As indicated in POSTS in the 1200 to 1250 range on the SI Board, a few investors received initial samples.
A review of these posts indicate that there might have been a few minor problems with respect to the packaging (ie: initial product run).
POST 1209 dated July 30 by Gambler indicates this much (ie: minor adjustments to be made).
In POST 1727 dated August 26, AC Flyer indicated (via Jean-Pierre Perrault) "Sweet-Ripe has been producing BrainForest on one machine, but not in volume to date". "...two Volpak machines will be installed and operating at Sweet-Ripe as of today." (Aug. 26).
A couple of things to note. 1. Sounds like the adjustments have been made and minor problems corrected. 2. Sounds like the remaining samples to investors will be recieved in the near term (2 to 4 weeks?)
From what I have been able to gather from the lawsuit settlement with Kraft (please correct if mistaken) is that TCBG has the ability to produce and manufacture the stand up pouch, however, within certain guidelines. One is that TCBG can not use foil and as such, uses PET film. Other differences might exists.
My question is whether or not TCBG can produce stand up pouches with a "straw attached"? Or is its use of the stand up pouch limited to a "built in straw" system? Exactly how much room to maneuver, as they say, does TCBG have in regards to the stand up pouch?
Another question is for those investors who have received samples to date. On the Stock Profiles web site, there are pictures of both the pouch and box containing the pouches. There is one picture showing the straw in an upright position after having torn the scored corner of the package.
What is the process to the consumer of getting the straw up through the pouch? A previous post indicated that there are both written and drawn directions explaining this process. Can someone elaborate in greater detail? Lacking a sample product myself, I'm curious as to the process and ease of the process.
In general matters, the built in straw system renders more uses of the product as opposed to the straw attached pouches. These pouches come across as great vending machine products. Able to stack them in a compact manner where and with the built in straw, better suited for such a purpose. When targeted toward kids, these pouches make great lunch bag and back pak stuffers. In the area of back pack stuffers, and because of the built in straw system, there are military and camping uses. A review of the conference call notes via posts on SI will reveal a host of other potential uses/markets.
In a previous post, I went through the process of inserting a straw into a "box" product of Juicy Juice. More recently, I have spent some time observing the Kraft/CapriSun pouch. I arrived at a few comments I would like to direct toward management:
1. CapriSun came in a box containing 10 pouches. This box was cumbersome to carry. The two holes to be punched so as to create a carry handle proved adequate. However, and by inserting the fingers to carry the box, a couple of the pouches were pinched. Can a better carry handle be designed, implemented in regards to the box?
2. The Kraft/CapriSun box opened on the sides and once opened, created a hazard of reaching into the box to retrieve a pouch. The card board flaps got in the way and the corners, sharp angles scratched the hand. Can TCBG arrive at a perforated box containing these pouches that if/once placed either horizontal and or on its side in the refrigerator, can then be torn to more easily retrieve the pouches?
3. Any thought given to a "pouch stand" that can be placed in the refrigerator? I for one like to have a variety of flavors at my disposal. I can't place three boxes in the refrigerator (not enough space). On the bottom shelve, however, is some room where I can take the pouches out and place them horizontal to the back of the refrigerator. I have enough room to do at least three levels/layers if not more. What about a promotion for a "pouch stand" like a mail in offer?
4. I have to have one of them TCBG racing hats!
KSully |
