Crunch Pak general manager Tony Freytag declines to identify the company’s film vendor or material specifications—“We worked very hard to help the film vendor develop this product.” But he is open about the attributes of the film, which is reverse-printed in five colors.
Consumers prefer what Freytag refers to as “a bag that feels like cellophane. The vast majority of value-added produce bags preferred by consumers has a certain ‘crispy’ feel to it. We wanted that because we consider our products a line extension to prepackaged lettuce, carrots, and broccoli. Consumers are willing to pay a bit more for safe, ready-to-eat products.”
The bags are sized for minimal headspace with just enough air to give the slices a 21 days shelf life; a use-by date is contact-printed on the bag film. The headspace also provides natural cushioning in transit, he adds: “It’s a pillow effect, like potato chip bags—the slices don’t break because they ‘float on air.’” That’s especially desired as the company’s marketing reach expands ever farther from Wenatchee.
See the story that goes with this sidebar: Bagging output soars at Crunch Pak
