According to the company, the carton packaging preserves the flavor and freshness of the premium soups. The five flavors feature ethnic flavors and spices (such as Masala curry and coconut milk, and vegetables turnips and fire-roasted red peppers.
Flavor protection
Progresso representative Heidi Teoh, who helped develop the Artisanal Soup line, said the products and packaging are intended to protect the soups' flavor and spotlight recipes with high-quality ingredients.
"We're featuring vegetables like fire roasted red peppers, butternut squash and wonderful root vegetables like turnips and parsnips," she said.
The Artisan line includes five vegetable bisque and hearty soup varieties. Products include Creamy Tomato with Roasted Red Peppers, Masala Curry Butternut Squash, Rustic Tomato with Chicken and Dumplings, Creamy Potato with Sausage and Kale, and Smoky White Bean and Winter Vegetables.
Evolved packaging
Progresso soups in the past have been housed in metal-can packaging. The Tetra Pak cartons reportedly provide high-end shelf appeal, protect the integrity of the ingredients and make recycling easier—they are constructed primarily of paper, and 70% of the cartons’ content are made of sustainably harvested and regrown trees.
The company is launching the Artisanal Soups at grocery retailers along the eastern coast of the US, from south Florida to Maine. The soups retail for $2.99 each for 17.2-ounce or 17.6-ounce cartons.
Progresso is a brand of General Mills. Other brands under the General Mills umbrella include Yoplait, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker and Green Giant.