Designed to fit conveniently in home refrigerators to dispense one can at a time, the new larger version of the package from Graphic Packaging uses 24-pt Aquacoat wet-strength paperboard that’s about 30% heavier than that used in the 12-can packs for carbonated soft drinks. Most are offset printed in five colors. Like the 12-can Fridge Pack, Miller’s larger Fridge Pack also uses the “racetrack” handle, in place of the die-cut slot used for soft drink packs.
According to the brewer’s AC Nielsen data, sales trends were up by more than 25% since the introduction of the 12-can pack in April 2004. “The sales success was so tremendous that offering the Fridge Pack 18 seemed like the natural next step,” says Doug Brodman, senior vice president for sales and distribution at Miller.
Beginning in January 2005, “retailers [could] offer customers this new packaging which provides more great-tasting Miller product without sacrificing functionality,” Brodman says. The new packaging will be supported by in-store merchandising.
