RPC develops packaging for Sherbet Fountain revamp

Sherbet Fountain is well known for its distinctive paper packaging. In the original product, first tasted in 1925, the liquorice stick protruded from the pack.

Spirit of the old​

In the new version, the goal was to capture the spirit of the old pack, while meeting the requirements of modern retail and appealing to a new generation of sweet shoppers.
“Many people remember the old pack as a sweet icon from their childhood,”​ said Gill Lanty, head of marketing at Tangerine Confectionery, “but in order for the product to be here for another 84 years we knew that it needed to appeal to new generations. ​

Tangerine Confectionery decided to update the packaging but remain faithful to the original by maintaining the idea of licking the liquorice stick and dipping it into sherbet. For the design side of the project, Tangerine partnered with UK-based 'The SPIRIT of", but the new design then had to be brought to life.

The new packaging​

Within this brief, Tangerine’s one of the key objectives was to meet the safety and product quality requirements of leading retailers. This led to the creation of a robust pack that is sealable for tamper evidence and to prevent the powdered sherbet from escaping. The re-closeable pack also ensures the product stays fresher for longer, claimed RPC.

Plastic was deemed the ideal format for the re-launch and Tangerine turned to RPC Market Rasen to create the tube and lid.

As specialist in the manufacture of custom moulded packaging, RPC Market Rasen was well-placed to deliver on the brief, and being based in Britain, the choice helped Tangerine save on costs and minimise the environmental impact.

The injection moulded pack comprises two fully recyclable components – a PP tube and a black HDPE lid. The revamp is completed by printed shrink sleeves, manufactured by CCL Decorative Sleeves, which have a matt finish to mimic the texture of the original paper.