The sour cream and cottage cheese products are making their US debut in refrigerated cases at grocers in the northern part of the Midwest. According to Rob Hollandsworth, group vice president of Dean Foods, the package’s structure (originally developed and launched to European consumers) improve upon the consumer experience.
“The curved bottom profile of these packages allow consumers to easily scoop up every last bit of the product," he said. “Customers also tell us they love how they stack very well in their crowded refrigerators.”
Shelf appeal
In addition to the consumer-appealing structure, the packaging also reportedly offers a few retail benefits. For example, the compact, stackable tubs lead to less negative space than the previous iteration; this leads to less wasted space in shipments, and on retail shelves.
“We are delivering a far more environmentally-responsible packaging solution, and one that always has the primary display panel neatly facing the consumer versus the old round-style packages which often ended up spun in different directions," Hollandsworth said.
Consumer response
When presented to gauge public response, consumers reportedly confirmed that the redesigned packages make it more convenient than before to scoop out the product with a spoon, chip, vegetable, or other item. Additionally, shoppers responded well to the stackability of the packages.
Lee Falk, Dean Foods vice president of logistics, said the changed containers provide a number of sustainability benefits.
“As a supplier to most major retailers throughout the country, Dean Foods accepts its responsibility to deliver products that are friendly to the environment," Falk said. "This new packaging line is completely recycleable and conforms to almost all sustainability programs."
Dean Foods is a Dallas-based producer specializing in dairy products. The company operates plants and distribution across the US.