Package Barrier Testing

One of the first questions that a producer often asks when launching a new product or modifying an existing product is, “What type of package should I use?” Shelf life testing is a great affordable way to look at the performance of your product in an array of different packages. Using accelerated shelf life you can often find exactly what you are looking for in just weeks. Often time we can monitor organoleptic properties as well as changes in chemical properties over time. Call Erin Smith at 402-829-9845 to help with the design of your next packaging project.

20 Hot Restaurant Menu Trends in 2012

Restaurant Menu Trends in 2012Children’s Nutrition and Local Food sourcing  are the key issues to look at in 2012 according to the Food Product Design Site.

Here is their Top 20 List:

The following Top 20 trends for 2012 include:

  1. Locally sourced meats and seafood.
  2. Locally grown produce.
  3. Healthful kids’ meals.
  4. Hyper-local items.
  5. Sustainability as a culinary theme.
  6. Children’s nutrition as a culinary theme.
  7. Gluten-free/food allergy-conscious items.
  8. Locally produced wine and beer.
  9. Sustainable seafood.
  10. Whole grain items in kids’ meals.
  11. Newly fabricated cuts of meat.
  12. Farm/estate-branded items.
  13. Food trucks/street food.
  14. Artisan spirits.
  15. House-made/artisan ice cream.
  16. Health/nutrition as a culinary theme.
  17. Non-traditional fish.
  18. Fruit/vegetable kids’ side items.
  19. Children’s mini-meals (i.e. smaller versions of adult menu items).
  20. Culinary cocktails.

Picture vsmoothe