SIG Combibloc Obeikan (SIG CBOB) and Pioneer Foods, one of the largest South African producers and distributors of branded food and beverage products, have launched the first combismile carton pack in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

SIG CBOB, a joint venture between SIG Combibloc (Switzerland) and the Obeikan Investment Group (Saudi Arabia), is a leading systems and solutions provider for aseptic packaging and filling machines for food and beverages.

The packaging innovation of combismile offers Pioneer Foods the potential to access new market opportunities, fuel a wide demographic with on-the-go consumers and offer premium product differentiation across their portfolio, said a statement from the company.

SIG has developed combismile, a packaging solution for on-the-go consumption that offers volume and design flexibility as well as the drinksplus option that gives an additional health and nutritional value to beverages by adding fruit or vegetable particulates.

With its curved, modern shape and easy-grip corners, it allows for convenient consumption from the pack with a single-action closure that is leak-proof and tamper evident.

Furthermore, combismile is created using only paperboard made of pulp from trees from FSCTM-certified (Forest Stewardship Council – FSCTM trademark licence code: FSCTM C020428), responsibly managed forests and other controlled sources. It is proven to be among the most environmentally-friendly packaging solutions.

Abdelghany Eladib, chief operating officer, SIG CBOB, said: “Together, we create more innovative, sustainable and differentiated products to bring quality food and beverages to the market.”

“The region’s population is undergoing a major shift in demographics and a rapid urbanisation. Consumer spending in Africa is projected to reach $2.1 trillion by 2025. These strong structural fundamentals are driving consumer demand in the food and beverages sector,” he said.

Tertius Carstens, CEO of Pioneer Foods, said: “SIG has been an integral partner in bringing this innovative product to the market in the MEA region.”