Del Monte Foods says yes to unique ‘peel-free’ bowl design

   RPC Bebo Nederland has manufactured an innovative plastic bowl for Del Monte Foods, enabling the launch of a new range of citrus-peel-free products with extended shelf life.Del Monte Citrus Bowls is a new range of ‘ready to enjoy’ fruit slices, available in three flavours: Red Grapefruit, Citrus Salad (red and white grapefruit and oranges), and Grapefruit Duo (red and white grapefruit). Developed to meet consumer demand for pre-prepared and great-tasting fruit, Del Monte needed a versatile packaging format, as Xander Shapiro, Director, Produce Marketing, Del Monte Foods explains.“Since we are not selling fresh-cut fruit, we needed a pack that would achieve extended shelf-life requirements, in addition to the ability to hold up well in the shipping and handling distribution environment. We also needed an appealing design that would be attractive enough to go directly from the refrigerator to the table.”Based on its solid reputation and technical expertise, Del Monte asked RPC Bebo Nederland to devise a suitable container. The unique design, patented by RPC, was created using an innovative process known as Finite Elements Analysis, which sets ribs into the pack walls for exceptional vacuum resistance and compression strength. Thermoformed in high barrier PP/EVOH/PP, the bowl is highly transparent to highlight the mouth-watering fruit slices and features a resealable lid for consumer convenience.“RPC has been extremely supportive throughout the development process,” adds Xander Shapiro. “They are a very effective team and worked closely with Del Monte’s plant managers to understand our packing processes and deliver the optimum solution.”