Protecting...what's good

In Saudi Arabia alone, the estimated domestic market demand for liquid dairy products is 810 million litres of laban, white milk, evaporated milk, sweet condense milk and flavoured milk that have reached SR 3.4 billion in 2004 and it's growing fast. The forecast for 2005 is expected to reach SR 3.6 billion according to a recent market research.

As this liquid dairy market has grown, the industry has developed and innovated to meet the demand. One company that has played a significant part in transforming the liquid food packaging and distribution industry is Tetra Pak, the world's leading suppliers of food processing and packaging systems, which developed aseptic technology - which protects the nutritional and quality of all contents, at ambient temperature, without the need for refrigeration or preservatives.

The first step in aseptic technology includes a modern heat treatment process, ensuring long life, before being placed in carton packages for ultimate protection. The packages are made like a sandwich out of several layers to ensure protection from light, oxygen, bacteria and other micro organisms that make food goes bad. The package is made of a fibre laminate that incorporates layers of paper, aluminium foil and polyethylene. This is sealed in such a way that the product is well protected at ambient temperature and even the most sensitive foodstuffs can reach customers with no loss of nutritional values or quality.

In 1989, the development of aseptic packaging technology was cited by the International Food Institute (I.F.I) as the most important innovation in food science in the last fifty years. In 1996, Tetra Pak and the aseptic packaging industry, were given the President Award for Sustainable Development by vice-president Al Gore, at the White House

This obviously provides consumers with enhanced convenience, since the cartons can be stored un-chilled for several months, but there are benefits for retailers too. Aseptic packaging does not require a chilled distribution chain and is highly space-efficient and provides valuable cost savings on the need for expensive refrigeration storage before going on shelves, which in turn facilitates the need for fewer deliveries and less labour - thus protecting their business margins.

Today an impressive range of foods is available in aseptic packaging and the familiar 'brick'-shaped carton concept has expanded to a fascinating range of sizes and shapes, with new easy opening and re-closing devices that make using them more convenient than ever.

This type of packaging is now used for all types of products including, milk, cream, fruit juice, soup and broth, soya beverages, hommous, mutubal, grain and nut beverages, sports and nutrition drinks, tomato sauces and purées, puddings, syrups, and even liquid eggs now come in Tetra Pak aseptic packages in different parts of the world.

"Consumers in Saudi Arabia today appreciate the convenience of a product that stays fresh in the pantry for months, until it is opened. They also appreciate the protection of the food inside represented by a great taste and nutritional value of the food," says Amar Zahid, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Saudi Arabia

"Consumers appreciate the convenience of a pack that is light to carry, unlike a can or glass, and will not dangerously shatter or crack. The convenient stacking in the pantry, with no need for refrigeration is also one of the major reason why people buy their food in carton packaging" he said.

"They can chill their milk, juice or other drinks before opening and drinking, or, if it's a sauce, soup or cream, for example, use it directly from the pantry."

"Aseptic processing exposes food to very high temperatures for only a few seconds, to destroy the harmful microorganisms that cause spoilage. Then, still in a sterile environment, the food is quickly cooled, filled and sealed into a pre-sterilised carton. This protects the food from spoiling, while protecting the delicate flavour and nutrients," he said.

In summary this is the way that Tetra Pak "protects what's good", with all the carton packages that is produced for the food industry, keeping all the nutritional values.