FPC Chupa Launches New Cut Fruit Container "AP Miel DP" with Superior Drip Retention

FPC Chupa Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), a manufacturer and seller of food containers, will launch the new cut fruit container "AP Miel DP Series," equipped with its proprietary "Drip Pocket®" technology on the bottom surface, which excels at retaining drips (fruit juice). This container combines functionality that reliably catches drips and maintains an attractive appearance with convenience for eating, while appealing to the color and freshness of the contents through its wide surface design.

Background of Development

In recent years, demand for cut fruit products with excellent convenience has been growing in the produce sections of supermarkets and mass retailers, driven by increasing health consciousness and the rise of single-person households and individual dining. Furthermore, the permeation of a lifestyle that emphasizes "time performance" (taipa) is further boosting demand for convenience, such as "easy to eat as is." On the other hand, many retailers have raised concerns that when selling cut fruit products, the fruit juice (drip) soaks into the flesh, damaging the appearance and diminishing the product's appeal.

In addition, amidst rising raw material costs, there is an increasing need for containers that can achieve both high quality and visibility while reducing the need for secondary materials such as inner trays.

To solve these challenges, we focused on "Drip Pocket®," a proprietary technology unique to the FPC Group that traps fruit juice by utilizing the micro-structure on the bottom surface. We have commercialized this technology into a new cut fruit container with a wide surface area, "AP Miel DP."

Four Features of "AP Miel DP"

Prominently Appeals to the Beauty of Contents with a Wide Surface Design

The adoption of a large, flat top surface design allows for strong appeal of the vibrant cross-sections and freshness of cut fruits on store shelves. It enables the presentation of freshness that catches the consumer's eye and enhances purchasing intent.

Reliably Catches Fruit Juice with "Drip Pocket®"

The special micro-structure applied to the bottom of the container reliably retains drips by utilizing the surface tension of the liquid. It maintains an attractive appearance, making it difficult for drips to move even when the container is tilted or inverted, reducing the risk of leakage during transport. This improves consumer convenience and satisfaction with hygiene.

Eliminates Hassle During Eating with Integrated Body/Lid + Perforations

The lid and body are integrally molded, simplifying inventory management. Additionally, the lid can be easily removed by tearing along the perforations. This prevents the lid from being a hindrance during eating and reduces the volume of the container after use, contributing to increased efficiency in collection and transportation, and promoting resource recycling.

Prevents Flavor and Color Transfer and Reduces Costs with Divider Type

The divider type suppresses flavor and color transfer when multiple types of fruits are packed in one container. It eliminates the need for an inner tray, reducing material costs while ensuring high visibility even through the dividers.

About the Proprietary Technology "Drip Pocket®"

"Drip Pocket®" is a technology that reliably catches drips by utilizing the surface tension of liquids through a special micro-structure applied to the bottom surface of the container.

This structure is designed to prevent drips from leaking even when the container is held and tilted diagonally. This prevents the flesh from soaking in the drips, reduces the risk of leakage during transport, and improves consumer convenience and satisfaction with hygiene.

Adopts Environmentally Friendly "Eco APET" Material

The "AP Miel DP" series uses Eco APET, an environmentally friendly material. Eco APET is made from recycled PET sheets produced by collecting used PET bottles and transparent containers and regenerating them using our proprietary technology. Compared to PET manufactured from virgin materials, it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions during manufacturing by approximately 30%. This significantly suppresses carbon dioxide emissions during the raw material manufacturing process and contributes to the realization of a sustainable society.

FPC Chupa positions the promotion of a circular economy as an important management issue and will work with customers to reduce environmental impact through the active use of Eco APET.

Product Lineup

AP Mellow DP14-14(50)DPAP Miel14-14-2(50)DPAP Miel15-15(50)DP

Future Outlook

The cut fruit market is expected to continue expanding, driven by increasing health consciousness and the rise of single-person households and individual dining. Coupled with the diversification of office lunch demands, expectations for high-value-added products that allow "easy nutrient intake" are growing. Dedicated cut fruit containers, such as "AP Miel DP," are precisely what respond to the modern lifestyle that emphasizes "taipa."

Looking ahead, while keeping in mind industry challenges such as rising raw material costs and stricter environmental regulations, we will continue to develop and propose containers utilizing environmentally friendly materials not only for cut fruits but also for a wide range of categories including salads and whole fruits. Through our containers, we aim to balance the rich food life of busy modern people with the protection of the global environment, contributing to the creation of next-generation food culture.

Company Overview

FPC Chupa Co., Ltd.

Location: Shinjuku Oak Tower 35F, 6-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-6035

Representative: Mitsushi Hirata, President and Representative Director

Established: October 1973

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of food containers. We develop and supply containers with low environmental impact for supermarkets and production areas, and aim to realize a sustainable society through proprietary recycling technologies such as "Tray to Tray" and "Bottle to Transparent Container."

Official Website: https://chupa.co.jp/

Web Catalog: https://chupa.co.jp/business/catalog/