Empresas Polar launches non-refrigerated yoghurt

MANCHESTER, Michigan, USA – Empresas Polar, a leading Venezuelan food and beverage manufacturer, has launched the first ambient stored yoghurt in Venezuela. The non-refrigerated pourable yoghurt, called MiGurt, is packaged in an aseptically filled, 750-gram barrier polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle from Amcor Rigid Plastics.

Empresas Polar entered the yoghurt market in Venezuela through its subsidiary Pascual Andina, and worked with partner Amcor to create a new packaging solution to compete with leading cold distribution channel products. The multi-serve pourable yoghurt product has an extended shelf life of six months and does not require refrigeration prior to opening.

The extended shelf life enables Empresas Polar to utilise its nationwide ambient distribution chain to reach consumers including low-income regions not served by refrigerated distribution channels. Since its introduction late last year, MiGurt has exceeded sales expectations, according to director Manuel Capdevielle.

“A long shelf life yoghurt product was a key to commercialisation because it provided low-cost distribution and a highly affordable consumer brand,” says Mr Capdevielle.

Aseptic packaging from Amcor

Amcor played a key role through custom design of its first light-blocking, aseptically filled PET container. The company used advanced barrier technology to meet aseptic filling requirements (up to 140°F) and provide light-blocking capabilities to prevent spoilage and degradation of the yoghurt product and maintain its nutritional value. Moreover, with no refrigeration required and an extended shelf, there were major logistical advantages in terms of inventory control, distribution, and point of sale, said Mercedes Candedo, Diversified Products manager for Amcor's Latin American business. “The new barrier PET container represents a major development in ambient foods, offering a unique packaging solution that opens up new business opportunities in the food and beverage market,” said Candedo.

Amcor met Empresas Polar’s barrier requirements. The container also incorporates an hour-glass design that minimises resin use by optimising PET material distribution throughout the container. “Uniform material distribution is vital for effective light-blocking performance,” explained Chris LaBombarbe, senior technical manager at Amcor. Through a unique preform design, Amcor was able to achieve optimum material distribution. “A uniform material distribution permitted us to achieve sustainable material use while at the same time maintaining light-blocking integrity,” said Mr LaBombarbe.

Amcor overcame processing challenges due to the bottle’s highly white pigmented, opaque structure by adapting special re-heat technology, says Mr LaBombarbe. The bottle’s design elements were maintained and optimised whilst meeting aseptic fill demands. Design considerations were made to maintain a smooth interior profile which facilitated the aseptic sterilization process.

The barrier PET container features a single-lead 38mm finish with a foil induction seal and is wrapped with a vibrant shrink sleeve label.

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