Close×

With the popularity of sweet potatoes continuing to grow steadily in Australia, McCain Foods is introducing new oven-baked chips to the freezer aisle of supermarkets.

A 30 per cent increase in sales in the 12 months ending in September 2018 spurred the frozen food manufacturer to respond with the launch of a sweet potato alternative to oven-baked potato chips.

With a combination described as sweet and crispy, the new Sweet Potato Cross Trax features a criss-cross waffle pattern.

Marketed as a healthy alternative to French fries and thick-cut chips, McCain Foods ANZ marketing manager Allen Hunt says that sweet potato fervour is growing across Australia and the new Sweet Potato Cross Trax will give Australians a “double delight of flavour and texture in a crispy, slightly sweet chip”.

“The humble oven-baked potato chip is a favourite among Australian families, but we know consumers continually want more choices in flavour, shape and texture,” Hunt says. “These pub-style, highly dippable and loadable chips are a great side dish offering a wholesome alternative to the standard fry.”

McCain’s Sweet Potato Cross Trax chips are available at Coles and Metcash stores nationally for $4.99.

Packaging News

Australia's environment ministers have declared packaging reform urgent and named soft plastics as an initial priority, but offered no firm timetable or regulatory commitments. SPSA has welcomed the soft plastics focus, while Boomerang Alliance and WMRR have raised concerns about the lack of concrete action.

Economic analysis commissioned by SPSA estimates national recycling reforms could deliver up to $278m in net productivity gains and stimulate up to $2.6b in capital investment each year.

A cross-sector open letter is urging national leaders to agree on a pathway for regulated producer responsibility schemes at the September Environment Ministers Meeting.