Israel's Strauss Group Ltd has announced that it is to launch its latest line of fresh-cut salads using the innovative Shelf Life Booster (SLB) packaging system solution developed by Hefestus.
Hefestus has completed the successful installation of an automatic packaging solution system using SLB technology for Strauss, after the food and beverage company had examined multiple solutions for extending the shelf life of fresh-cut vegetables and salads.
Strauss set out several parameters to help determine which system they should implement, including product shelf-life extension, fewer returns or discards, reduced environmental impact, keeping a fresh look and efficient packing.
'Strauss had a fresh-cut salad line that did not match the retailers' and consumers' high expectations for freshness and long shelf life,' said Oded Shtemer, Hefestus president and CEO. 'Hefestus' SLB technology enables them to meet these expectations and maintain their leadership in the fresh-cut salad products market.'
Fresh vegetable consumption in Israel is one of the highest among western countries, at 180kg per person, per year, with the fresh vegetable salad market in Israel estimated at €86m and the fresh-cut vegetable market at €15m.
'Many manufacturers and marketers of fresh-cut vegetables face serious obstacles in marketing their products,' Mr Shtemer noted. 'We're able to provide a comprehensive packaging solution that significantly extends fresh-cut salad product shelf-life and answers the consumer's needs for fresh and tasty, ready-to-eat salads.'
SLB overcomes the challenge of short fresh-cut shelf life, while also maintaining texture and freshness, and allows manufacturers and marketers to transport produce to distant destinations without impact on product odour and appearance.
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