Aseptic carton packaging and filling machine company SIG Combibloc reports the doubling of its ambient food business in the UK, in the first year after moving to new UK headquarters in County Durham, in the north of England.
The Switzerland-based company – part of the Rank Group of New Zealand – says its UK ambient food business has grown by “more than 100%”, alongside an already “buoyant” long-life juice business.
The bulk of the company’s food business comes from private label ranges including supermarket chains Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, with products ranging from chopped tomatoes and sauces to beans, pulses and custard.
Malcolm Allum, managing director at SIG Combibloc Ltd, says: “We’ve worked closely with leading UK food manufacturers to demonstrate the existing and future opportunities our latest flexible food filling machines and carton packs offer.
“As well as the clear consumer benefits of our carton packs such as product quality and easy opening and pouring, retailers also benefit from the low weight, compact storage and reduced wastage.”
Many well known brands are entering SIG Combibloc’s food arena, including a recent launch by iconic soup brand Campbell’s with a range of premium soups in carton packs from SIG Combibloc - a major innovation for the UK soup market.
Food manufacturers such as Kerry Foods and Premier Foods are also taking advantage of filling technology from SIG Combibloc, said to offer the opportunity to fill viscous liquid food products at speeds and efficiency comparable to juice.
Allum also points out that the opening of the new UK beverage carton recycling mill in Halifax – also in the north-east of England – early in 2013 will also increase local authority kerbside coverage and collection, which in turn will encourage more consumers to recycle carton packs in the UK.
In 2011, SIG Combibloc achieved a global turnover of €1,450 million with around 4,870 employees in 40 countries.
(L-R) Regine McKenna key accounts manager; Malcolm Allum MD; Imelda Harrington key account manager SIG Combibloc staff present some of the company's UK cartons range:
