Bear & Wolf Salmon Co., Seattle, WA, has become one of the first users of a black-pigmented can from Crown Food Packaging USA for both its own products and private label customers in the United Kingdom and United States.
Stateside, Costco debuted sockeye salmon in the 6-oz tapered black can in September 2007 under its Kirkland Signature branding as a stacked four-pack unitized in clear shrink wrap. In the United Kingdom, the product debuted under the John West label in 2006.
"The salmon product is designed to match the purchasing habits of a younger demographic, who prefer food to be skin- and bone-free," explains Bear & Wolf Salmon owner Sean O'Leary. "As a result, the packaging needed to emphasize the premium value of the product, while also catering to modern aesthetic tastes."
The 307/112 2-piece steel food can incorporates a black pigment into its polymer-coated exterior that allows it to adopt its bold color. Basically, it's a black PET material that is adhered to the can inside and out. The PET has a special release agent that minimizes product sticking, though further details are considered proprietary. Crown provides a similarly black-pigmented sanitary can end. An 8-oz (307/200) version is also available.
Distinctive package helps expand the market
The can was developed in cooperation with Bear & Wolf. "By working with us to develop the black food can, Crown allowed us to offer our customers an innovative packaging solution," says O'Leary. "Adopting the can has not only enabled our customers to compete more effectively at retail, but it has also expanded the target audience for salmon products."
Canning is done at Bear & Wolf's operations, in Cordova, AK, with application of the paper label and shrink wrapping done by Salmon Terminals, Inc. in Kent, WA. Both plant locations have taken steps to assure more care in can handling to minimize scratching and dinging of the cans, O'Leary notes.
"Companies are looking for new formats and products," says O'Leary. "Eye appeal really gets the buyers and consumers interested. Being able to provide something different than that of the old, standard way really catches on and makes this an exciting business."
Bear & Wolf doubled its pink salmon volume from 2006 and expects to double its one-year volume on sockeye salmon in 2008, helped by these distinctive food cans, O'Leary says.
The Costco four-pack sells for about $13.49 depending on the location. In the United Kingdom, the black can debuted in 2006 under the John West label.
