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See-through applesauce pouches from Tree Top (Yakima, WA) allow parents and children to see it before they squeeze it.

Rick Lingle, Senior Technical Editor

December 7, 2017

3 Min Read
First clear applesauce pouches introduced

Consumers are keenly interested in packaged food transparency both figuratively and literally. Combined with convenience that has defined packaging from the beginning, that desire has led Tree Top (Yakima, WA) to kick applesauce packaging up a notch with a new, innovative design that allows people to see into the pouch before they eat from it.

The new line-up that includes six varieties of healthy, on-the-go fruit pouches is the first transparent pouch in the applesauce category. They replace opaque pouches used for the line prior (see image at right), Tree Top spokesperson Sharon Miracle informs PlasticsToday, and are initially being rolled out for restaurant foodservice distribution.

"As the mother of three school-aged children, I want to know that I am giving them the best food to eat," says Brooke Goodrich, Marketing Manager at Tree Top. "I love the convenience of the on-the-go fruit pouches, but I didn't like not being able to see what was inside the pouch before giving it to my kids. Product packaging isn't 100% fail proof and when a pouch seal isn't perfect the food inside can spoil and that's just gross. The new see-through pouch is clearly better because it means my family can see it before they squeeze it and that gives me confidence in what I am feeding my children."

The products are made from 100% USA Apples from the local orchards of the Cooperative's nearly 900 grower-owners along with other fruits and with no artificial ingredients.

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PlasticsToday asked if Tree Top would credit the pouch supplier. “We work with a number of packaging suppliers across the Tree Top lines and for the clear pouch, we chose Sonoco (Hartsville, SC ) as a new supplier to develop it with us," Miracle responds.

Applesauce pouches were instantly popular when first introduced. Convenient, fun and less messy—the on-the-go fruit pouches were a big hit with families. Like all packaging, if the seal is compromised air can get in and ruin the good food inside. With clear pouches consumers now have a choice and can see what they're eating without any surprises to spoil their tasty, fun experience.

"This new pouch mirrors our corporate belief in transparency, honesty and trust," says Tom Hurson, Tree Top President and CEO. "Everyone deserves good food and we developed the new, clear pouches to return power to people by allowing them to see our quality product before consuming it. We want everyone to have a great experience with our fruit products and it's nice to bring a little more clarity and goodness to the world of food."

Tree Top's new, clear pouches come in six flavors, Apple, Cinnamon, Strawberry, Mango, Tropical and Mixed Berry and are available in the popular 3.2-oz pouch at several restaurant chains including Arby's, Shari's, Sonic Drive-Ins as well as on Alaska Airlines. In early 2018, consumers will also be able to find the clear applesauce pouches in either 12- or four-count boxes in retail stores throughout the western United States. 

About the Author(s)

Rick Lingle

Senior Technical Editor, Packaging Digest and PlasticsToday

Rick Lingle is Senior Technical Editor, Packaging Digest and PlasticsToday. He’s been a packaging media journalist since 1985 specializing in food, beverage and plastic markets. He has a chemistry degree from Clarke College and has worked in food industry R&D for Standard Brands/Nabisco and the R.T. French Co. Reach him at [email protected] or 630-481-1426.

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