Able to go from freezer to oven without thawing or preparation, the pre-seasoned products (Home-Style & Butter or Garlic & Herb) are packaged to provide ultimate consumer convenience and food safety.
The distribution-tough, rupture-resistant outer bag supports heavy turkey products. Currently, the bags are accommodating product weights from 17-19 lbs, but larger birds could be handled. The high-gloss bag is made of a 5.7-mil finished structure consisting of a reverse-printed 48-gauge oriented polyester laminated to a 4.5-mil white linear low-density polyethylene coex sealant. The side-gusseted, stand-up bag with 8-color graphics/printing on front and back panels and in the gussets is designed to be displayed in an upright position for enhanced shelf visibility. A comfortable built-in carrying handle and Curwood’s IntegraScore® easy-open technology (no utensils required) complete the convenient outer bag. The inner cook-in bag material and supplier information is proprietary.
This innovative product and packaging approach enhances food safety because consumers can skip the normal defrosting process, thereby avoiding any potential product contamination from improper thawing. In addition, pop-up timers are included in the turkeys to give consumers a clear signal when the birds are fully cooked.
According to Chuck Meath, vp of sales for whole branded turkey products at Jennie-O, “We are very pleased with the market performance of this new packaging which we introduced in September 2004. Our distribution is increasing. Retailers and consumers have reacted positively to the convenience of the product and package.”
The Curwood/Jennie-O packaging is a recipient of a DuPont Silver Award. —Judy Rice