Smithfield introduces the innovative PouchPack.
Smithfield Packing Co. Inc. rolled out an innovative bacon package that keeps the meat fresh. Smithfield PouchPack is the only bacon package to offer two stay-fresh pouches each containing approximately six slices of uncooked, stacked bacon. The pouches are perforated for easy separation allowing consumers the flexibility of choosing how much bacon to cook at one time. The bacon saved for later stays fresh, sealed in the pouch for the next occasion.
The Smithfield PouchPack has additional advantages over typical bacon packaging in terms of convenience. Each pouch has an E-Z Peel opening that gives the consumer easy, mess-free access to the bacon, so no more scissors and greasy hands. Plus, the bacon in the pouch is stacked so slices peel apart more easily.
With the Smithfield PouchPack, consumers can easily add a fresh cooked slice of bacon to side dishes, sandwiches and center-of-the-plate more often without the worry and hassle of leftover bacon. Allowing consumers to cook only a few slices at a time creates quick preparation even on weekday mornings.
Food & Beverage Packaging has learned the package materials are supplied by Winpak (www.winpak.com) and that the bacon is packaged on an existing Multivac (www.multivac.com) R230 thermoformer.
Research-assisted package development
Smithfield’s own consumer research revealed that on average consumers are serving one to two people at an occasion with a serving size of one to three slices of bacon each. The majority of typical bacon packaging yields 16 slices or more in a package, leaving the average consumer with leftover bacon. Research further indicated that 75% of consumers had leftover bacon after a cooking occasion. Since the Smithfield PouchPack separates into two stay-fresh pouches with approximately six slices each, the PouchPack eliminates leftovers that typically go bad and are wasted.
The PouchPack can also help maintain portion control by eliminating the desire to cook an entire package at one time to eliminate waste.
“Smithfield is listening to consumers and improving our products and packaging to meet their needs. We are proud to be the first company to take such a large step forward to please the bacon consumer,” states Will Brunt, vice president of marketing for Smithfield Packing. “The Smithfield PouchPack is the next generation of bacon packaging. Now, consumers can enjoy what they already love – delicious Smithfield bacon – more often.”
