Self-heating cans—again

Prepared Foods, Feb, 2005

This month, the U.S. sees not one but two self-heating cans. There is a self-heating coffee under the Wolfgang Puck (Beverly Hills, Calif.) brand name. Just getting distribution in stores now, its staying power will be something to watch. The second is from a company called OnTech (San Diego) and is sold under the well-known Hillside Coffee brand. The packaging and functionality of the OnTech product is the same as the Wolfgang Puck product. This concept has been attempted by other companies in Europe, with very limited success, as typically the products sell at too great a premium to generate repeat purchases long-term.

When the button on the bottom of the can is pushed, the contents heat to over 140 degrees within six to eight minutes and remain warm for 30 minutes.

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