Pouch bags dominate Chilean grape packaging

Chilean grape suppliers say whether the choice is high-graphic or clear, the stand-up pouch bag still dominates the market.

Karen Brux, managing director, North America, for the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, San Carlos, Calif., said the group tries to deliver packaging that customers are looking for and, in the case of North America, high-graphic stand-up bags continue to be popular.

"With high consumption levels for Chilean grapes, we're also seeing increasing demand for 3- and 4-pound clamshells," she said.

"The larger pack sizes are no longer just for club stores."

Mark Greenberg, president and CEO for Capespan North America LLC, Montreal, agreed that the pouch bag continues to dominate as the favored Chilean grape package at retail.

"The dichotomy is between those chains that want a higher-color, high-graphic representation on the bag and those that prefer a clear pouch bag where the grapes are presented first and foremost," he said.

"Some retailers are indifferent between the two. Some are committed to one or the other. Club stores continue to favor the clamshell for fixed-weight containers."

Tom Wilson, grape sales manager for Los Angeles-based The Giumarra Cos., said the company packs a stand-up handle pouch in high-graphic or clear options.

The company offers clamshells and fixed-weight bags as well, and also place pack (loose) and tissue wrapped grapes.

Nolan Quinn, commercial manager for Summit Produce, Fresno, Calif., said his company also offers the stand-up pouch bags, which are the preferred pack for many retailers, as well as traditional poly zip bags, clamshells, and fixed-weight bags for specific programs.

Chris DeSana, grape commodity manager for Seald Sweet International, Vero Beach, Fla., said many of the company's retail customers are moving toward a pouch stand-up bag that is clear with nothing but the country-of-origin and PLU number.

"They feel clear bags will lead to less handling and shrink at retail," he said.