Ruggles' New Cartons Driven by Consumer Preference

ORRVILLE, Ohio, Feb. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dairy Enterprises, Inc. announced today that Ruggles Premium Ice Cream can now be found in eye-catching new cartons that were designed to satisfy consumer preference. According to a consumer focus group, an easily identifiable flavor name topped the list of factors that make the purchase decision easier. The results showed that purchasers also want to see a description of what is in the carton.

Shape and size were important, too. Consumers said they liked a carton that would fit easily in freezer doors and could stack for convenient storage. They also asked for a lid that stayed tightly closed to keep the ice cream fresh. In the new design, Ruggles gives ice cream buyers what they want.

"We chose a design that is different from anything found in the ice cream freezers," said Penny Baker, director of marketing for Ruggles. "Ice cream is a fun food, so our approach was to make the package design fun as well. Each package features a unique pattern and bright color scheme that tie in with the name of flavor printed in bold type on the front of the carton."

Flavor descriptions and a photo of the actual ice cream appear on every package. Consumers can scan a Quick Response (QR) code on the back panel of the carton to find entertaining and fictional stories about each flavor, and can upload their own Ruggles ice cream stories, photos, or videos about their favorite flavors to win prizes in the "What's your Ruggles Story?" section of the website.

The new look carries through all Ruggles ice cream, frozen yogurt, and no-sugar-added ice cream products, which are available in 1.5-quart containers with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $5.59 to $5.99. New-carton transition for all flavors will be finished this spring.

About Smith Dairy Products Company and Dairy Enterprises Incorporated

Smith Dairy Products Company manufactures products marketed by Dairy Enterprises Inc.  Family-owned since 1909 and headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, Smith Dairy Products Company has sister production facilities in Indiana (Wayne Dairy Products Inc.) and Missouri (Pacific Valley Dairy Inc.). Smith Dairy Products Company manufactures a full line of quality dairy, beverage, ice cream, and foodservice products, from Ruggles^® Premium Ice Cream to SMITH'S Milk in the distinctive yellow jug. Dairy Enterprises Inc. and Smith Dairy Products Company assure their customers the freshest and highest-quality products. For more information, visit www.smithsbrand.com or www.rugglesicecream.com, or become a fan of Smith Dairy and Ruggles on Facebook. 

SOURCE Ruggles Premium Ice Cream