28 Oct 2019 Pioneer Foods is first with combismile carton pack in MEA region
SIG Combibloc Obeikan and Pioneer Foods, the major SA foodbev group that’s soon to be part of PepsiCo, have announced the launch of the ‘combismile’ carton pack in the Middle East and Africa region.
SIG Combibloc Obeikan is a joint venture of SIG Combibloc and Obeikan Investment Group.
Developed by SIG for on-the-go consumption, the combismile pack is designed to offer premium product differentiation and will give the South African firm potential to access new market opportunities.
The carton pack features curved, modern shape and easy-grip corners to allow for convenient consumption, as well as single-action closure that is leak-proof and tamper evident.
In addition to offering volume and design flexibility, the combismile has a ‘drinksplus’ option that allows the addition of fruit or vegetable particulates.
SIG Combibloc Obeikan COO, Abdelghany Eladib, said: “This marks an exciting milestone for our partnership with Pioneer Foods. Together, we create more innovative, sustainable and differentiated products to bring quality food and beverages to the market.
“The region’s population is undergoing a major shift in demographics and a rapid urbanisation. Consumer spending in Africa is projected to reach $2.1-trillion by 2025. These strong structural fundamentals are driving consumer demand in the food and beverages sector.
“On-the-go consumption is the new trend in the ever-changing fast consumer lifestyles. The differentiation, the volume and product flexibility of the combismile pack makes it an attractive solution for our partner to respond to regional market needs.”
SIG said that the combismile is produced using paperboard made of pulp from trees from FSC-certified, responsibly-managed forests and other controlled sources.
Pioneer Foods CEO, Tertius Carstens, said: “SIG has been an integral partner in bringing this innovative product to the market in the MEA region.
“As we look to accelerate our growth and expand by boosting our go-to-market capabilities and portfolio, combismile represents a differentiated product allowing us to greater scale our offerings in Africa.”
Seperately, SIG has introduced a new closure, named combiMaxx, for easy opening and superior pouring of beverages.
The combiMaxx, which has a pouring diameter of 25mm, features highly visible, a tamper-evidence ring which is designed to ensure that the package has not already been opened.
Source: SIG Combibloc Group