MeadWestvaco Corporation (mwv.com), a global leader in packaging and packaging solutions, today announced the launch of SmartFare™, a new package for chilled ready meals (CRM). SmartFare transforms the flimsy CRM tray into a premium, brandable experience, offering new product development professionals a way to drive trial, brand loyalty and repeat purchase with consumers seeking convenience and variety at mealtime. Dual-ovenable, hermetically sealable and widely recyclable in the United Kingdom, SmartFare dishes and bowls stay sturdy and cool to the touch from the oven to the table for easier serving and dining. By bringing full-scale graphic design possibilities to CRM packaging, SmartFare empowers brands to bring in visual cues and experiential elements of a cuisine to create a more authentic dining experience.

Third-party researchers asked 1,263 U.K. shoppers if they were more interested in purchasing their CRM in SmartFare or the current CPET tray. Consumer preference is clear.

“Food manufacturers have invested heavily in the development of improved ingredient transparency and great tasting new recipes over the years, but packaging hasn’t kept pace,” says Diane Teer, chief marketing and innovation officer, Global Food & Beverage, MWV. “With SmartFare, the consumer research clearly suggests we have a shopper and consumer inspired solution that will help our customers unlock the full value of their investment by addressing consumer needs. By delivering differentiation at fixture, an increased freshness perception and an improved in-home experience, SmartFare is a critical new ingredient to commercial success.”

SmartFare is designed to be a drop-in solution for food processors with no tooling investment required. SmartFare launched today at London’s Food & Drink Trends & Innovations Conference.