A Look Around the World

Dairy Foods, Oct, 2001

Experimenting with unique packaging materials and designs is a global beverage trend.

In spring 2001, Nestle launched in India "Pure Life" water. The PET bottles are molded to include the same signature logo of energized bodies that appears on the bottle label. These bodies strengthen the "life" theme that the company uses to differentiate its water from the competition.

Austria-originated Bomba Energy Drinks, which recently entered the U.S. marketplace, uses a hand grenade-shaped glass bottle with steel cap and ring closure to convey the "explosive energy" contained inside. The bottled is designed to be an eye-catcher, the company says. The wrap-around paper label is centered on the widest part of the 128-mm high bottle, which is 68 mm in diameter. The company also says it is currently developing a similar bottle in PET.

Paperboard for school milk continues to be the preferred container around the world; however, the possibilities are endless on how the carton can be made to make milk more exciting. The United Kingdom's Associated Co-operative Creameries uses classic cartoon characters to give milk child appeal" and "playground credibility the company says. Marketing Manager Adrian Sharland says, "The key to success in school milk is the character merchandising We deliberately chose classic characters as they have staying power, gaining instant recognition from children, teachers and parents."