Tetra Pak launches aseptic gourmet sauces

Tetra Pak, the global leader in liquid food processing and packaging, has launched the first ever aseptically packaged hollandaise sauce and creme brulee, packaged in the 32-oz Tetra Brik Aseptic carton.

Chef Creations, the wholesale division of Culinary Concepts, introduced the gourmet products in August 2003, providing restaurants and other foodservice operators with packaged products that require little preparation time.

For foodservice establishments, creme brulee and hollandaise sauce can consume a significant amount of preparation time and labour. In fact, not all operations have the time, manpower or kitchen space to make these such dishes available, while ensuring flavour and freshness and meeting rigorous food safety standards. Now, with Tetra Pak's aseptic packaging technology, Chef Creations can provide foodservice operators with a simple, time-saving solution for serving up these creamy classics with a fresh taste.

The Tetra Brik Aseptic carton is said to lock in "from scratch" flavour and freshness without the need for additives or preservatives. In addition, products in aseptic packaging may be stored and delivered to foodservice establishments across the nation without refrigeration, which provides savings because there is no need for costly chilled distribution.

"Aseptic packaging technology has its advantages on many different levels,"​ said Chris Fabbri, foodservice director at Tetra Pak. "Our technology is proven to allow even the most delicate ingredients to remain fresh and delicious for up to 10 months without refrigeration or preservatives."​

Chef Creations worked closely with Tetra Pak's research and development department in its Pilot Plant in Texas, US, to develop these products. With egg or dairy as a primary ingredient in the recipes, the partners had to go through multiple stages of product formulation and testing to ensure the best quality and taste in a convenient, shelf-stable package.

"Our chef experts make food like a gourmet would - with all natural products and no additives or preservatives,"​ explained Hal Valdes, president of Culinary Concepts. "The determining factor in choosing Tetra Pak as a partner was ensuring our products retain their high-quality nature from production to consumption."​

The products will be distributed by Sysco initially to restaurants and operations in Florida and throughout the southeastern US. The company also says that plans are being made to expand distribution throughout the US market in the near future.

Established in the US in 1977, Tetra Pak​ develops, produces and markets complete processing and packaging solutions, and commits to making food safe and available everywhere. Known for its aseptic processing and packaging solutions, the company is also a provider of plastic bottling solutions and provides systems engineering, packaging materials, technical field services and spare parts support.

For further information about Tetra Pak's US operations please contact Jennifer Duff​.