One is a 9"-tall high-density polyethylene canister for Plano, TX-based Frito-Lay’s new Stax potato crisps, the other a stand-up, gusseted pouch for Ritz Chips, a new offering from Nabisco Division/Kraft Foods North America, East Hanover, NJ.
As its name suggests, Stax crisps stack on top of one another in a blue high-density polyethylene canister. Frito-Lay worked with Product Ventures Ltd. on the package design. The black inside of the canister suggests that it might be a three-layer structure that prevents light from degrading the chips. Wavy ridges molded near the container's top and bottom resemble the shape of the Stax crisps. The canister's round bottom fits into car cup holders. The rounded top, along with lugs at the bottom, would make it easier to spin on the wraparound paper label that fits into an elliptical-shaped recessed panel on the container. Foil-based lidstock provides tamper evidence while a low-density polyethylene overcap tops the container. Pull date, lot, and production code data are believed to be printed in two lines of black ink-jet coding on the base of the container. Four 6-oz varieties retail nationwide for $1.59.
A recent USA Today article quoted Rocco Papalia, Frito-Lay North America’s senior vp, research and development, as saying the canister is a "superior package to a rigid canister." The article added, "He claims his company’s proprietary Stax container will provide less chip breakage than Pringles," the competitive Procter & Gamble snack.
Meanwhile, Nabisco/Kraft’s Ritz Chips retail in colorful, top-sealed stand-up packs with two side gussets. Once opened, the bag, which measures nearly 7"-across, provides easy access to the toasted snacks. "Packaged in a unique nine-ounce, stay-fresh foil bag that features a peel-off-tab for ‘reclosing’ only adds to the snacking experience," says a Kraft press release. Ritz Chips are debuting in three 9-oz varieties with a $2.99 suggested retail price. Material specifications were not available.
