Tetra pak is continuing its push to bring aseptic, shelfstable packaging to north america with emerging package launches, despite only gradual acceptance by domestic consumers. Vernon hills, ilbased tetra pak inc., the company&rsquos north american unit, is introducing the tetra gemina aseptic container to a north american audience. The rollfed, gabletop carton is designed for dairy, soy, and juice beverages that want ambient distribution in a traditional looking package. The company will target cream and creamers for the shelfstable product as an unrefrigerated alternative. The company also is moving forward with its tetra recart packages in north america, launching a line of chunky soups with retailer trader joe&rsquos in the paperboard laminate material. Unlike tetra pak&rsquos signature brik package, the recart containers can contain thicker chunks of food and is sterilized similar to standard canning processes. The moves come as consumer demand shrinks a bit for food products. Aseptic packaging has been affected by the cutbacks and slow acceptance of shelfstable food. According to sources, sig combibloc has pulled back on production in north america, while tetra pak officials admitted that growth acrosstheboard in north america has been relatively flat. Yet, there are signs of some changes, tetra brik cartons now dominate in soup broths on store shelves, while organic milk brands such as horizon and organic valley have marketed singleserve beverages in the small cartons. Horizon is even introducing horizon natural in select markets the nonorganic milk in a small tetra brik sells for less that its organic brands and could expand awareness of the nonrefrigerated package. With retort pouches starting to gain some acceptance for food packaging, aseptic cartons face more competition. But the biggest obstacle is u.s. Consumers&rsquo willingness to drink milk and other sensitive beverages in an unchilled format, an obstacle that could eventually disappear.
