Iconic canned meat brand Spam is to launch a plastic container next month, the first move away from the traditional can packaging in 75 years for the famous tinned meat product.
The new resealable 200g plastic tub will be available in Tesco stores from July and in Asda stores from August. It will be rolled out across many other supermarkets in the coming months.
Spam brand owner Hormel Foods have described the new format as a 'good opportunity' to grow the existing canned meat category. According to Hormel Foods, recent consumer research had showed that older consumers sometimes struggle to open the existing can format. The manufacturer said, "The older generation is a key demographic for Spam Chopped Pork and Ham, as many have grown up with the brand and it’s hoped the new easy open format will encourage future purchase. The new format will also appeal to younger consumers who may not be used to buying canned meat.”Another key benefit to the new packaging format is less wastage, which is a key consideration for the growing singles market, according to the firm.
Spam was first invented in 1937 in the US but did not launch in the UK until 1941, where it was regarded as a luxury due to wartime rationing and food shortages. The Spam sold in the UK is manufactured by Hormel Foods' European partner, Tulip, which has a Warwick head office. (25 June)
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney
