Pioneer Foods launches new SIG Combismile packaging

This packaging solution is made by SIG and includes design and manufactured components from Germany, the US, China and Italy.

The first machine of its kind in Africa, the Combismile has a remarkable output of 24 000, 200ml packs per hour, which is almost three times faster than older technology lines.

Pioneer Foods supply chain executive for Groceries, Franco Weyers, says, “The Combismile production run at the Ceres factory in Gauteng is now far more efficient and cost-effective.”

Ceres Fruit Juices is committed to minimising and managing its environmental impact wherever possible. The Combismile pack is made from sustainable plant-based packaging, placing it among the most environmentally friendly packaging solutions available. The packs are recyclable and the layered carton includes plastic and cardboard with an inner foil to prevent oxidation. This allows the juice to remain sterile at ambient temperatures for one year. With its curved, modern shape, the carton is easy to grip and allows for convenient consumption.

“From a logistics perspective, we’re able to optimise palletisation by accommodating more units on a truck. This means less damage to our roads and fewer carbon emissions,” Weyers points out.

The Combismile unit will initially produce the 200ml fruit juice pack but is fully adjustable to also produce other pack sizes with ease.

“The machine has been in production since September 2019 and so far, we have reduced wastage substantially,” Weyers explains. “We are achieving excellent filling accuracy on this line, which translates into further benefits.”

What does this investment mean within the context of the fourth industrial revolution?

The fourth industrial revolution has made access to information very easy. And this information plays an important role when it comes to product design. Innovation allows companies to conduct extensive market research and develop products where guesswork is eliminated.

“With this investment, we are ensuring that our factories are equipped with the right machines and processes and our workers are highly skilled and ready for what the future holds,” enthuses Martin Neethling, Groceries business executive at Pioneer Foods.

“There is a growing trend in the industry where the consumer is becoming brand agnostic. They are no longer loyal to a brand that their parents and grandparents were loyal to. The modern consumer is loyal to a brand that keeps its promises and has a product that is superior to others that exist in the market. This is the other benefit that this investment will give Pioneer Foods. It will give us the confidence to know that we have the best-quality product and that consumers will remain loyal to Ceres, not because of family history, but because our brand truly understands its consumers and continuously adapts to their changing needs.”

This investment is important for Pioneer Foods because the company believes that if it invests during tough economic times, it will be well-positioned to take advantage of increased demand when the economy is achieving the growth it wants. “We also strongly believe in investing in people and giving people a life purpose through job creation and the Ceres Fruit Swirl is a fusion of juice and filtered water with up to 50% less sugar, and Ceres Tomato Cocktail is the latest vegetable juice in its stable.