France: Packaging to make the most of a product

"In my opinion, it is a way to add value to the products, to give them the importance they deserve," explains Massimo Bellotti, international sales manager at Group Guillin. The company trusts that, with this type of packaging, the food will not be wasted, since it will be better appreciated. "Selling grapes in bulk cannot work; we know that there is a share that ends up wasted," adds Bellotti.

The French company has launched a packaging model especially designed for grapes; it is made from 100% recycled plastic and allows the firms marketing their products with it to use stickers featuring their own brand. "Although it has been in the market for two years, the sector is very conservative and many companies are reluctant to change," says Bellotti; however, they have introduced several versions (500 gram, 650 gram and 750 gram) to suit the needs of each customer.

So far, countries like France, Germany and (more timidly) Spain have started the marketing of this container. "We are not just offering an attractive design, it also makes the logistics easier," explains Bellotti. With the first designs, it was only possible to transport 8 containers per box, but thanks to the improvements made, this figure has increased to 10. Furthermore, as regards their use, they ensure as easy a management as that of traditional rectangular containers.