WICHITA, Kan. – Starting January 2017, Cargill Inc. will roll out its EZ Peel packaging for 1-lb. ground beef chub products. Cargill is the first beef processor to offer the new technology developed by Neenah, Wisconsin-based Bemis Company Inc. The development of the packaging is the result of a 2015 Cargill consumer study that revealed 57 percent of respondents wanted easier-opening packaging that wouldn’t require them to touch raw meat.
“We know that consumer desires are changing and our team is diligently working to provide innovative solutions to meet these desires. The new EZ Peel packaging is just one of the latest innovations in Cargill’s ground beef products,” said Katie Blick-White, brand manager for Cargill’s Our Certified ground beef line. “The traditional chub packaging has not been modified for a long time, so this is the first major change to the packaging in years. We’re listening to consumers and want to provide convenience for their home cooking experience, while also maintaining our reputation for delivering high quality, fresh, nutritious and flavorful meat. Limiting the need to handle raw ground beef also enhances the food safety aspect of meal preparation.”
The EZ Peel packaging is an updated version of the company’s current 1-lb. ground beef chub packaging and will be offered in a variety of lean points grinds such as chuck, sirloin and round.
“We want to provide consumers with choices in the meat case that meet their desires and through ongoing consumer research, our goal is to become their preferred ground beef source,” said Blick-White.
