Barry Callebaut moves to digitally printed bags for cocoa and chocolate drink powder

The Barista single origin range from Bensdorp, a Barry Callebaut brand, consists of three drink powders packaged in a 750g vertical form filled seal, 3-ply laminated stand-up bag.

'Excited about future digital opportunities'

Paula Bentley, head of UK sales, Barry Callebaut Beverages said as a well-known manufacturer and supplier of quality chocolate, the company has to be diverse to remain relevant.

“With the three variants in this particular range, the packaging provided by UNI Packaging, in particular the effectiveness of their digital print capability, went beyond our expectations,​” she added.

Speaking to BeverageDaily, Rod Entwistle, MD, UNI Packaging UK, said theprint run for the order was 5,000 impressions across the three SKUs.​

“UNI Packaging St Helens (previously Arteb Printing Ltd) in Lancashire, has worked for ​Barry Callebaut  for many years, supplying them with flexo printed packaging,” he added. ​

“With the launch of the Bensdorp Barista single-origin range and the requirement for three different pack designs, Simon Parisi, managing director, UNI Packaging St Helens, offered a digital offering through Digiflex (digitally printed flexible packaging).”​
 
Entwistle added, given the short run and the ability to print various designs consecutively with no additional setup, digital print was the best option to launch the range.

“There were no challenges in production and ​Barry Callebaut  are very excited about digital and the opportunities for the future,” he said.​

“The versatility of digital is an attraction for brands. Increased synergies between marketing and packaging departments within businesses is made possible by digital.

“As with the Bensdorp Barista single-origin range, digital can be leveraged for product launches, emergencies such as delays, or to support a conventional process.”​

Flexible packaging movement

According to Entwistle, manufacturers are driving the flexible packaging movement with shaped stand-up pouches becoming a more sought after item as well as laser scored packs for convenient openings.

Convenience is key, as well as packaging that offers something extra, such as recipe ideas or advice through social media tie-in’s.

“Print is an often overlooked part of packaging, but is the first thing the consumer sees on shelf - even before the pack format itself​,” he added.

“The main color, logo and design attract attention, before the consumer examines the packs in more detail. It is at this primary point where we now see the most exciting development - digital print​.

“With a rapid turnaround time due to no plate costs and no restrictions in the number of colors or design, we are now seeing social media feeds embedded on packs, with unique data on every one​.

“This potential is starting to become more realized in the UK, as we see personalization ruling the roost. However, it is only a matter of time before the aforementioned concept becomes popular with brands, which will really help engage the consumer and make packaging much more than ‘infant litter’​.”

UNI Packaging customers include contemporary coffee roaster, Purssells London, in the beverage category, and Brighter Foods in the snacks and confectionery category, through digital print.

Purssells received a stand-up pouch, with a resealable zipper and a coffee valve; Brighter Foods ordered fully printed Ribbed Kraft Paper material for its brand Wild Trail.