Food waste is a worldwide problem. According to statistics, a third of the global food production is wasted. To combat loss of Belgian endive, a vulnerable product, in supermarkets, Eosta went looking for new packaging. They ended up at Flemish Smart Packaging Solutions. The companies developed a resealable box, which should be found in the first supermarkets this week.
Johan De Neef (Smart Packaging Solutions) and Paul Hendriks (Eosta) present the new Belgian endive box.
"The shelf life for Belgian endive is mainly limited by light and temperature," says Paul Hendriks of Eosta. "Light is the most important factor, turning the endive green. Green Belgian endive won't be sold." To prevent the Belgian endive from turning green, supermarkets now often use plastic covering sheets. "But customers don't leave them in place," Paul states.
Box with resealable lid
The box developed by Smart Packaging Solutions, has a lid that closes automatically, improving the shelf life of the Belgian endive. The box, which was recently introduced on the Belgian market through BelOrta, is now finding its way onto the Dutch and international, organic market. The boxes are nearly completely made from recycled materials.
Paul Hendriks is visibly happy with the new packaging that improves shelf life of Belgian endive.
For the design of the printing on the boxes, Eosta consciously opted to emphasize communication about the box. Where old boxes showed the growers, the new box has space reserved to communicate about the packaging and the shelf life of Belgian endive. "That communication is important," Paul explains. "Our customers also receive a mail with clarification about the new boxes and the advantages of this lid. Perhaps we'll give the growers a place on the box next season again."
Organic Belgian endive not a niche
Although tomatoes and cucumbers are the frontrunners in the organic segment, Paul sees increasing interest in organic cultivation. "More and more growers are making the switch. Belgian endive is, despite some problems in the start-up phase, not a niche product anymore." The wholesaler in organic fruit and veg sells about 5,000 kilos of Belgian endive every week. The company's focus is on the Dutch, German, Scandinavian and French market.
"The first batch of boxes in the new style was shipped to the first two Eosta Belgian endive growers last week," Johan De Neef of Smart Packaging says. "That means the first new boxes will likely be in the supermarket early this week," Paul adds. Which supermarket will have the scoop of offering the organic Belgian endive in the new box, is unknown. "We can't predict that," Paul explains. "We have many customers, also in Germany and Scandinavia, but the boxes also end up on shelves at Dutch EkoPlaza, for instance."
More information:
Eosta
Paul Hendriks
T: +31 (0)180 63 55 62
E: paul.hendriks@eosta.com
W: www.eosta.com
Smart Packaging Solutions
Johan De Neef
T: +32 (0)52 26 19 25
E: johan.de.neef@smartpaso.com
W: www.smart-packaging-solutions.com/