So it’s no wonder that with soup’s popularity on the increase, the food on the move market is cashing in on the trend. The average lunch break now lasts half an hour or less3 so there is an opportunity for retailers and vending operators to increase sales but it is vital that manufacturers offer convenient, quality products that meet consumers’ needs.

Heat ‘n’ Hold™
BCP Fluted Packaging, one of the UK’s market leaders in niche corrugated packaging manufacturing, has created Heat ‘n’ Hold™ - a new and unique fluted packaging solution ideal for food on the move products.

The key to Heat & Hold’s™ success is that fluted materials offer excellent insulation making it comfortable to hold when heated. The patented Heat ‘n’ Hold™ concept avoids the common problems that can occur when heating products in their packaging as containers can melt or soften and increase the risk of scalding.

Heat ‘n’ Hold™, which was initially launched as a sleeve for microwaveable products such as soups, is being used by some of the biggest names in the quick service restaurant and café sectors, including FooGo (WH Smith & Superdrug) and Pasta Reale (Co-Op).

Real soups from Pasta Reale
Pasta Reale has used the Heat ‘n’ Hold™ sleeve on two new single serve soups for the Co-op Group.

Senior account manager Nick Bertenshaw explained: “We chose Heat ‘n’ Hold™ because the sleeve allows us to feature a small window so customers can view the product.

“The efficiency of the packaging is also key to its appeal – the sleeve is heat resistant and protects user’s hands. Heat ‘n’ Hold™ also allows a perfect fit with our soup pot, making it more comfortable to use.”

Heat ‘n’ Hold™ replaces standard packaging and can be litho printed in up to six colours plus varnish, which offers an excellent label quality and branding, which Nick found to be a key benefit. “The Heat ‘n’ Hold™ sleeve prints very well and allows a high level of finish, meaning we can get the message across and ensuring the Co-op logo is visible – promoting company identity and brand.”