Developing a lamination for microwave potatoes
Late in 2007 one of our largest fresh potato customers came
to us with a unique challenge. Wada Farms of Idaho Falls, ID
through our distributor Idaho Packaging asked us to develop a
package that would allow consumers to microwave two pounds of
potatoes for a ready-to-eat meal. This product was the first
of its kind for the potato industry, and Wada wanted to make sure
it got off on the correct path.
Our technical director Francisco Gamez worked with
Idaho Packaging to create the right package. Several different
laminate structures were studied for both their ability to
withstand the microwave and attract the consumer eye in the
supermarket. We also had to find a way to allow the steam
to escape from the package during eight minutes in the microwave.
If the laminate could not breathe in this fashion, the package
would not withstand the heating process. Both laser
microperforation and hot needle perforation were trialed, and hot
needle, thanks to the larger hole size, won the day.
Today you can buy Wada’s microwave potatoes in Kroger,
Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie locations across the country.