Better Bean founders Keith and Hannah Kullberg launch freshly packed and ready-to-eat “rethought” beans and pioneer a new sustainable “one-seal” packaging technology
Editor’s Note: Better Bean Company will sample products at the San Francisco Green Festival – November 10-11, 2012 at BOOTH # 457. Stop by and taste our “rethought” beans!
Portland, OR (November 5, 2012) — When Better Bean founder Keith Kullberg turned his delicious thirty-year-old family recipe for refried beans into a business, he kept it all in the family, working with his daughter, Hannah, to make their family favorites available for all to enjoy. This new category of premium beans features organic and Food Alliance-certified beans slow-cooked by hand (not just boiled), sautéed in Oregon-grown, cold-pressed safflower oil and packaged to seal in the fresh flavors. “We have rethought the idea that beans need to come from a can,” says Kullberg.
Beans are Nature’s Power Food
“Beans are one of nature’s ultimate power foods,” says Kullberg. “They’re high in protein, antioxidants, fiber, minerals and folate.” Available in five distinctive flavors with ingredients ranging from tomatillos to organic red beans and fresh jalapenos, Better Beans are also gluten free, GMO-free and vegan. “There are no preservatives or additives in our beans,” says Kulberg, who sources his ingredients throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Flavors include:
- Rethought Red Beans sautéed with onion and tomatillo
- Uncanny Refried Black Beans sautéed with serrano and habanero
- Cuban Black Beans with sautéed onion and poblano pepper
- Three Sisters Chili with beans, corn, squash and ancho
- Wholly Chipotle Bean Dip (a chipotle lime bean spread)
Freshly Packed. Ready to Eat
Better Bean Company’s unique production process slow cooks the beans before packaging them to seal in their fresh, flavorful quality. “Our beans are just as healthy and delicious as homemade beans without all the preparation time,” says Kullberg. “We make it easy for consumers to eat the beans right from the package or use in a favorite bean recipe.” The fresh-packed beans are perfect for a quick snack and can be incorporated into meals. Each flavor is available in a 14-ounce resealable deli tub and retails for $3.79-$3.99 MSRP.
Re-Thought Packaging: Sustainable “One-Seal” Technology
The Better Bean Company’s unique packaging is eco-friendly, and the containers are fully recyclable (#5 plastic), BPA-free and microwave safe. The eye-catching colors and graphics ensure the beans pop off the grocery shelf. “People are not used to buying beans in the refrigerated aisle next to the hummus,” says Kullberg. “We needed a package to make people pick up the product.” Most importantly, the company chose the new “one-seal” technology for its sustainable properties. Widely used in Europe, this system integrates the typical extra layer of plastic into the lid and represents a 30% reduction in carbon footprint. The lid is firmly sealed into place with heat and pressure, creating a food-safety barrier that peels off easily.
About Better Bean Company
Better Bean offers products for retail and food service outlets. The first-of-its-kind refrigerated beans are freshly packed and ready to eat and are available in 14-ounce packages in five varieties: Rethought Red Beans, Uncanny Refried Black Beans, Cuban Black Beans, Wholly Chipotle Bean Dip and Three Sisters Chili. Better Bean Company’s products are sold at select grocers throughout the United States. The Better Bean product line was named a top pick among new vegan products at Natural Products Expo West in 2012. For more information, recipes and a store locator, visit www.betterbeanco.com. Follow us on Twitter @BetterBeanCo and Facebook.
Media Contact | Lisa Hill PR | Lisa@lisahillpr.com | c: 503-730-8055 | o: 503-327-8328
*I would like to introduce a local company from Portland, Oregon: The Better Bean Company, founded by Keith Kullberg. It is a locally grown line of freshly made beans that are all-natural, VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, SOY-FREE and SUPERFOOD. I was impressed with The Better Bean’s colourful rectangular-shaped tubs at a few local groceries in Oregon; they caught my eyes immediately. Bright colours are my thing, too! Their containers are fully recyclable (#5 plastic), BPA-Free, re-usable, and microwave safe with a strong lid that peels off easily. I will be reviewing Cuban Black Beans, Uncanny Refried Black Beans, Wholly Chipotle Bean Dip and Three Sisters Chili. 
Banking on beans. New packaging delivers shelf impact. The Better Bean Company makes the cover of Packaging Digest, July 2012 issue. 
*Hot-fill tubs with unique closure system lure consumer attention, reap innovative design recognition, and down-size carbon footprint.