UK retailer Marks & Spencer has re-launched its range of chilled dressings using a new PET bottle supplied by the UK division of Owens Illinois Plastics.
The dressing products are manufactured by Geest Foods, one of the UK's leading producers of fresh prepared food, on behalf of Marks & Spencer. The custom-designed PET containers were designed and supplied by Owens Illinois Plastics in an effort to support the relaunch of the dressings range.
A key element of the design brief was the need to create improved shelf appeal. According to Owens Illinois, fresh labelling and the introduction of an oval shaped bottle have helped to achieve this goal.
Roberta Coey, Marks & Spencer development manager at Geest, commented: "The wider facing bottle not only gives the brand greater shelf presence, but also allows the customer to see more of the product inside. We wanted to convey the premium values of the Marks & Spencer brand through pack presentation.
"The vibrant labelling features close up shots of the ingredients used in the dressing and reflects the freshness and quality of the product."
The new design is available in both 150ml and 250ml versions. The bottle features a screw top, heat seal closure, which is new to the chilled dressings market. CarnaudMetalbox supplied the closures, with tamper evidence being achieved through the introduction of a foil seal.
Customer reaction to the new bottle design has, according to the companies, been very favourable with sales increasing significantly last year. The new range is now being pushed to all stores throughout the UK.
The premium salad dressings are available in nine different flavours including the introduction of the new Slow Roasted Tomato and Feta, Pesto and Sweet Chilli varieties.