Finnish dairy producer Valio Ltd. has created an easy-to-serve, injection-molded package for its lactose-free panna cotta. The container was developed by RPC Superfos (superfos.com/) and features a release mechanism at the bottom that makes it easy for the consumer to serve the dessert quickly.
Panna cotta with fruit sauce is a popular dessert around the world, including Finland. The Italian pudding served as inspiration for Valio’s new lactose-free dessert product called Valio Eila. So Valio turned to RPC Superfos to develop the container. RPC Superfos, with extensive experience in injection molding, decided to partner with Verstraete for in-mold labeling of the container.
Cool and easy indulgence
Valio had a clear idea of the packaging concept when they approached RPC Superfos. “Our design brief for the package specified that the container should be of premium quality, look great, and offer outstanding user convenience. According to our market analysis, consumers crave products that offer easy indulgence with a touch of luxury,” says Juhana Pilkama, Packaging Development Manager, Valio. “We turned to RPC Superfos for a new customized packaging solution, as we have excellent past experience with them.”
Convenience is key
In close cooperation with Valio, RPC Superfos developed an injection-molded packaging solution with a unique release mechanism for serving the panna cotta quickly and decoratively. The package has a convenient click-and-push feature at the bottom. In three simple steps, a ready-to-eat decorative dessert can be plated. Consumers just remove the sealed foil on top, then turn the package upside-down and push the bottom release point a few times. The package breaks open in three spots, and the pudding and fruit sauce gently slide out of the 150-mL container.
Says Jan Van Iseghem, Verstraete IML Sales Manager for Northern Europe, “Valio was looking for premium quality, which is exactly what IML offers: the printing quality is excellent, and we can cover the entire packaging with a single label. In addition, the labels are strong, hygienic, and resistant to moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations. That makes IML the perfect solution for a refrigerated product like this dessert.”
Both Valio and RPC Superfos value the high quality of the IML packaging labels from Verstraete. However, finding the right solution for manufacturing the package required meticulous testing.
“We have enjoyed working with Verstraete. The IML supplier has been supportive and helpful throughout this challenging, yet exciting, project,” says Johan Rosell, Construction Manager at RPC Superfos. “The greatest technical challenge was the release mechanism. We used three different test molds to fine-tune the design but, in the end, we accomplished what we wanted.”
A success story
Sales figures have exceeded expectations, and the packaging solution has already won a ScanStar and a WorldStar award.
Said ScanStar judges, "The jury rewards this packaging with a ScanStar for being a new and innovative solution. It is a pack with added value, creating a new way to serve the content. The packaging establishes interaction between the end users and the brand owners. It is a functional result of new thinking and a step towards increased user-friendliness. How to serve the pudding is clearly described. The result becomes a pleasant plate presentation."
