Consumers prefer EZO over sanitary ends; willing to pay a price differential even during challenging economic times

Media Contacts:	Carolyn Takata Silgan Containers (818) 710-2420	Sophia Dilberakis SD Communications (312) 787-5800
	ctakata@silgancontainers.com	sophiad@att.net

Woodland Hills, Calif. (October 21, 2008) —Fruit packers using metal cans stand a much better chance of weathering economic challenges by utilizing easy-open (EZO) ends, according to recent research conducted by Ipsos.
“Even in the present economic environment, consumers continue to reach for brands with EZO ends first. The convenience features continue to have a significant impact on sales,” says Carolyn Takata, director of marketing, Silgan Containers.
The study researched consumers’ purchase drivers for canned fruits. Specifically, the study evaluated how brand, size, shape, lid and price impact consumers' purchase behavior.
Consumers voiced preferences at a resounding five to one for EZO ends vs. sanitary ends. Further, consumers were willing to pay up to 40 cents more for products with EZO ends before considering other options.
“Not only do consumers indicate a clear preference for EZO ends in this category, but they back that preference with a willingness to spend more money for the convenience,” Takata says.
Further, the study asked consumers to rate container preference for the fruit category. Metal cans came in at 43%, rigid plastic containers at 27%, glass jars at 10%
and flexible pouches at 3%. Metal cans also provide several of the top desired attributes cited by consumers, such as “easy-to-open”, “has a reliable taste” and is “easy-to-store.”

“Consumers have stated their preferences clearly. Their container of choice for fruit is metal cans with EZO ends,” Takata concludes.
Silgan Containers markets its line of EZO ends under the Quick Top® brand. To ensure that its ends are best-in-class, Silgan continuously seeks consumer input. Feedback has led to subtle design nuances such as making the back of the pull tab flat (not rounded) to provide a better tactile surface for grasping. Another subtle modification is bending the tab slightly to enable easier finger access.
Silgan Containers, a subsidiary of Silgan Holdings, is the largest manufacturer of metal food containers in North America, with approximately half of the U.S. unit volume
in 2007 and net sales of $1.68 billion. Silgan’s partnership approach, supported by quality, service, technology, low-cost producer position, strategically-located geographic locations and extensive consumer research, is the cornerstone of its strong customer relationships. 
Silgan Containers manufactures and sells steel and aluminum containers and ends that are used primarily by processors and packagers for food products, such as soup, vegetables, fruit, meat, tomato based products, coffee, seafood, adult nutritional drinks, pet food and other miscellaneous food products. For more info visit: www.silgancontainers.com.

Please forward sales inquiries to:

Silgan Containers Corporation
21800 Oxnard St # 600
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Phone: (818) 348-3700
generalinfo@silgancontainers.com

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