Case Histories

New Product Opportunities for Heinz in New Zealand

Hastings-based food producer, Heinz-Wattie’s (NZ) Ltd, is developing a host of new product and marketplace opportunities with its new Vertical Pouch Packaging machine (VPP) supplied by Cryovac.

The Cryovac VPP System is a new concept in packaging that can package any liquid or liquid/solid food product that can be pumped, all with remarkable simplicity. Heinz Process Centre Manager Mark Curphey describes VPP as flexible, simple but smart.

"Most people are surprised at just how simple it is to get the flexibility to deliver great results."

Expanding business with existing customers as well as attacking new markets, both nationally and globally, is a key driver for Heinz-Wattie’s, says Business Manager, Gerard McAleese.

"VPP’s fast-filling system can deliver an extremely versatile, easy-to-handle packaging format that is cost-efficient. This greatly increases our potential in packaging for both large format domestic and export markets," he says.

The VPP packages food in co-extruded laminated pouches and its two-part fill offers a wide range of new packaging options at the touch of a button.

The system gives Heinz-Wattie’s much greater flexibility in its product range combined with an innovative dispensing mechanism which drives key benefits to end-users explains Mark Curphey.

"The VPP allows a fitment to be placed inside the product pouch during packaging to which the end user can connect their dispensing pump or gun and dispense accurate portions of product. Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) are a key market of Heinz-Wattie’s and this dispensing mechanism is already proving to be hugely beneficial in terms of cost-effectiveness and packaging quality."

The packaging is suitable for a wide range of products from salads to sauces.

It significantly reduces packaging storage space required compared to alternative packaging systems, both at the factory and for the customers, and greatly reduces packaging waste.

The VPP’s innovative squeeze roller system reduces the oxygen in a pack to virtually zero. By keeping the air on the outside, the product inside remains fresher. So not only does the VPP reduce packaging waste, it also boosts the quality and shelf life of packaged products.

The fully enclosed packaging system gives manufacturers a high level of product integrity with accurate weight or portion measurement, five ribbed end-seals for optimum seal integrity and an optional easy-open tear feature for customer convenience.

Mark Curphey says that the VPP is very cost-effective and gives a high quality of packaging that is suitable for trade as well as consumer products.

"Our customers also appreciate the ease of storage of products packaged by the VPP rather than in more conventional plastic, glass or other packaging."

"No human contact is required, so safety is guaranteed and risk is minimised, says Cryovac Market Manager Kaye Spence.

"The system brings a wide array of benefits, including convenience, hygiene, tamper evidence and storage savings for the end-user. The VPP also offers a viable alternative to rigid plastic or glass as it minimises material and storage waste."

Along with revolutionary packaging capabilities found in the VPP, Cryovac also offers their customers a ‘whole package’ service including a full service guarantee which Mark Curphey has found invaluable.

"Cryovac has exceeded all our service expectations. They arranged a VPP expert from Australia to visit our site and inspect the installation of the VPP as well as to train our staff in its use. They’ve responded to every issue we’ve raised. The support has been great!"

Cryovac’s Market Manager Kaye Spence echoes these sentiments.

"Working with Heinz-Wattie’s has been both challenging and rewarding. They have great positivity towards developing new market segments and products and this aligns very well with the opportunities offered by the VPP. The flexibility of VPP means it has a wide range of packaging applications in the food processing industry. Heinz-Wattie’s’ forward-thinking attitude is reaping the benefits of the VPP innovation."