Packaging that doesn't get in a pickle

The selection of RPC Containers Corby’s Thermic Ultra multi-layer polypropylene foodservice jar for James Ross & Son’s gourmet pickles range will play a key role in helping the products repeat their tremendous retail success in the foodservice sector.

22/05/06 The selection of RPC Containers Corby’s Thermic Ultra multi-layer polypropylene foodservice jar for James Ross & Son’s gourmet pickles range will play a key role in helping the products repeat their tremendous retail success in the foodservice sector.

RPC Corby has provided a complete technical support service to James Ross & Son for the processing of these jars, which can be fully pasteurised and sterilised, providing advice on the closure, induction foil seal and stretch sleeve, as well as the appropriate induction sealing and automatic capping equipment. The 2.4 litre Thermic Ultra is being used to pack 2.3kg of product.

James Ross & Son, founded in 1918 and based in Newcastle upon Tyne, is one of the UK’s leading independently owned pickle manufacturers. Launched at the end of 2004, its gourmet pickle range - featuring such innovations as Silverskin Onions in Raspberry Red Wine Vinegar, Onions in Malt Vinegar with Fresh Chillies, Black Peppercorns and Mustard Seeds and Curry Piccalilli with Sultanas - was an instant hit and is now sold in leading retailers and delicatessens across the country.

The company sees similar potential for these products in the catering industry and wanted equally innovative packaging to help distinguish the new range. The selection of the Thermic Ultra jar has been confirmed by James Ross & Son’s own research, which found chefs increasingly preferred the polypropylene jar to a half-gallon glass version.

The Thermic Ultra offers a number of significant advantages. Substantially lighter than the glass alternative, it is easier to handle for end users and offers the potential for reduced transport costs, a particularly important benefit for products that are exported. Adoption of the Thermic Ultra also removes the need for HACCP glass breakage procedures both on the filling line and in busy catering establishments.

The jar features a 100mm neck diameter, compared to the traditional 82mm of the half-gallon glass version, which makes it quicker and easier to fill and offers added convenience to users. The closure from Panocap Europe, as recommended by RPC Corby, ensures excellent applied torque due to its interrupted thread, while the induction foil seal supplied by Selig Europe is able to withstand the pressures and high temperatures of the pasteurisation process.

This major order from James Ross & Son is further evidence of the continuing switch from glass to plastic packaging for an increasing number of foodservice products. Along with plastics’ proven convenience features of lightweight, easy handling and resistance to shattering, the Thermic Ultra range is capable of withstanding the high temperatures of pasteurising and sterilising, while its multi-layer structure delivers an ambient shelf life of around 24 months.

The new gourmet pickles range was showcased at the Hotelympia exhibition in February and has already generated a great deal of interest from major international customers.

"We are confident the new range will have a major impact in the foodservice market", comments Adrian Hawkins, Business Development Manager at James Ross & Son. "The right packaging will be critical to the products’ success and our research has shown that RPC Corby’s Thermic Ultra jar delivers on the two key criteria of quality and convenience. Furthermore, it is the perfect pack for export."

The Thermic Ultra jar is currently available in 2.4L, 1.0L and 500ml sizes with additional sizes planned for later in the year.