HYBRID DRINKS
Combidome carton bottle makes a splash SIG Combibloc Obeikan and the Zaki Group have launched a first in UHT liquid dairy – the one-litre combidome carton pack – in the Middle East and Africa. Food Review looks at this innovative technology and how it can impact the local market.
T
he new premium family-size pack
witnessed an increase in demand for
under the Qirat Iraq brand will
family-size shelf-stable milk since the
cater for three product categories:
COVID-19 pandemic started together with
full fat, low fat and fat free white
an increased global demand1. As families
milk. This announcement represents a
are staying safe at home, purchases
continuation of the group’s strategy after
have been focused on shelve-stocking of
the recent launch of its first single-serve
milk products.”
dairy product in the region. Bahaa Zeidan, general manager of the
He adds, “We firmly believe combidome is an excellent fit for the company’s ideas.
Zaki Group, says, “With our new packs,
For the UHT filling of products, the packs
we are presenting UHT milk products that
must meet the highest requirements for
are unique and premium – shifting our
sterile use. Germs can reproduce much
strategy to cater to growing demand in
more readily in a low-acid environment
family-sized products.”
such as milk than they can in a product like
Combidome is an innovative pack
juice. The filling machines for combidome
that looks and handles like a bottle
and the corresponding carton packs take
while offering the benefits of a carton
this into account, so manufacturers can
pack with regards to environmental
flexibly fill all kinds of beverages.”
and logistical advantages. The aseptic process ensures that consumers can rely on high-quality, tasty beverages with natural nutrients, vitamins, flavours and colours. The carton structure blocks light and air. This ensures that products can be stored for a long time without refrigeration or preservatives.
COMBINED EXPERTISE MOVES FUTURE PACKAGING Established in 2001, the joint venture is a result of the shared vision of SIG Combibloc (Switzerland) and the Obeikan Investment Group (Saudi Arabia) to offer total aseptic packaging system solutions and tailored customer support to the food and beverage industry across the Middle East and Africa. The combined expertise of the two companies has enabled SIG Combibloc Obeikan to offer the very best in technology to the region and further strengthened its position as a total aseptic packaging solutions provider. With nine offices located strategically across MEA and a state-of-the-art production facility in Riyadh, the companies retain its fundamental purpose: to offer worldclass products and services while understanding first-hand the local needs and requirements of customers and the market they operate in. SIG Combibloc Obeikan’s portfolio of clients contains some of the biggest brands within the long life milk and juice market segments.
“The market launch of milk beverages in combidome marks a milestone in this
Combidome, the carton bottle from
market with locally produced products.
SIG, combines the best features of a
We are confident that by choosing
carton pack with the best features
combidome, we are setting ourselves
of a bottle, making it different from
up for clear differentiation in the dairy
anything seen before in food packaging.
segment with high-quality products
In 2014, the exceptional design of
specially localised for our customers,”
combidome was recognised with one
Zeidan points out.
of the world’s most important design
Zaki Group’s partnership with SIG
accolades: the iF Design Award. The
Combibloc Obeikan is growing steadily.
carton pack’s remarkable design also
The group benefits from the full flexibility
creates numerous logistical advantages
of existing lines with a vast and varied
with which substantial savings can be
portfolio that includes 13 single-serve sizes
achieved in total system costs. •
(from 80ml to 350ml), and three family-size packs (500ml, 750ml and 1000ml). Abdelghany Eladib, chief operating
Sources: 1. COVID-19 Effect on Packaged Food Study – from Euromonitor International, April 2020.
officer, SIG Combibloc Obeikan, explains, “Zaki Group is a partner that continues to grow and expand while launching new products that should be accompanied by the best innovative solutions. We have
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Food Review | July 2020
There has been a marked increase in shelf-stable milk demand since the COVID-19 outbreak
SIG Combibloc Obeikan – www.sig.com
