Sealed Air Cryovac and Raps (UK), the UK subsidiary of German seasoning, marinade and sauce producer Raps, report being “inundated” with UK enquiries about a packaging/cooking system which allows meats like steak and lamb in sauce to be rapidly and tastily microwaved.

Raps’ French operation and Cryovac began marketing the system in France earlier this year and Raps UK then demonstrated it at March’s IFE food industry exhibition in London. Raps UK md Ian Mackway says his stand was “besieged” with meat processing personnel and the two companies are now talking to “at least six” UK food manufacturers and several multiples.

The system uses Cryovac’s Darfresh high barrier skin packaging system. Raps is using a self-venting polypropylene co-extrusion, which Mackway says, in combination with one of the company’s “Magic Marinades” and a special brine injection, ensures fast, appetising results.

He adds: “A single steak can be cooked in about 90 seconds depending on the cut. We have had success with lamb and are working on perfecting the system for poultry. I would expect major UK applications within weeks.”