Whatever you're making, make it REAL good
Neil’s Real Deal is a family-run business built around a third-generation hot sauce recipe, rooted in Trinidadian tradition and perfected over time. When the founders came to 5fold, they brought a bold vision and a story full of heritage, but they needed a distinctive visual identity to match the intensity and authenticity of their product.
From the outset, it was important that the brand pay tribute to Neil’s Trinidadian roots while standing out in a crowded retail environment. Our team began by exploring visual symbols that could reflect both cultural heritage and the fiery personality of the sauce. The ocelot, a wild cat native to Trinidad, quickly emerged as the perfect representation of the brand’s character. Sleek, confident, and fierce, it captured the spirit we wanted the brand to embody.
We began with a series of hand-drawn sketches, experimenting with posture, expression, and form to find the right balance of strength and approachability. The final mark combined refined illustration with bold, contemporary typography to create a logo that felt timeless yet full of energy. This core visual was then expanded into a complete identity system that carried the same sense of vibrancy and confidence across every touchpoint.
Packaging became the heart of the visual experience. Each jar was crafted to feel distinctive on the shelf, blending rich colors and textured details that evoke the heat and depth of the sauce itself. The ocelot emblem served as both a visual anchor and a storytelling device, connecting every flavour and format within the product line.
Beyond packaging, the identity extended into digital and physical applications, including the website, social media presence, and marketing collateral. Each element reinforced the brand’s authenticity and sense of fun, while maintaining a consistent, high-quality visual presentation that mirrored the craftsmanship behind the product.
Neil's Real Deal can now be found in over 100 retailers across Canada and was recently featured on season 25 of the viral web series Hot Ones; Lil Yachty says it's the best!
This is the real deal! 🔥🔥🔥
