of classic tessellation and digital ‘glitch’ art. Creating a fun, urban and eye-catching design that reflects the NESCAFÉ AZERA personality."
Sarah Jane Clark
Travel
"Tapping into a contemporary passion for travel and henna prints, this design is a hand-crafted expression of taste exploration, reflecting the quality of NESCAFÉ AZERA."
