Dos Pinos captures market trends through ‘smart packaging’

18 Jun 2014

Constant changes in Central American lifestyles are continuously fuelling packaging innovation at Dos Pinos, helping it to become not only the first large-scale dairy in Costa Rica, but also the entire region. The dairy’s latest innovation is a re-launch of Dos Pinos drinkable yoghurt products in Pure-Pak® cartons with screw cap, which is a move for the dairy from PET bottles.

The products were re-launched in February in two flavours (strawberry and blackberry) in 946ml Pure-Pak® cartons. They are the latest products from Cooperativa de Productores de Leche Dos Pinos R.L. (Cooperative of Milk Producers “Dos Pinos”) a brand which has become synonymous with milk in Costa Rica. Dos Pinos has been producing milk for over 66 years with most ‘TICOS’ (as Costa Ricans are called) having grown up with Dos Pinos milk. Today, the company produces 83% of the commercial milk in the country.

For over six decades, a spirit of innovation has been maintained at Dos Pinos, offering quality, value-added products for the more demanding consumer. The company’s corporate philosophy combines innovation with technology – both critical factors that differentiate it within the dairy industry in Central America, resulting in a portfolio of more than 500 products, including: milks; ice creams; cheese, yogurts, juices and beverages, non-dairy formulas, plus sour cream and butters.

One of the key strategies has been to identify the market trends, and also to keep strong ties between brand and quality: “In Dos Pinos we know very well, that as long as we offer a better product, we will always keep consumer loyalty,” says Francisco Arias, Dos Pinos corporate spokesman. “Our wide range shows our commitment towards R&D, with more functional products designed to satisfy the nutritional needs of every stage of life.”

The ability to capture market trends through packaging has been a crucial factor in the dairy’s innovation pipeline. Since the beginning, the Cooperative has illustrated its understanding of consumer packaging preferences and has chosen the materials that best combine: convenience and innovation; shelf life; nutritional preservation; and product integrity.

Dos Pinos is aware that the consumer is looking for flexible, ergonomic packaging with easy handling, opening and also reclosability. Therefore a key focus is for “smart packages” which provide such benefits to the consumer including extended shelf life for reduced wastage and more convenience. That is why today many of Dos Pinos’s products are filled in Pure-Pak cartons.

For Dos Pinos, the high sustainability and recyclability of the Pure-Pak® carton fits with the greener consumer who wants to contribute to protect the environment. As part of its environmental strategy and activities, the dairy has developed its own recycling programme for cartons.

“As a major industry player in Costa Rica, our environmental policies have a direct impact on the health of our nation, which has the largest consumption of milk in Latin America at approximately 200 liters annual consumption per capita,” adds Francisco Arias, Dos Pinos.

“I’m in no doubt that our successful breakthrough onto the local and international market is due to the efficiency of our operation and the way we’ve embraced technology and world class standards for both raw materials and modern packaging.”

Source: Elopak