Introduction
In the competitive world of craft beverages, packaging and branding are crucial to standing out—especially in a busy pub or bar where dozens of options compete for attention. Ampleforth Abbey, a historic and respected producer of cider, approached LemonTop Creative with a unique challenge:
“We want to transform our cider bottle labels into a striking, custom-shaped pump clip that would turn heads and clearly communicate our brand identity on the bar.”
This project was not simply about replicating a label onto a pump clip—it was about reinterpreting and enhancing the existing design for a completely different medium. We needed to ensure the cider’s key information was visible, the brand instantly recognisable, and the overall design bold enough to stand out amongst other drinks.
About Ampleforth Abbey
Ampleforth Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located in North Yorkshire, England, with a rich history spanning centuries. Their cider reflects this heritage—crafted with care, traditional techniques, and a passion for quality ingredients.
Their brand identity balances tradition with craft excellence, and they wanted their packaging to communicate:
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Authenticity and heritage
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Craftsmanship and quality
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Approachability and warmth
The cider bottles themselves sported beautifully designed labels reflecting these values, but the existing pump clips on pubs didn’t do justice to the product or brand.
The Challenge
When Ampleforth Abbey came to us, they had a clear objective but also some significant constraints:
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Converting Bottle Labels into Pump Clips
The cider’s existing bottle label was designed for a vertical format, wrapping around a bottle neck and body. A pump clip is a different shape entirely—typically horizontal, and often more compact. The challenge was to translate the visual language of the label into a new shape without losing brand recognition. -
Custom Shape Design
Rather than a traditional rectangular or oval pump clip, Ampleforth Abbey wanted something custom-shaped to really stand out. This meant balancing creativity with functionality—the clip needed to be easily readable and fit the pump mechanism. -
Highlighting Key Information
Pump clips are usually glanced at quickly by customers at the bar. So key information—like the cider name, ABV (alcohol by volume), and the brand—had to be instantly clear. This is vital for Pump Clip Branding. -
Manufacturing and Durability
The design had to work with production processes for pump clips—material durability, printing limits, and standard size constraints had to be taken into account early in the design phase.
Our Approach
At LemonTop Creative, we took a structured, collaborative approach to this project, involving multiple stages:
1. Brand & Product Immersion
We started by diving deep into the Ampleforth Abbey brand and cider product line. We reviewed existing packaging, marketing materials, and spoke with the client to fully understand their heritage, brand values, and what made their cider special.
This phase was crucial for ensuring the pump clip design wouldn’t just look good but truly embody the spirit of Ampleforth Abbey.
2. Research & Inspiration
We researched competitors’ pump clips—both in cider and beer markets—to understand trends and gaps. Our aim was to create a design that was both on-trend yet unique. We also explored custom shapes, typography, and iconography that would work well in a pump clip format.
3. Sketching & Shape Exploration
Using the bottle label as a foundation, we sketched multiple ideas for custom clip shapes. The shape needed to:
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Complement the label’s visual elements
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Fit within standard pump clip sizes
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Offer visual impact from a distance
Some ideas leaned towards organic, flowing shapes reflecting the natural cider ingredients; others were sharper and more geometric to suggest craftsmanship and precision.
4. Digital Mockups & Iteration
We created digital versions of the best sketches, adapting key label elements—logo, cider name, background patterns, and key info—into the new layout. We experimented with:
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Scale and positioning of text and images
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Colour adjustments for contrast and visibility
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Hierarchy of information for quick readability
Each iteration was reviewed with the client, gathering feedback and refining the design to align with their vision.
5. Production Specifications
Working closely with the manufacturer, we ensured the design met printing requirements. This included:
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Ensuring the shape would cut cleanly and hold up physically
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Verifying colours and finishes for durability under bar conditions
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Planning for the attachment method to the pump handle
Design Highlights
Custom Shape
The final pump clip features a unique, organic silhouette inspired by the natural shape of an apple leaf combined with subtle references to the Abbey’s architecture, marrying nature and heritage in one elegant shape. This immediately sets it apart from generic rectangular clips.
Bold Brand Presence
The Ampleforth Abbey logo was prominently placed, with clean, white space around it to ensure it pops against the rich background colour. The brand name is instantly recognisable even from a distance.
Clear Product Information
The cider’s name and ABV are positioned centrally in large, legible typography, designed for quick glances in a dimly lit bar. We chose a bold, serif font that complements the traditional feel of the brand while ensuring maximum clarity.
Colour & Texture
The pump clip uses a rich, deep red base colour drawn from the bottle label, contrasted with warm cream highlights to create visual warmth and approachability. Subtle textures and fine line illustrations of apples and leaves nod to the cider’s natural origins without overcrowding the design.
Material & Finish
We recommended a high-quality PVC with a matte finish to reduce glare under bar lighting and improve tactile appeal. The material is durable and resistant to moisture and wear, ensuring the pump clip looks great for months in a busy pub environment.
Outcome & Impact
Immediate Standout on the Bar
The new custom-shaped pump clip commands attention. Compared to the previous generic clips used by Ampleforth Abbey, the new design is instantly recognisable and conveys the brand’s quality and heritage at a glance.
Increased Brand Recognition
Pub patrons have responded positively, with many recognising the cider by the pump clip even before trying the product. This enhanced visibility helps drive sales and strengthens the overall brand presence in the market.
Consistency Across Packaging
Transforming the bottle label into a pump clip with a consistent visual language creates a unified customer experience—from bottle to bar tap—reinforcing brand trust and familiarity.
Client Satisfaction
Ampleforth Abbey were thrilled with the result:
“LemonTop understood our vision and translated our cider labels beautifully into a pump clip that really stands out. The custom shape and thoughtful design have helped us increase awareness in pubs, and the feedback from customers and licensees has been fantastic.”
Why This Project Worked
This project succeeded because:
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We balanced creativity and practicality—designing a unique shape that works on the bar and can be produced reliably.
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We kept the brand and product story front and centre, ensuring the design communicated authenticity and craft.
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We collaborated closely with the client at every step, iterating until the design perfectly matched their needs and expectations.
What We Learned
Working on this project reinforced several key lessons:
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Adapting designs across different mediums requires thoughtful reinterpretation, not just replication. The shape, scale, and environment of the design must inform every decision.
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Pump clips, though small, are powerful brand ambassadors in a competitive market. Their design impacts purchase decisions.
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Material choice and finish are as important as the design itself, especially in high-use environments like pubs.
Looking Forward
The success of the Ampleforth Abbey cider pump clip has opened opportunities to:
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Extend the custom shape concept to other products in the Abbey’s portfolio.
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Explore coordinated bar signage and merchandise to further strengthen brand presence.
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Use the design elements in digital marketing and point-of-sale materials.
Conclusion
The Ampleforth Abbey pump clip project is a prime example of how smart design can transform a simple functional item into a strategic branding asset. By reimagining their bottle label into a unique, bold pump clip, LemonTop Creative helped Ampleforth Abbey elevate their cider’s presence in pubs, engage consumers more effectively, and reinforce the timeless values of their brand.
Appendix: Technical Specifications
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Pump Clip Dimensions: 115mm x 90mm (custom shape)
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Material: 3mm PVC with matte lamination
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Printing: CMYK process with spot gloss highlights on logo
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Attachment: Standard pump clip slot with secure locking