Crown’s Single-Serve Can Offers Convenience and Differentiation for Cat Food Products

Philadelphia, PA – November 9, 2011. An increased desire from European consumers for pet food that meets optimal nutritional requirements has led to the introduction of many new value-added cat food products in the market, with premium options accounting for a third of launches in 2010, according to a report from Mintel. To help manufacturers meet the growing demand for upmarket cat food, the 85g package from CROWN Food Europe – Cans and Closures, a business unit of Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Crown) (www.crowncork.com), delivers greater convenience to consumers through single-serve portions while also ensuring shelf differentiation for manufacturers.

“Consumers are paying greater attention to the overall health and wellness of their families, and that mindset has extended to their beloved cats,” said Ana Neale, Marketing Director, CROWN Food Europe – Cans and Closures. “This desire for cat food with higher nutritional value has led many brands to launch premium products, including lines that are natural or organic, focus on special diet needs or contain health-fortifying ingredients. Since consumers are often paying more for these products, it’s critical that the packaging delivers value on multiple levels. Along with protecting the quality and taste of these upscale products, it should also respond to consumer demands for convenience and environmentally friendly packaging.”

Crown’s 85g container can help manufacturers address all of these demands.  For example, the superior barrier characteristics of metal packaging protect the nutritional value of cat food and extend shelf life. In addition, the small container is ideal for single-serving sizes, helping consumers control the portions they feed to their cats and minimize waste.

Manufacturers such as New Pet Food Italia, a European private label pet food producer, have seen a growing demand for single-serve cans from both retailers and consumers. “For consumers, the small, single-portion can combined with premium quality ingredients goes a long way towards making them feel like they’ve chosen the right food for their pets,” said Giorgio Ceresa, Sales Director, New Pet Food Italia. “It is for this reason that in Italy, for instance, we were asked to introduce these cans as an alternative to formats such as pouches, to ensure that the retailer can offer customers a choice of products on the shelf.”

For added convenience, the containers are compatible with Crown’s range of easy-open ends, including its Easylift^® easy-open ends that offer improved tab access, and its PeelSeam™ peelable ends that enable smooth, easy and safe opening for consumers. 

Another benefit of Crown’s single-serve package is its sustainability profile. Metal is 100% and infinitely recyclable with absolutely no loss of quality or performance. In addition, the metal can is produced with over 50% recycled material and easily recovered and recycled from household waste streams.

About Crown Holdings, Inc.

Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies around the world. World headquarters are located in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, visit www.crowncork.com.

For more information, contact:

In Europe: Ana Neale, Marketing Director; Tel: +44 1235 402796; Email: Ana.NEALE@eur.crowncork.com

In the United States: Hella Gourven, Marketing Manager; Tel: (215) 698-6056; Email: hella.gourven@crowncork.com

For editorial inquiries: Thomas T. Fischer, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs; Tel: (215) 698-5266; Email: thomas.fischer@crowncork.com