Coöperatie Hoogstraten presented a wall with packaging possibilities in a separate room during the Fruit Logistica last week. “We wanted to show customers that we have endless packaging options. We wanted to inspire, for now or for in future,” says Natalie Snijers from Coöperatie Hoogstraten. “For example, tomatoes or strawberries are packaged per piece, as with chocolates, or in a special bucket for children. Visitors responded very enthusiastically to the wall of possibilities.”
Colourful combinations
Customers also have plenty of options as regards material. “We naturally have the well-known plastic cups, but cardboard or glass can also be used. Additionally, various products can be combined, such as for instance the tomato party mix with various colours, or the combination of kiwi berry and raspberry.” Soft fruit is also packaged in top seal as of this year, with space for promotion, product information or a recipe on the rim. Another innovation for 2017 is the cherry packaging with a separate cup for the stones.
As little waste as possible
Sustainability is an important pillar for Hoogstraten. “By means of packaging we also want to show that there are options to create as little waste as possible. For example, we offer a glass smoothie jar, the shop basket or beach buckets as packaging. These can be reused in their entirety, so that people do not have to throw them out. Besides, they look good — we have noticed that packaging is an important part of sales.”
International Strawberry Congress
This year, Hoogstraten will organise the third International Strawberry Congress. This event will take place in Antwerp from 6 to 8 September 2017. The programme will be a varied offer of speakers who will talk about scientific topics and topics focused on trade. Just as with the previous editions, a combination of commercialisation and science has been chosen. The congress will be focused on strawberries.
