ZONA: ANGOLA’S FIRST HARD SELTZER FLOWS WITH IDENTITY AND RENEWAL

Zona, Angola’s first hard seltzer, debuts with branding by Studio Matte that draws inspiration from Huambo’s natural springs and the Okavango River. With clean packaging, geometric icons, and a hidden water motif, the brand embodies beginnings, flow, and cultural momentum, positioning itself as a confident symbol of renewal and distinction.  

When a new category emerges in a market, it often carries with it the weight of expectation, innovation, and cultural resonance. Zona, Angola’s first hard seltzer, arrives with precisely that sense of significance. More than a beverage, it is positioned as a symbol of beginnings, of flow and renewal, and of a shared ecosystem that connects people and places. The brand’s story is rooted in the natural springs of Huambo, whose waters feed the Okavango River, a lifeline that sustains communities and biodiversity across southern Africa. This imagery of movement and interconnectedness forms the foundation of Zona’s identity, and it is brought to life through the creative vision of Studio Matte.

Studio Matte, known for building brand worlds where ideas are infused with meaning, beauty, and purpose, approached Zona with a contemporary sensibility. The challenge was not simply to design packaging for a new drink but to craft a cultural first—an identity that would resonate with a young, forward-looking audience while remaining firmly anchored in local roots. The result is a brand that feels both fresh and timeless, confident yet approachable, and unmistakably distinctive on the shelf.

The packaging system is deliberately clean and bold, built around monochromatic palettes and geometric icons. Colour is used sparingly, allowing white space to dominate and create clarity. This restraint ensures that Zona’s presence is striking without being overwhelming, a design choice that enhances shelf impact in a crowded marketplace. The logotype itself carries a subtle but meaningful detail: a hidden water-splash motif embedded in the letter “a.” This reference to flow and river movement is not only a nod to the brand’s inspiration but also a reminder of its deeper narrative—renewal, continuity, and the power of beginnings.

Typography plays a crucial role in balancing the brand’s personality. Studio Matte selected a friendly serif typeface that combines warmth with modern simplicity. It avoids the sterility of overly minimal design while steering clear of ornate flourishes, striking a balance that feels human and contemporary. This typographic choice reinforces Zona’s positioning as a brand that is both approachable and aspirational, inviting consumers to engage with it on multiple levels.

The overall effect is uplifting. Zona is not presented as just another drink but as a confident statement of cultural momentum. It is locally rooted, drawing from Angola’s landscapes and ecosystems, yet visually distinctive enough to stand alongside global brands. In this way, it embodies a dual identity: a national first and a universal symbol of positive energy. For Angola, the launch of Zona marks the introduction of a new category, one that reflects changing consumer tastes and aspirations. For Studio Matte, it is another example of how design can transcend aesthetics to become a vessel of meaning.

The symbolism of beginnings is particularly resonant in Angola, a country whose cultural and economic narratives are evolving rapidly. Zona’s identity taps into this spirit of renewal, offering a product that is not only refreshing in taste but also refreshing in concept. The hard seltzer category itself is associated with lightness, clarity, and modern lifestyles, and Zona’s branding amplifies these qualities through its visual language. The geometric icons suggest structure and order, while the monochromatic palette conveys sophistication. Together, they create a brand world that feels intentional, purposeful, and forward-moving.

Studio Matte’s philosophy of building brand worlds is evident in every detail. The design is not an isolated exercise but part of a larger narrative ecosystem. Zona’s world is one of flow—water moving from springs to rivers, ideas moving from concept to reality, and culture moving from tradition to innovation. This sense of movement is what gives the brand its vitality. It is not static packaging but a living identity, one that evolves with its audience and environment.

The launch of Zona also signals a broader shift in how Angolan brands are positioning themselves. By embracing contemporary design and storytelling, they are asserting their place in global conversations while remaining true to local heritage. Zona’s visual identity is a case study in how this balance can be achieved. It does not rely on clichés or superficial references but instead draws deeply from the natural and cultural landscape, translating it into a modern aesthetic that resonates universally.

For consumers, the experience of encountering Zona is designed to be uplifting. The clarity of the packaging, the subtlety of the logotype, and the warmth of the typeface all contribute to a sense of positivity. It is a brand that invites participation, that encourages people to see themselves as part of a larger flow. In this way, Zona becomes more than a drink; it becomes a symbol of shared momentum, of beginnings that ripple outward into communities and cultures.

As Angola’s first hard seltzer, Zona carries the responsibility of defining a category. Its success will depend not only on taste but also on how effectively it communicates its identity. With Studio Matte’s design, it has been given a strong foundation. The brand world is clear, confident, and distinctive, offering consumers a product that feels both familiar and new. It is a cultural first, a visual statement, and a symbol of renewal—all contained within a can.

In the end, Zona’s story is one of flow. From the springs of Huambo to the shelves of modern retailers, from the hidden splash in its logotype to the clarity of its packaging, every detail reinforces the idea of movement and beginnings. Studio Matte has crafted not just a brand but a narrative, one that positions Zona as a beacon of positive momentum. For Angola, it is a milestone. For consumers, it is an invitation to join the flow.