Iceless broccoli utilizes Intellipac packaging
Landec Corp. (Menlo Park, CA) announced Thursday that its wholly owned subsidiary, Apio Inc., has introduced iceless broccoli crowns using Intellipac specialty packaging. The introduction of iceless broccoli crowns is the first whole produce product being sold under the Eat Smart brand that utilizes Landec's Intellipac packaging technology. Supermarket sales of broccoli are approximately $800 million annually.
The company's Eat Smart iceless broccoli crowns are packed in 18-lb waxless cartons and shipped with 72 cartons per pallet as compared to iced broccoli, which can only be shipped with 48-56 cartons per pallet.
"The increased cartons per pallet with the Eat Smart iceless broccoli crowns will substantially increase freight efficiencies, which could translate into freight savings of up to 40%," said Nick Tompkins, president of Apio.
In addition to reducing the cost of freight, the removal of ice from the distribution system offers additional benefits. The company's new packaging system can decrease the potential for work-related accidents due to melted ice, reduce the risk of ice as a carrier of micro organisms that can potentially contaminate produce, and eliminate the need for expensive waxed cartons that cannot be recycled.
"The elimination of ice and waxed cartons and the associated workers compensation liability in distribution centers and stores, coupled with increased freight efficiencies, should reduce the overall cost of distributing whole broccoli, thus increasing profits for the processor, supplier and retailer," added Tompkins.
Apio's iceless broccoli crowns are packed in case liners that use Intellipac breathable membrane technology. Intellipac specialty packaging extends shelf life, maintains crispness, and reduces discoloration and unpleasant odors and flavors associated with broccoli by creating an ideal modified atmosphere inside the package. The packaging technology has a very high rate of gas exchange, which results in the appropriate atmosphere for the broccoli within the bag.
A unique feature of Intellipac specialty packaging is its ability to compensate for temperature abuse. As a result of the temperature responsiveness of the Intellipac breathable membranes, the optimal atmosphere inside the case liner is maintained as temperatures change during the distribution process.
Landec supplies modified atmosphere packaging for high-respiring produce such as broccoli, cauliflower and combinations of these vegetables. The company has developed numerous packages from 12-oz single meal portions, to 3-lb packages, to complex party trays and now 18-lb case liners for the retail and foodservice industries.
For more information: Landec Corp., Tel: 650-306-1650
Edited by Bill Noone
Managing Editor, PackagingNetwork.com
bnoone@packagingnetwork.com