SALINAS, Calif. – Mann Packing Company is tossing the black tray with a newly designed vegetable platter that removes the familiar black plastic portion of the package.
The company decided to redesign the platters after conducting research into what consumers want in fresh item packaging, said Christine Keller, director of marketing and innovation.
Mann found that 92 percent of consumers asked said they did not use the black trays for serving as intended (even when instructions prompt them to do so). When told about the positive impact removing the trays would have on the environment, the same 92 percent said they would be happy without the black trays.*
If all the vegetable trays in the fresh produce industry removed this packaging feature, it would reduce the amount of plastic that goes into landfills by more than 2 million pounds annually, Keller said.
“We are excited about our sleeker design with fresh graphics and easy peel tab,” Keller said. “The new tray has 38 percent less packaging than our previous tray and up to 50 percent less packaging than other trays on the market. You can also see 50 percent more of the product by removing the solid black packaging — which is important to consumers.”
For more information about Mann Packing, visit www.veggiesmadeeasy.com.
About Mann Packing Company
Mann Packing Company, Inc., located in Salinas, Calif., is one of the world’s leading suppliers of fresh vegetables. Mann Packing Company is certified as a women’s business enterprise through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest third party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the US. We encourage the commitment to supplier diversity that is embraced by corporations and government agencies today.
*Consumer Focus Groups n=149-210
Source: Mann Packing Company