In the 1950s the practice of vacuum packing was created by a German inventor named Karl Busch, who began using it to extend the shelf life of his meat products. Today, vacuum packaging with different vacuum bags is commonly used by butchers across Australia and New Zealand to extend the shelf life of a variety of products and direct-to-dinner table ready-to-eat meals.
It’s not only useful when storing meats though – dry food such as cereals, nuts and cheeses also benefit from the extended shelf-life offered by vacuum packaging. So, let’s look at all the benefits for both the butcher and their customers when it comes to vacuum packaging produce.
Helps produce stay fresher for longer
The air is removed from the bag preventing bacteria and mold growth. Instead of lasting days, with the correct storage your food can last up to a couple of weeks and preserve almost all foods (including fresh chicken, beef and lamb) for 2-5 times longer than alternative packaging methods.
Protects Food & Retains Freshness
Vacuum sealing, also known as Reduced Oxygen Packaging (ROP), works by reducing product exposure to oxygen and limiting the potential growth of bacteria. The environment created in the vacuum seal is what’s known as an anaerobic environment, which is described as: an environment where there is the absence of free oxygen.
This environment also inhibits the process of food spoilage because it prevents volatile components from getting evaporated. It also protects against other aspects of food spoilage such as freezer burn. Vacuum packaging acts as a barrier against the elements and protects product against discoloration, sliminess and any unwanted flavours from getting into the package.
Extends Product Ranges
The ability to create “ready-to-eat” meals to offer customers is on the table with the introduction of vacuum packaging – and offering a wider range of products to consumers is a key way to stay on top for any business. So, consider vacuum packaging meal-sized portions that will stay fresh until customers are ready to cook them for themselves, family and friends.
Another aspect of supplying family and individual meal sized meat parcels to your customers also allows them to grab the portion of fresh or from the freezer and start cooking. They can easily sous vide within the vacuum bag or open and cook in an alternate method.
Efficiency and Organisation
Vacuum packaging produce means that the packages will also take up less space in your fridge or freezer – allowing you to easily see and access your stock.
Saves You Money
By protecting the food and reducing what goes into the bin you can save on the loss that occurs when food spoils.
Vacuum packaging provides a host of benefits to businesses that use them, making clean and fresh presentation easy and accessibly. From fresh to frozen, butchers display’s can only be improved by their use across a variety of meat products including fresh poultry, seafood, beef, lamb and even vegetables.
