Hershey’s, one of the oldest and best known manufacturers of chocolate in the United States, introduced its popular Chocotubs onto the Brazilian market with IML packaging and labels from Verstraete IML (verstraete-iml.com), rather than adhesive labels. Hershey’s Chocotubs are available in 52-gram
packaging, in Milk Chocolate and Cookies’n’crème.

The launch serves as a milestone for Hershey’s in Brazil and as their entry into the premium on-the-go market.

Winner of the ‘ABRE Brazilian Packaging Award 2015

This year ABRE, the Brazilian packaging association, received more than 400 submissions. Hershey’s Chocotubs were the winner in the ‘Sweets and desserts packaging’ category. The panel was won over by this modern packaging, it’s lightness, and sustainability, being 100% recyclable. The IML label is integrated into the packaging itself, forming a single entity, which simplifies the recycling process later on.

Injection moulder Plast & Pack joined forces with Verstraete IML and Hershey’s Brazil

Ricardo Bruni, general manager at Plast & Pack Injection Moulding says, “We know we can rely on Verstraete IML for top-quality IML labels. Verstraete IML has 25 years’ experience in printing IML labels. Thanks to their know-how, we were able to make a success of this technically-complex project for Hershey's Brazil. Since our first co-operation, I have been recommending Verstraete IML as a commercial and technical IML partner. We have already introduced Verstraete IML to the local and regional industry, for example, to Abiplast. But in addition, we recommend Verstraete IML as a world-wide partner for IML labels and IML know-how.”

Chocotubs launch Hershey's in Brazil

The launch of Hershey’s Chocotubs was a milestone for Hershey's in Brazil. “Chocotubs represent our stylish entry into the premium on-the-go market, and they have let the consumer become acquainted with a new type of packaging—attractive and ultra-handy. Hershey’s Chocotubs consolidate our market position as the top producer of creamy chocolate. We had already reached the children with Io-Io Mix and Io-Io Cream. Now we are further strengthening our market presence with the launch of four brand-new products aimed at young adults: Hershey’s Creamy Milk Chocolate in a small, 135-gram PET bottle or a family-sized pack of 315 grams and Hershey’s Chocotubs in two flavour varieties, both in 52-gram IML packaging”, says Ana Fontes, Hershey’s R&D manager in Brazil..

IML for razor-sharp image quality

“Choosing IML technology resulted in reduced investment costs by Hershey’s Brazil. Thanks to the in-mould labeling process, the production and labelling of the packaging take place in one operation," says Fontes. The costs of post-production labeling and the associated storage and transport costs fall away with the new production line. The offset printing technique provides IML labels with high-resolution images in up to eight colours. This superior quality is crucial, because high-quality photographic images attract the consumer—the new product grabs more attention at the sales outlet—and they highlight the excellent quality of the product. Plus, with one IML label, we decorate all sides of the packaging.”