Join us Sept. 14-16 in Miami to connect with top publishing leaders
At a time when lots want in on “making things,” The Onion is jumping in on the trend, using its content studio to help develop new can designs for Mike’s Hard Lemonade.
Launched almost two years ago, the Onion Labs, the branded content unit of the Onion, has previously developed sponsored channels and produced video content for brands like DSW and Hilton Hotels. Now, it’s getting into package design by having its designers craft eight can designs for Mike’s Hard Lemonade’s Harder line. The cans will carry a small Onion Labs logo on the corner of the can. In addition, the Labs will be co-presenting an event for the Mike’s Harder line at South By Southwest.
“It’s time to move to the experiential side for advertisers,” said Mike McAvoy, president of The Onion.
Four of the cans were released this week. Another four will be released in May. The consumer-created design will come out in September.

There will be no sponsored content for this product from the Onion Labs — the Labs will simply drive awareness to a microsite for the contest through the party and with social media support.
“It’s a sign that the resources we have as a company can work for an advertiser in a lot of different ways,” McAvoy said.
More in Marketing
How every major platform pays creators
Every platform monetizes creators differently, with varying requirements and audience thresholds, and a propensity for change.
Brands bring the U.S. Open to fans with tennis-themed pop-ups around New York City
Marketers are pulling out all the stops to tie their brands to the U.S. Open, including hosting public pop-ups in other parts of New York City.
Target’s new beauty selection has almost no Black-owned brands
Of the 90 brands listed as part of the new beauty assortment, Modern Retail could only identify two with Black owners or founders.