01 Oct 2019 Castle Lite world-first secondary packaging keeps beer colder for longer

Africa’s biggest premium beer brand, Castle Lite, has launched lab-tested secondary packaging that will keep consumers’ beer extra cold for three hours without the use of ice after refrigeration.

Castle Lite, launched in 1994, is the only beer lagered at 2.5 °C and the lager’s clean crisp taste is best when served at sub-zero temperatures. Hence, Castle Lite continues to “push our innovations to deliver extra cold convenience”.

The brand launched its latest innovation, Cold Lock, in South Africa in early September after four years of development. Cold Lock, it claims, has been proven to be the only product in the world to keep beer extra cold for three hours without the use of ice after refrigeration.

This claim has been verified by certification company SGS South Africa after the packaging underwent rigorous testing in 2018.

“A sample of Castle Lite 500 ml cans was placed in the Cold Lock packaging, while an identical sample was placed in normal shrink packaging to establish which packaging would keep a 500 ml can colder for longer,” explains Castle Lite brand director, Sylke Bucke.

The data from these tests conclusively proved that Cold Lock does keep beer extra cold for three hours after refrigeration without the use of ice, she asserts.

“When developing Cold Lock, we considered various materials, as we wanted to produce environment-friendly packaging. Cold Lock comprises minimal plastic and is made mainly from corrugated cardboard,” says Bucke.

Double flute laminate lines the entire inside of the packaging. The lamination provides an added layer of insulation, which prevents heat from being transferred while keeping the Cold Lock exterior from getting wet, thereby retaining its strength.

Made in the Eastern Cape and assembled in Johannesburg, the packaging holds 16 Castle Lite 500ml cans.

The packaging’s capacity to keep beers extra cold for more than three hours is not dependent on it containing 16 cans at all times. However, Castle Lite notes that, as consumers enjoy their drinks, they need to ensure that the box is closed to keep the cold locked in.

What about over-packaging concerns?

“We do not see this innovation as over-packaging, but rather a step to enhance convenience for consumers,” notes Bucke.

“Most people prefer not to take beer to picnics or outdoor enjoyment because it would mean carrying heavy cooler boxes, and the extra effort of buying ice to keep the beer cold. This innovation takes all of that away, there is no need for ice or bulky boxes. The Cold Lock is portable, easy to carry and will leave more space in the boot for other things that consumers may need when they go out.

“Castle Lite remains true to its extra cold proposition, allowing consumers extended enjoyment with their favourite extra cold beer. The brand prides itself on remaining ahead of the curve, by always surprising consumers with ground-breaking innovations that shape the drinking occasion like no other,” adds Bucke.

Caste Lite introduced its 2-Stage Cold Indicator in 2013; the Ice Core Cooler in 2014, which when added to ice cools beer faster; and the first-ever resealable 910 ml returnable pack in 2018.

Cold Lock is exclusive to South Africa, but the brand is looking at expanding distribution in future to include the other markets in its footprint, which covers 13 other African countries.

The Castle Lite Cold Lock retails for R199.99.

Comment from Jonathan Cherry, SA marketing boffin, on www.cherryflava.com

Innovation for Castle Lite is not a marketing add-on, which is sadly the way too many companies view innovation. Improving the customer experience of the product is part of the Castle Lite DNA – it’s designed into the value proposition. Without a dedicated focus on the continued improvement in customer satisfaction – you’re largely fighting a commodity war with your competition, which in Africa is formidable.

#1 Rule of marketing – be first in category

#2 Rule of marketing – if you are not first in your category, make a new category and be first in that.

Great work by Castle Lite in always re-inventing their unique category and making sure that they are #1 in that channel.

Source: Castle Lite, CherryFlava.com