Graphic Packaging Puts Convenience, Speed, Quality on the Menu for Heinz Pot Pies
Share:
MARIETTA, Ga., Nov. 16 -- Heinz Foods South Africa has made its pot pies dramatically more convenient for consumers with the introduction of a new microwavable bowl designed by Graphic Packaging International (GPI).
"Using the previous packaging, the product required 30 to 35 minutes of baking time in a conventional oven," said Bob Babich, Manager of Market Development for GPI. "Our paper-based susceptor bowl can be used in the microwave and reduces preparation time by 85% -- taking the pie crust from frozen to flaky in just five minutes."
The bowl is made with GPI's new MicroRite(TM) Qwik-Crisp® material, which consists of susceptor-coated polyester laminated to a paperboard base. A special MicroFlex® Q patch -- strategically placed on the inside of the outer folding carton -- browns and crisps the pot pie crust on top, while leaving the pie's filling moist and tender.
"Pot pies are single-serve meals or snacks -- they're meant to be convenient -- and now we've enhanced that convenience by significantly reducing preparation time," added Babich. "The new package delivers the taste of a fresh, home-baked meal with the convenience of fast, easy microwave cooking."
According to Babich, Heinz introduced the new microwavable pot pie bowl in June and response has been very favorable from both stores and consumers. The microwavable pies are marketed under the "Mama's Pies" brand and are available in six flavors -- chicken and mushroom, sweet chili chicken, roast chicken, steak and kidney, pepper steak, and prego steak.
"This is the ultimate meat pie -- delicious, nutritious, convenient, and affordable -- and we expect it to help us significantly grow the frozen convenience foods market in South Africa," said George Lemon, General Manager of the Frozen Foods Division at Heinz Foods South Africa. "The key innovation is the special packaging material, which enables us to achieve a microwavable pie with the desired texture, flavor, and color."
Graphic Packaging International (GPI) is a leading provider of paperboard packaging solutions to the beverage, food and other consumer products industries. The Company's customers include some of the most widely recognized companies in the world. GPI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Corporation (NYSE:GPK). Additional information about Graphic Packaging's business and products is available on its web site at www.graphicpkg.com/.
Source: Graphic Packaging International
CONTACT:
Product Info
Bob Babich
Market Development Mgr
+1-770-795-3765
Web site: http://www.graphicpkg.com/
