Zeina Foods, a leading nut importer and distributor, has chosen to package its new premium snack range in cans manufactured by Rexam.

The Nutz range of nuts, fruits and seeds will be sold in impulse channels across the UK and will be packaged in 250ml squat cans, manufactured at Rexam’s plant in Nogara.

Following consumer research, Zeina Foods believes that Nutz are an impulse purchase which will appeal to on-the-go professionals who are looking for a convenient yet tasty snack option. Rexam has worked with Zeina to design the can, which is manufactured with full aperture ends for easy access and plastic caps for easy re-sealing – perfect for the on-the go market.

Targeting the premium end of the convenience market, the new range includes a choice of speciality nuts, dried fruits and seeds which are available in four variants. Each can features a unique design printed using Rexam’s Illustration Impact process, a technology which produces an exceptionally sharp and clear print finish.

It will be the first time that Zeina has chosen the can as the perfect vehicle for any of its premium own-brand products. Commenting on the development work, Katja Krebs, Marketing Associate at Zeina Foods commented; “It was a challenge to develop such an innovative line with a new can size, filling and printing technique. However, Rexam’s professionalism and supportive mind-set towards innovation made it possible for us to launch our premium nut, fruit and seed range on time and in a quality package.”

Ann Bonner, New Product Development Manager at Rexam Beverage Can Europe & Asia has noticed increased interest in cans from the snacks sector. She commented; “Cans are being used more and more for snack products, as well as for drinks. Using cans has numerous advantages for both brand owner and consumer; Brand owners can achieve excellent brand recognition with cans, especially when they use top quality print finishes such as Illustration Impact, to really bring the cans alive. Logistically, cans are light, easy to handle in-store and extremely effective at protecting the product.”

“In turn, consumers benefit from a fresh taste, and a container that is ideal for snacking on the go, as well as being easy to reseal. Unlike so much of the packaging used for impulse products, the can is easily recyclable, so consumers can enjoy great tasting snacks in cans with a clean conscience.”