A new range of meals developed especially for toddlers is benefiting from a convenient ambient packaging format supplied by RPC Bebo UK Corby.

Toddler Balance is Cow & Gate’s brand name for foods for ‘Stage 4’ feeding after 10 months old, a crucial period where babies’ tastes are evolving but who still need a carefully balanced, healthy and nutritional diet. The range includes a series of meals for lunches and dinners that offer exciting new tastes and textures.

Cow & Gate brand owner Danone required a pack format that would suit the feeding habits of toddlers and assist with the busy lifestyles of their parents. “As toddlers are more socially aware, they love joining in with family meal times, so we wanted something that they would be able to hold to facilitate self-feeding,” comments Maria Camacho, Senior Brand Manager, Cow & Gate. “Handles on either side encourage the toddler to grip the bowl directly to assist hand-to-eye co-ordination. At the same time, it was important that parents can quickly and easily heat the meal for consumption.”

A long ambient shelf-life was also essential, and RPC Bebo UK Corby was chosen for its expertise in barrier packaging. Its solution is the 230 ml Royale bowl, which meets all of Danone’s requirements. Thermoformed in clear PP/EVOH/PP, the bowl can either be microwaved or pan-heated, allowing feeding directly from the pack.

The Cow & Gate Toddler Balance meal range is available throughout the UK.

“We required packaging that would be fun while maintaining the great taste and nutritional value of the meals,” explains Maria Camacho. “RPC Bebo UK Corby’s convenient, exciting solution is ideal for both parents and toddlers.”