Russian market leader relies on filling flexibility from SIG Combibloc

Wimm-Bill-Dann: Two formats, one filling machine

22/02/06 In today’s highly competitive markets, food and beverage manufacturers know too well that they will be successful only if their products are customised to the specific requirements of different consumer groups. Flexibility is therefore the key to successful product development, manufacture and marketing.

Against this background, Wimm-Bill-Dann, the Russian market leader in dairy products, relies on the filling flexibility offered by SIG Combibloc. Wimm-Bill-Dann’s products are filled in aseptic combiblocPremium and combifitPremium cartons. Provided that the packages have identical base sizes, combibloc and combifit aseptic beverage cartons can be filled on the same SIG Combibloc filling machine – even with different volumes. Inside the filling machine, the aseptic filling process for both packaging series is identical. The only difference is the creasing of the sleeves which determines the future form of the packaging.

The combifit packages are formed and the screw caps applied by an applicator after the aseptic filling process is completed and the packaging sealed within the aseptic zone of the filling machines. The applicator is also used to apply fitments to combibloc packs.

Wimm-Bill-Dann successfully capitalises on the flexible formats offered by SIG Combibloc. The key aspects of Wimm-Bill-Dann’s brand philosophy are the purity and taste of traditional farm-fresh dairy products, which contribute to a healthy and relaxed lifestyle. The CFA 209 filling machine from SIG Combibloc is used for three of the most popular beverage brands in Russia: Domik v derevne, Neo/Magitelle and Solnechnaja Melenka.

Domik v derevne ("little house in the village") is one of the best-known dairy brands in Russia. Products such as butter, curd cheese, milk, cream and traditional sour milk products are sold under this brand name. The key target group of Domik v derevne are families with children. Since mid-2005, Domik v derevne’s 10 percent cream has been available in combiblocPremium packs (500 ml) with combiTwist screw cap. The 33 percent cream is available in the same format.

Since early summer, the 500 ml combifitPremium format has also been used for the new milk-based drink of the Solnechnaja Melenka ("sunny mill") brand. The product contains cereals and natural aromas and is also filled on the CFA 209 filling machine from SIG Combibloc.

<B>Broad product range</B>

Under the new Neo/Magitelle brand, Wimm-Bill-Dann markets innovative products for a young and active target group who want food and drinks to be healthy and tasty at the same time. Six juice and milk drinks (peach-passion fruit, pear-mango, strawberry, multifruit, apricot-orange and apple) were launched in combifitPremium cartons (1,000 ml) in May of this year.

The products from Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC are highly popular and well known in Russia.

The company is the market leader in the milk segment and holds a leading position in the juice market. Established in 1992, Wimm-Bill-Dann has developed into a successful listed company with over 17,000 employees. A string of acquisitions has driven the company’s growth. In 2004, Wimm-Bill-Dann generated sales of approximately USD 1.2 billion. The company has 27 production facilities in 22 locations in Russia and the CIS. 26 distribution centres in 26 Russian and CIS cities ensure smooth distribution of the products. In addition, the company also supplies the Russian government, embassies, banks, airlines and schools. Wimm-Bill-Dann is committed to high quality and complies with the standards of the World Health Organization, the European Union and other renowned organisations. The company has its own research lab to ensure the development of new and innovative products that meet actual market requirements.

Wimm-Bill-Dann, the Russian market leader in dairy products and a market leader in the juice segment, relies on the filling flexibility offered by SIG Combibloc, whose CFA 209 filling machine is used for three of the most popular beverage brands in Russia: Domik v derevne, Neo/Magitelle and Solnechnaja Melenka.