Microwaveable Pot Soups Up Caffe Nero Single Serve Range

The successful launch of Caffé Nero’s new range of microwaveable Single Serve Soups has been assured thanks to the convenience and style of packaging supplied by RPC Containers.

01/04/06 The successful launch of Caffé Nero’s new range of microwaveable Single Serve Soups has been assured thanks to the convenience and style of packaging supplied by RPC Containers.

Caffé Nero had previously served soup in disposable cups from a soup kettle, but decided to change to a more convenient format that could be kept in the chiller cabinet and easily microwaved.

Manufactured by Joubere, the range comprises three core soups, plus a special Soup of the Month. Since its launch across Britain in October 2005, the range has proved phenomenally successful.

Key to establishing the range was finding a container that fulfilled Joubere and Caffé Nero’s need for microwaveability and effective recloseability to allow ‘on the go’ consumption. In addition, the packaging format needed to be easy for Caffé Nero employees to prepare instore and rigid enough to cope with the hot-fill, blast chill filling technique without panelling.

The plastic container, produced by RPC Blackburn, is heat-sealed with a printed film membrane and lidded with an overcap, manufactured by RPC Hereford. To prepare, the seal is removed and the lidded container placed in the microwave.

RPC Blackburn has supplied its 350ml Shaw Pot, which is injection moulded in PP for a combination of durability and excellent contact clarity. The accompanying PP overcap is thermoformed by RPC Hereford and features an extended tab for ease of opening.

A printed corrugated sleeve doubles as pack decoration and insulation for comfortable handling.

"The success of the Single Serve Soup range confirms the importance of consumer convenience alongside great tasting products, and we are pleased with RPC’s significant contribution," comments Andrew Rose of Caffé Nero.