Convenience is one of the fastest-growing categories in retail and the market for chilled convenience food is estimated to be worth euro 145bn (pound 125bn) across Europe, with the UK market in the sector forecast to grow to euro 20bn by 2015, up 16% from 2010.
Linpac’s Freshware range is the first to come out of Linpac’s new Freshform division and includes packs for prepared fruit and salads, dips, sandwich fillers, fresh pasta, pizza, prepared vegetables (e.g. stir-fry), chilled bakery, cooked meats and prepared fish.
A series of product launches are planned for the coming months, including interlocking containers in various sizes which allow consumers to pick and mix different food items.
Sealant technology developed for the company’s Rfresh Elite fresh meat and poultry tray will also be incorporated into some new Freshware products.
The business envisages the packs being used not only in foodservice outlets but also in supermarkets, where on-the-go and convenience food products are growing.
Linpac’s move into chilled retail convenience will complement its existing positions in the meat, fish and poultry, bakery, fresh produce and foodservice sectors.
LINPAC Packaging vice-president for innovation and marketing Joanna Stephenson said: “The chilled retail convenience market has continued to grow at a steady rate throughout the recession when many other markets have stalled.
“For this reason, the sector is highly competitive but we have a well-established, trusted brand which will assist us in gaining a foothold in this market and for it to become one of our largest categories.
“Linpac Packaging already has relationships with many key players in this market due to the close alignment with our existing sectors, particularly foodservice, and we will be working closely with our customers to develop opportunities.”
The Freshform business has launched following a major investment at Linpac’s Featherstone facility, which has involved adding thermoforming capacity.
