Consumers with a taste for premium snacks have a new, eye-catching option: Hampton Farms' Gourmet Roast nuts packed in Sonoco's (www.sonoco.com) eXtra Clear High Barrier (XCHB™) Series thermoformed tubs. The 16-oz oval-shaped plastic tubs, a first for the nut segment, gives consumers a clear view of the delectable roasted peanuts and cashews inside.
Sonoco supplies Hampton Farms, Severn, NC, with a custom designed deep-drawn oval shaped tub. The Gourmet Roast nut line includes chili limon, classic salted, BBQ and organic peanuts as well as organic and salted cashews.
A clear point of differentiation
Hampton Farms vice president of sales and marketing Tom Nolan says the company is extremely pleased with its distinctive package. "Together with Sonoco, we have developed a unique package design that is not only new to the nut segment, but new to the snack market at large. The shape of the tub combined with the unimpeded view of our gourmet nuts allows us to differentiate ourselves from competing products."
In addition to shelf appeal, the tub delivers a number of consumer-friendly, snack-facilitating features including an easy-to-grip shape and wide-mouth opening. Consumers can dip their hands in without touching the sides of the package. A snap-on top helps keep the nuts fresh after the thermoformed tub is opened. The high barrier properties of the thermoformed tub give the product a 12-month shelf life. The package is recyclable.
In preparation for the national launch of the Hampton Farms' Gourmet Roast nut line, Sonoco assisted Hampton Farms with the purchase of new production equipment that includes filling, nitrogen flushing, sealing, and capping machines. Sonoco also is providing vendor managed inventory services.
-Rick Lingle
