Promens Food Packaging UK has been working for a number of years with a major UK mussel processor to develop a new concept for packaging live mussels.
Historically, mussels in UK multiples can be found in two forms. Value added, cooked with wine sauces in vacuum pouches, ready for re-heating or alternatively, live mussels, in Nets, sold ‘over the fish counter’.
The challenge has been to change consumer thinking and present live mussels in a retail tray format, purchased from the aisle rather than at the fish counter.
Promens worked with the customer, providing Modified Atmosphere tray sealers and strong packaging suitable for containing and protecting the sharp shell edges. A modified atmosphere gas mix was developed to increase shelf life over and above the existing shelf life experienced with Nets. This is especially important when bearing in mind the mussels are weaker at certain times of the year.
The Promens system provides a longer shelf life to retailer and customer, especially during these weaker periods and presents the product beautifully for sale. The new mussel pack has been successfully launched with Morrisons and ASDA in 2007/8.
