Retail Display Trays (RDT packs)
are "non pressure packs" that is the carton
carries the load. Generally premium fruit is sold
in these packs and the RDT fits as a complete unit
onto supermarket shelves. These packs have either
one or two layers of fruit and contain around 12kg
(two layers) or 6kg (single layer) of fruit.
The RDT pack has a footprint
of 600 mm X 400 mm and in New Zealand is an open
top pack. (Photo 7). Designed for palletisation,
packs are generally machine erected at the packhouse
prior to being loaded with fruit. There are generally
65 RDT packs per pallet and cartons are designed
with interlocking lugs to provide extra stability
of the load. As with Z-packs, pallet loads are secured
with corner boards and straps for exporting.
Fibre trays for these packs fit neatly in the box
and are used in Retail Display packs around the
world. (Photo 8) Weighing in at around 115 grams
per tray the range of trays is from 20 pocket to
47 pocket. Fruit weights which can be accommodated
range from 370 grams to 95 grams per fruit.
Generally larger fruit (from 370 grams to 230 grams
per fruit) is packed in single layer Display packs.
Pears, Nashi, tomatoes and other fruits are displayed
in Retail Display packs from time to time.
The placement of fruit on the
tray is critical as the packer is the last person
to touch the fruit in a Retail Display pack prior
to the customer making a selection in-store. Fruit
orientation on the fibre tray in Retail Display
packs is critical to the appearance of the display.
Labels and fruit blush are normally presented upper
most with fruit being oriented in a uniform direction.
Photo 9 compares fruit attractively displayed on
the left with fruit packed carelessly.
RDT fibre trays made by Ludowici Packaging are made
with a deeper shade of colour to provide a more striking
contrast between fruit and background in store. To
add further impact to the fruit display, fruit wraps
and other promotional material can be used.
Coloured
fibre trays from Ludowici Packaging provide an eye catching
display on the supermarket shelf. Photos 10 and 11 give
a comparison between the traditional violet fibre tray
used internationally and a Ludowici black fibre tray.
The same apples were used on each tray. High colour
fruits have much more customer appeal when displayed
in black fibre trays.
Technical
information on tray usage is available from Ludowici
Packaging Australia Pty Ltd in Australia. Simply
phone, fax or email us.
