SUPPLY CHAIN of packaging redmeat Reinventing the traditional tray The plastic meat tray and “Consumers can easily soaker pad combination inspect the thickness, and three-layer plastic fat content, marbling and vacuum skin packs could colour before purchase. one day disappear from supermarket shelves. “New local and international Another MLA-supported export opportunities project uses zero-scrap have emerged through packaging technology. this innovative packaging concept, in which meat not The Darfresh® ‘on board’ only stays fresher longer, the packaging uses a board packaging is environmentally MLA’s Chef Sam Burke demonstrating ‘hot fridge’ red meat concepts. made from paper pulp. The friendly and it offers fantastic meat sits directly on the board messaging opportunities to Beyond the supermarket shelf and is vacuum-sealed with consumers,” Patrick said. Hot fridge stats: plastic to seal in freshness MDC continues to Red meat can be an and extend shelf life. expensive protein for partner with red meat foodservice outlets to serve, Globally, red meat sales could “This technology uses 70% value chains, including so MLA Donor Company less plastic than standard Retail Ready Operations, (MDC) is investing in trays,” Michael said. through the co-innovation solutions to optimise shelf program, developing life and reduce markdowns This packaging is already innovative solutions to help to keep red meat on menus being trialled in-store at companies achieve their throughout the world. increase by Coles, after Retail Ready sustainability targets. ■ $380 million Operations became the first Equipment manufacturer Australian company to try Michael Lee Evereo has developed if hot fridge technology Darfresh® on board. E: mlee@mla.com.au a food preserver called is widely adopted Retail Ready Operations ‘Meal Me’, which adapts Supply Chain and Transition Turn to page 46 to see combination oven cooking In Australia, if 25% of restaurants Manager, Patrick Youil, Michael’s ‘Industry to develop ‘hot fridge’ and aged care facilities and said the response from Insider’ profile. technology. This presents 10% of fuel stations adopted a consumers has been positive. Corumat meat tray: red meat as a true ‘grab and red meat grab-and-go product, mla.com.au/corumat‑ go’ product range, increasing it would generate approximately “This new packaging instils meat‑tray the value of secondary cuts consumer confidence when Hot fridge technology: and positioning red meat as selecting meat, as the clear mla.com.au/hot‑fridge a convenience protein. film offers a front and side “Unlike the traditional view of the meat. cook–chill process for $150 million ready meals, the hot fridge safely preserves food for in sales up to three days at the temperature it needs to be The electricity bills of small served at,” Michael said. retail outlets using the hot “Combining the quality of fridge technology were slow-cooked meats with the efficiency of fast service can unlock new opportunities for red meat, reduce food waste and ultimately increase the profitability of the red reduced by approximately meat industry.” $400/month Merchandised Coles Graze beef range prepared by Retail ReadyOperations using Darfresh® on board packaging. MDC is working with food companies to develop a Source: MLA project V.RMH.0093 red meat range of products final report: Preliminary evaluation of red meat in Meal Me using the hot fridge. (hot fridge technology) 39