AMVAC’s New
Vacuum Skin Package “See the Freshness!” Tastes Better
Preferred Appearance
Easy Open
Leak Proof
Environmentally Freindly
Freezer Ready
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No Shrink!
See the Benefits
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As case ready experts we have developed a new packaging format for fresh meat. It is a vacuum skin package that maintains the fresh red color that consumers prefer. Our AMVAC Premium line of fresh meat products are offered in this packaging format. Merchandisers and their customers can capitalize on the following benefits:
No Shrink
A good merchandiser can virtually eliminate shrink because the consumer preferred red color lasts a long time.
Preferred Appearance
The meat maintains a brighter red color than other vacuum packaging formats.
Tastes Better
The package is a barrier to atmospheric oxygen and thereby prevents oxidation. Meat that has no oxidation tastes better.
Leak-Proof
Unlike the PVC wrapped tray of a motherbag format, juices will not leak from this package and contaminate other products or surfaces.
Easy-Open
Knife-less, easy-open package.
Freezer-Ready
This package is more freezer-friendly than other case-ready packaging formats. It can go directly into the freezer without repackaging. There is no loss of freshness, risk of freezer burn or other quality deterioration.
Environmentally Friendly
Our unique Vacuum Skin Package with the recyclable/reusable tray, takes up less space for shipping and storing.
AMVAC Brands, a division of Deli Star Corporation 2516 Main Ave., Fayetteville, IL 62258. 877-677-2282
Experience AMVAC
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Bulk Grinds 1 lb. 80% Lean Ground Beef 1 lb. 80% Lean 50/50 Ground Beef & Pork
Pub Burgers 80% Lean 50/50 Ground Beef & Pork Two 5.5 oz. Patties per Tray
Pub Sliders 80% Lean 50/50 Ground Beef & Pork Six 2 oz. Patties per Tray
Flavor Options Cheddar Mushroom & Swiss Jalapeno & Cheddar Bacon & Onion Whiskey Peppercorn Corned Beef (All Beef) Ground Pork Ham Burger (All Pork) Italian Swiss Other
For additional information contact Tom Wuller tomwuller@amvacpackaging.com AMVAC Brands, a division of Deli Star Corporation 2516 Main Ave., Fayetteville, IL 62258. 877-677-2282
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FAQ Sheet: A Fresh Meat Program
FAQ Sheet: A Fresh Meat Program
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Under our AMVAC Premium Brand we are introducing a line of “case ready� fresh meat products. Case ready refers to the process where fresh meat is packed at a central facility and distributed to stores ready for display. In the United States, nearly three-quarters of meats found in the meat case are now centrally packaged. We have developed a new type of packaging that better protects meat freshness and color than other case ready packaging formats. Since the meat is protected better, it stays fresh longer. The longer shelf life enables smaller retailers such as convenient stores to offer fresh meat.
All of our products are packaged under USDA inspection. The products shown here were chosen for their popularity and versatility. We believe these products will enable the retailer to achieve appropriate margins while offering their customers an attractive price. Recognizing the consumers demand for more variety and willingness try new products we can also customize our products with a number of flavor options. This offers the retailer the ability to run limited time or quarterly flavor promotions. This document provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding these new products. Questions are organized according to the following headings: New Type of Package; Handling Procedures; and Merchandising Tips.
AMVAC Brands, a division of Deli Star Corporation 2516 Main Ave., Fayetteville, IL 62258. 877-677-2282
FAQ Sheet: A Fresh Meat Program
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New Type of Package
Our packaging format is comprised of a clear flexible film that is heat sealed around the meat onto a rigid black plastic tray. Further, the meat is packaged under vacuum which slows down bacterial spoilage so that the freshness lasts much longer than conventionally packaged fresh meat. Vacuum packaging protects fresh meat to deliver the longest display life of any type of case ready packaging. How are these different from the ones at grocery stores? When fresh meat is cut at a grocery store and displayed in a meat case it is commonly packaged by wrapping a stretch film around a foam tray as shown in the adjacent photo. Consumers associate it with freshness because the meat blooms to a red color from exposure to oxygen. However, shelf life is less than 4 or 5 days.
Typical Grocery Store Package What are the consumer benefits of our new type of package? The consumer benefits in several ways: Fresh appeal: The meat has the fresh red color consumers expect. Extended shelf life: The consumer can keep the product in their refrigerator for a longer time before freezing or using thereby providing flexibility in meal planning and preparation. Freezer-ready: This vacuum package can go directly from the shopping bag into the freezer or from the refrigerator into the freezer without repackaging or the risk of freezer burn. Improved quality: The package is a barrier to atmospheric oxygen and thereby prevents oxidation. Meat that has no oxidation tastes better. Less leakage: FreshCaseÂŽ packaging is heat sealed. There is little chance of leaking packages in the bag, in the refrigerator or on the kitchen shelf. Convenience: The clear top film peels easily from any of its four corners. Safety: The packaging is leak proof so juices that may harbor bacteria do not contaminate other products or counter tops. The rigid tray with its easy open design allows the consumer to prepare it without touching. AMVAC Brands, a division of Deli Star Corporation 2516 Main Ave., Fayetteville, IL 62258. 877-677-2282
FAQ Sheet: A Fresh Meat Program
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Can you freeze the package and how does freezing affect the product? Meat packaged with this technology is freezer-ready. The vacuum package will prevent freezer burn and the barrier properties will prevent oxygen from reacting with fat in the meat, minimizing any oxidative rancidity that causes bad flavors. Unlike conventionally packaged meat, the fresh red meat color is stable after freezing and thawing. How does the consumer know when the product is spoiled? The consumer is able to rely on spoilage indicators such as off odor, gassing or bad flavor. Further, the USDA requires each package to be labeled with “Use by or Freeze by� date. What happens to the color when the product is frozen? Unlike product exposed to oxygen, the consumer preferred red color remains red. Product exposed to oxygen, such as PVC wrapped foam trays, oxidize after freezing and can become freezer burned. How long will these packages last in the display case? Following recommending handling procedures, the products are guaranteed to remain fresh for 14 days from the time they are thawed.
Handling Procedures The bottom of each tray is fully labeled with all required USDA information including the name, weight, nutrition facts and safe handling procedures. AMVAC Premium labels are available for the front of each package or a private store brand label can be applied. How are the products delivered? The products will be delivered frozen and should be immediately stored frozen.
AMVAC Brands, a division of Deli Star Corporation 2516 Main Ave., Fayetteville, IL 62258. 877-677-2282
FAQ Sheet: A Fresh Meat Program
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How do I thaw the products? Generally, it only requires a few hours to thaw in the display case. Alternatively, it can be thawed overnight in the cooler. Are there any additional labeling requirements? The product must be labeled with a Use by Freeze by (UBFB) date of 14 days from thawing. What does the “Use By Freeze By” date mean? “Use by" is intended to assure consistent food quality. This type of dating provides guidance to the consumer, but the guidelines are somewhat loose. Products can last longer than the "use by" date, depending on how the product is handled and stored. Foods labeled "use or freeze by," mean that you can freeze them for a period of time after that date. What happens if a package is not sold by the Use by Freeze by date? The package should be removed from the fresh display and re-frozen. Can these products be re-frozen? If so, how long will they last after thawing? Yes, since there is no oxygen, they can be re-frozen for more than one year without harming quality. Product should be labeled “Re-Frozen Use Immediately after Thawing”. Does it matter what temperature they are stored? Temperature control is critical both when the product is frozen and thawed for display. Storage and display cooler temperatures should be carefully monitored. In the event of temperature abuse by equipment failure relocate product immediately. Generally, it only requires a few hours to thaw in the display case. Alternatively, it can be thawed overnight in the cooler. Are there any additional labeling requirements? The product must be labeled with a Use by Freeze by (UBFB) date of 14 days from thawing.
AMVAC Brands, a division of Deli Star Corporation 2516 Main Ave., Fayetteville, IL 62258. 877-677-2282
FAQ Sheet: A Fresh Meat Program
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Merchandising Tips Managing inventory and keeping shelves stocked with product in a neat organized manner are the best tips for effective merchandising. Since the product is frozen, the new stock should be rotated into the display behind the existing thawed product. Within several hours its color blooms to the preferred red color and the frost disappears. However, it is important to minimize losses that occur from out of date stock. What is a good option for building customer awareness? In store demos are an effective way to build awareness. A “George Foreman” type grill is an excellent way to cook these products for in store tasting. How can we use these products to increase the customers “market basket”? Suggestive selling is an excellent way to increase a customer’s purchase. Buns, condiments, chips and beverage are all great items to “suggest” to the customer when they are purchasing one of the fresh meat products. What about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)? Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) provides an opportunity for convenience stores. AMVAC meats would be one of the qualifying foods for home preparation and consumption that a store must sell to be eligible. The USDA and FNS have proposed new eligibility standards for the SNAP program, would the AMVAC products still qualify? Even if the new rules pass, as they have been proposed, AMVAC products would be counted in a staple food category and would go toward retailers “depth of stock” requirements. Is anyone else using this package technology? Numerous meat packaging companies and retail stores are using this technology throughout the United States. The Kwik Trip chain in Wisconsin sells fresh meat in over 400 stores using this film technology.
AMVAC Brands, a division of Deli Star Corporation 2516 Main Ave., Fayetteville, IL 62258. 877-677-2282
FAQ Sheet: A Fresh Meat Program
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Can these trays be re-used? The tray is comprised of crystalized polyester (CPET) classified as #1 on the recyclability scale. They can be reused by the consumer and are dishwasher safe, microwavable and oven ready. Will the customer notice any differences when they cook or eat these products? The removal of air during the vacuum packaging process, especially of softer products like ground beef and brats, sometimes can give the meat a compressed look but has no impact on freshness or quality. When browning a package of ground beef, the same vacuuming process can cause the meet to crumble in larger pieces than conventionally packaged product. In general, these vacuum packaged products have a denser meatier bite.
AMVAC Brands, a division of Deli Star Corporation 2516 Main Ave., Fayetteville, IL 62258. 877-677-2282