ES2526148T3 - Tea concentrate container - Google Patents

Abstract

A package (1) in the form of a sachet that has a hollow tubular body surrounded at one end by a first transverse joint and at another end by a second transverse joint containing a liquid composition (2) having a viscosity of less than 10 mPa s inside a chamber (3) having a total volume between 5 and 25 cm3, in which the liquid composition (2) comprises solid tea materials in an amount between 3 and 30% by weight, in which the chamber (3) has a region that is practicable to form a distribution opening (4) through which the liquid composition can be distributed, in which the region that is practicable to form the distribution opening is one end of the chamber, in which the chamber extends away from the end to define a maximum longitudinal distance (l) that is perpendicular to a maximum transverse distance (w) and in which the ratio (l / w) of the longitudinal distance with respect to the distance The transverse ia is at least 2.5, in which the maximum transverse distance (w) of the chamber is at least 1.0 cm and less than 4.0 cm and in which the perimeter of a transverse section of the distribution opening in a plane normal to the flow direction of the liquid composition during distribution is between 16 and 50 mm.

Description

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

E11779669

12-15-2014

DESCRIPTION

Tea concentrate container

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to liquid compositions packaged to be diluted to prepare drinks. In particular, the present invention relates to packaged liquid compositions in which the liquid composition comprises solid tea materials in an amount from 3 to 30% by weight.

Background of the invention

Drinks based on the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) have been popular all over the world for hundreds of years. Traditionally, such beverages are produced by letting tea leaves rest in hot water and separating the aqueous extract of the plant from the remaining insoluble plant matter.

At present, such beverages can be prepared by more convenient procedures that dispense with the need for manipulation of insoluble plant matter by the end user or consumer. In particular, beverages can be prepared from instant powder, granules or liquid concentrates that can be conveniently dissolved and / or diluted in water.

Liquid tea concentrates are particularly convenient, especially when they are packaged in unit doses, a unit dose being suitable for a dilution on demand to prepare a tasty tea drink.

The international patent application published as WO 2010/015504 A (UNILEVER) discloses a package for stabilizing consumable products. The package has a defined amount of oxygen in its head chamber and a portion of the product, so that the products packaged therein are stable in the absence of oxygen scavengers. The exemplified products are liquid tea concentrates.

US 2008/0056623, which is considered the closest prior art, discloses a disposable container that can be resealed for small quantities of liquid or semi-liquid products.

The inventors have now found that the distribution of liquid tea concentrates from the package is facilitated by providing a container having specific characteristics.

Essays and definitions

Tea

For the purposes of the present invention tea means material from Camellia sinensis.

"Green tea" refers to substantially unfermented tea. "Black tea" refers to substantially fermented tea. "Blue tea" refers to partially fermented tea.

"Fermentation" refers to the oxidative and hydrolytic process that tea undergoes when certain endogenous substrates and enzymes come together by mechanically altering the cells by macerating the leaves. During this process, colorless catechins are converted into a complex mixture of yellow and orange to dark brown polyphenolic substances.

"Fresh tea leaves" refers to leaves and / or the tea stalk that have never been dried to a water content of less than 30% by weight, and usually have a water content in the range of 60 to 90 %.

"Tea juice" refers to juice squeezed from fresh tea leaves using physical strength, unlike extracts produced by extracting solid tea materials with the use of a solvent.

Viscosity

Viscosity is a measure of the internal resistance to flow exhibited by a fluid that is being deformed by shear stress. As used herein, the term "viscosity" refers to viscosity (in mPas) as determined at a temperature of 20C and at a shear rate of 100 s-1. A protocol is then established to measure the viscosity of a sample using a rheometer.

A TA Instruments AR2000 rheometer is used using a 2 acrylic cone and plate configuration with a diameter of 60 mm to measure the viscosity of a sample in a range of shear rates. Rheology Advantage software (TA Instruments) is used to control the rheometer and to collect experimental data. The sample temperature is controlled at 20C using a Peltier plate, and the shear stress (mPa) is measured as the shear rate is increased stepwise from 1 to 200 2 5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

E11779669

12-15-2014

reciprocal seconds (s-1) while registering 15 points per ten. Sample viscosity (mPas) is calculated using Rheology Advance software (TA Instruments). The viscosity of each sample is measured in duplicate.

Various

Except in the examples, or when explicitly stated otherwise, it can be understood, optionally, that all numbers in this description indicating quantities of material or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials and / or use are modified by The word "approximately."

All amounts are by weight of the final composition, unless otherwise specified.

It should be noted that by specifying any range of values, any particular higher value can be associated with any particular lower value.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is intended that the words "comprising" mean "including" but not necessarily "consisting of" or "composed of." In other words, the stages or options listed need not be exhaustive.

It should be considered that the disclosure of the invention as found herein encompasses all embodiments as found in the claims that are multiple dependent on each other regardless of the fact that claims can be found without multiple dependence or redundancy.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a package in the form of a sachet that has a hollow tubular body surrounded at one end by means of a first transverse joint and at another end by means of a second transverse joint containing a liquid composition having a viscosity of less than 10 mPa s inside a chamber having a total volume from 5 to 25 cm3, in which the liquid composition comprises solid tea materials in an amount from 3 to 30% by weight, in which the chamber has a region that is practicable to form a distribution opening through which the liquid composition can be distributed, in which the region that is practicable to form the distribution opening is one end of the chamber, in which the chamber is extends away from the end to define a maximum longitudinal distance (l) that is perpendicular to a maximum transverse distance (w) and in which the ratio (l / w) of the distance Lengthwise with respect to the transverse distance is at least 2.5, in which the maximum transverse distance (w) of the chamber is at least 1.0 cm and less than 4.0 cm and in which the perimeter A cross section of the distribution opening in a plane normal to the direction of flow of the liquid composition during distribution is from 16 to 50 mm.

It is found that the specified perimeter of the distribution opening allows consumers to easily manipulate the container and to allow distribution of the liquid composition with minimal spillage. With an opening too small, it is found that the tea concentrate does not flow freely or evenly from the chamber by gravity. With a too large opening, the tea concentrate can flow from the container with such a high speed that it is difficult to direct the flow and / or causes a splash of the dilution liquid in which it is distributed. This is especially undesirable for tea concentrates that are used to prepare hot beverages since splashing of hot dilution liquid can be dangerous but it is also inadequate in the preparation of cold beverages due to the greater likelihood of spillage and fouling.

The perimeter of a cross-section of the distribution opening in a plane normal to the flow direction of the liquid composition during distribution is a useful parameter because it concerns the dimension of the smallest narrowing that restricts the flow of the liquid from the chamber. Preferably, the perimeter of the distribution opening is at least 17 mm, most preferably at least 18 mm. In addition, or alternatively, it is preferred that the perimeter is not more than 45 mm, more preferably not more than 40 mm, even more preferably not more than 35 mm, even more preferably not more than 25 mm, most preferably not greater that 23 mm.

The chamber has an end that is practicable to distribute the liquid composition, in which the chamber extends away from the end to define a maximum longitudinal distance (l) that is perpendicular to a maximum transverse distance (w) and at which the ratio (l / w) of the longitudinal distance with respect to the transverse distance is at least 2.5.

It is found that the high aspect ratio (i.e., the l / w ratio) of the chamber allows consumers to easily manipulate the container and allows the distribution of liquid tea concentrate with minimal spillage. However, it is preferred that the aspect ratio is not too high, otherwise it may be difficult to handle and / or store the package. Therefore, the aspect ratio is preferably less than 20, more preferably less than 15, even more preferably less than 10 and most preferably less than 7.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

E11779669

12-15-2014

Preferably, the end of the chamber is practicable so that when fully open, the container can be held with the maximum longitudinal distance extending vertically downward from the open end without flow of the liquid composition from the open end. Preferably, the liquid composition can also be distributed from the open end at least when the package is oriented with the maximum length distance extending vertically upwards from the open end.

Preferably, the package is sized to contain a unit dose of the liquid composition suitable for dilution to prepare a beverage. The chamber has a total volume (VT) from 5 to 25 cm3, more preferably from 6 to 16 cm3 and most preferably from 7 to 14 cm3. Additionally or alternatively, the amount of liquid composition (Vl) contained in the chamber is from about 4 to 18 cm3, more preferably from 5 to 15 cm3 and most preferably from 6 to 14 cm3.

As indicated above, the package of the present invention allows simple pouring, handling and / or opening for a consumer. In this sense it is possible to fill the chamber leaving little head camera and continue to allow minimal spillage at the time of opening. Therefore, the camera preferably has a head camera and the ratio (Vh / VT) of the volume (Vh = VT– Vl) of the head camera with respect to the total volume of the camera (VT) is less than 0.15, more preferably less than 0.10 and most preferably less than 0.001 to 0.08.

To allow the container to be conveniently handled, it is preferred that the maximum longitudinal distance (1) of the chamber be at least 4 cm, more preferably at least 5 cm and most preferably at least 6 cm. However, if the container is too long it can be difficult to handle or store it. Therefore, it is preferred that l is less than 18 cm, more preferably less than 16 cm and most preferably less than 14 cm.

Similarly, the maximum transverse distance (w) of the camera is within certain limits to allow easy handling and / or storage. Therefore, w is less than 4.0 cm, more preferably less than 3.5 cm and most preferably less than 3.0 cm. In addition, w is at least 1.0 cm, more preferably more than 1.5 cm and most preferably more than 2.0 cm.

Preferably, the package is sealed before opening. In particular, the package is sealed to ensure that the chamber is impermeable to microbiological contaminants, which means that the packaged composition can be stored for at least 6 months at a temperature of 20C without the amount of bacteria that form spores (Bacillus and Clostridia spp) in the liquid composition increase above 100 cfu / ml.

The package is in the form of a bag that has a hollow tubular body surrounded at one end by a first transverse joint and at another end by a second transverse joint. For example, the package may be a cushion-shaped or tetrahedral-shaped sachet. For cushion-shaped sachets the transverse joints are substantially parallel to each other, while for tetrahedron sachets the transverse seals are substantially perpendicular to each other. Most preferably, the container is in the form of a tetrahedron since this allows easier handling of the container. When the package is in the form of a tetrahedral bag, the package comprises triangular faces and it is preferred that the bag be allowed to rest on one of the triangular faces while the practicable region is at the highest point of the container. Therefore, the container can be allowed to stand stably on a surface even after the region is opened without fear of spilling the liquid composition.

Typically, the sachets are formed of flexible packaging material. The most preferred packaging material being plastic film sheet material, especially material comprising a layer of metallic paper (such as aluminum) sandwiched between two or more plastic layers (such as polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene terephthalate or combinations of the same).

Preferably, the practicable region of the package comprises a line of weakness in a chamber wall. Such a line of weakness can be formed, for example, by scratching the wall (for example, by laser or other means). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the package comprises a joint adjacent to the line of weakness in the wall and the joint comprises one or more perforations to help initiate tearing. Additionally or alternatively, the line of weakness in the chamber wall and the joint are arranged to allow the region to be practicable to form a peak.

The liquid composition comprises solid tea materials in an amount from 3 to 30% by weight. Such a high concentration of solid tea materials allows the liquid composition to be used as a beverage precursor; Some mls are suitable for dilution with an aqueous liquid to provide a beverage with the desired intensity. It is preferred that the liquid composition comprises solid tea materials in an amount of at least 4% by weight of the composition, more preferably at least 5% and most preferably at least 6%. Preferably, the amount of solid tea materials is not too high, otherwise the stability or the ability to divide into portions is adversely affected. Therefore, it is preferred that the liquid composition comprises less than 20% solid tea materials by weight of the composition, more preferably less than 15% and most preferably less than 10%.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

E11779669

12-15-2014

It is found that the juice extracted from tea leaves (instead of extracted from leaves with a solvent) produces beverages that have organoleptic properties different from those produced from conventional liquid tea concentrates. In addition, subjecting the tea leaves to a juice extraction stage results in tea juice containing relatively high levels of solid tea materials without having to subject the juice to a concentration stage. Therefore, it is preferred that the liquid composition comprises juice extracted from tea. In particular, it is preferred that at least 50% by weight of the solid tea materials in the liquid composition be provided by the tea juice, more preferably at least 75% and most preferably from 90 to 100%.

The package is relatively easy to open without spilling, even when the liquid composition has a relatively reduced viscosity. Therefore, the liquid composition has a viscosity of less than 10 mPa s, more preferably less than 8 mPa s and most preferably 1.5 to 6 mPa s.

The liquid composition may comprise black tea juice, green tea juice or a combination thereof.

When the composition comprises black tea juice, the composition preferably comprises teaflavin and the ratio between the weight of teaflavin (TF1) with respect to the teaflavin digalate (TF4) is at least 2.0, more preferably at least 3, 0, even more preferably at least 3.2 and most preferably from 3.5 to 5.0. Additionally or alternatively, the amount of TF1 in the total teaflavins in the liquid composition is preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 42% by weight and most preferably from 45 to 60% . Appropriate procedures can be found to determine the content of teaflavin, for example in the international patent application published as WO 2009/059927 (Unilever).

When the composition comprises green tea juice, the composition preferably comprises catechins and has a ratio between the weight of catechins that are not gallate with respect to catechins that are gallates greater than 1.4: 1, more preferably greater than 1 , 6: 1, even more preferably greater than 1.8: 1 and most preferably from 3: 1 to 20: 1. Procedures for measuring the content of catechins that are gallate and non-gallate can be found, for example, in the international patent application published as WO 2010/037768 (Unilever).

In one embodiment the liquid composition is tea juice and is substantially free of other ingredients. However, it may be desirable to include auxiliary ingredients in the liquid composition such as aromas, diluents (eg, water), biopolymers or combinations thereof.

The package of the present invention can be manufactured by any suitable means but is preferably manufactured by a process comprising the steps of:

(i)

extract tea juice from fresh tea leaves;

(ii)

form an open chamber;

(iii) dose a portion of the tea juice inside the chamber; Y

(iv) seal the chamber to form the container.

It is possible that a small amount of solvent (for example, water) is added to the fresh tea leaves during the extraction stage (i). However, to avoid a significant extraction of solid tea materials by the solvent, the moisture content of the fresh leaves during extraction is preferably between 30 and 90% by weight, more preferably between 60 and 90 %. Preferably, the amount of juice extracted is at least 50 ml per kg of fresh leaves, more preferably from 100 to 800 ml per kg of fresh tea leaves and most preferably from 200 to 600 ml per kg of fresh leaves. The extraction stage produces leaf remains in addition to the juice and the juice is separated from the leaf remains before dosing.

When the package is a sachet, the open chamber can be conveniently formed by pulling a band of packaging material around a mandrel; seal the band in a hollow tube by applying a longitudinal joint; and form a cross joint in the tube. A particularly suitable procedure of this type is a process called "vertical filling-sealing-formation".

Tea juice can be dosed "as is", that is without any dilution. Alternatively, the tea juice can be dosed simultaneously or sequentially with one or more auxiliary ingredients.

From the point of view of food hygiene, it is preferable that the tea juice and / or the container be subjected to a sanitation stage, such as a pasteurization treatment or UHT. For example, tea juice and sanitized juice dosed inside an open chamber previously sanitized under sterile conditions can be sanitized. Additionally or alternatively, the package formed may be subjected to a sanitization step, for example by pasteurization or autoclaving in the package itself. The sanitization step should be such that the packaged liquid composition is stable during storage, which means that the packaged composition can be stored for at least 6 months at a temperature of 20C

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

E11779669

12-15-2014

without the quantity of bacteria forming spores (Bacillus and Clostridia spp) in the liquid composition exceeding 100 cfu / ml.

Brief description of the drawings

Certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated by means of the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 a is a front elevational view of a package according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1b is a side sectional view of the container of Fig. 1 a.

Fig. 2a is a front elevational view of a container according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2b is a side elevational view of the container of Fig. 2a.

Fig. 2c is a plan view of the container of Fig. 2a after opening.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

A package according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 a and 1 b. The package (1) has a generally cushion shape defined by a wall (6) of flexible packaging material that is sealed at an upper end by a first transverse joint (10) and at the lower end by a second transverse joint (20 ) parallel to the first transverse joint (10). Between the two transverse joints (10, 20) there is a hollow tubular body that defines a chamber (3). The chamber (3) contains a liquid tea concentrate, for example a liquid juice extracted (2) from tea, on which there is a head chamber (5).

The first transverse joint (10) has a bottom edge (10a) that extends substantially horizontally through the container (1) but narrows towards a side edge of the container to form a generally rectangular projection (6b) of the chamber (3) inside the first cross joint (10). Going up the projection (6b) part of its path, the wall (6) is perforated with a transverse line of weakness (6a) that is tear-off to form an open end (4) through which the liquid composition can be distributed ( 2). The placement of the perforation line (6a) rising through the projection (6b) part of its path allows the part of the projection below the opening (4) to form a peak to aid in the pouring of the liquid composition (2 ).

Once it has been opened by tearing, the practicable end (4) comprises an opening (not shown) surrounded by its perimeter by the line of weakness (6a).

The chamber (3) extends away from the practicable end (4) for a maximum longitudinal distance (l) that is much greater than the maximum transverse distance (w) to provide the container with a high aspect ratio. Therefore, although the head chamber (5) may be small and the liquid composition (2) may have a reduced viscosity, opening of the container can be allowed without risk of spilling the liquid composition.

A second embodiment of a package according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 2a, 2b and 2c. The container (1) has a generally tetrahedral shape defined by a wall (6) of flexible packaging material that is sealed at an upper end by a first transverse joint (10) and at the lower end by a second transverse joint

(twenty)

perpendicular to the first transverse joint (10). Between the two transverse joints (10, 20) there is a hollow tubular body that defines a chamber (3). The chamber (3) contains liquid tea juice, on which there is a head chamber (not shown).

The first transverse joint (10) has a bottom edge (10a) that extends substantially horizontally through the container (1) but narrows towards a side edge of the container to form a generally rectangular projection (6b) of the chamber (3) inside the first cross joint (10). Going up the projection (6b) part of its path, the wall (6) is perforated with a transverse line of weakness (6a) that is tear-off to form an open end (4) through which the liquid composition can be distributed. Placing the perforation line (6a) up the projection (6b) part of its path allows the projection part below the opening (4) to form a peak to help pour the liquid composition (2). Board

(10)

 It also comprises a perforation line (10b) formed through it and aligned, in general, with the line of weakness (6a). The perforation of the seal (10) in this way allows a simple start of the tear line that forms the opening (4) of the chamber (3).

Once it has been opened by tearing, the practicable end (4) comprises an opening (4a) surrounded at its perimeter by the line of weakness (6a) as shown in Fig. 2c.

The chamber (3) extends away from the practicable end (4) a maximum longitudinal distance (l) that is much greater than the maximum transverse distance (w) to provide the container with a high aspect ratio. Therefore, although the head chamber may be small and the liquid composition may have a reduced viscosity, opening of the container can be allowed without risk of spilling the liquid composition.

Due to the tetrahedral shape of the package (1), the package has four substantially triangular faces. One of the triangular faces (30) is generally opposite the practicable end (4). Therefore, the container (1) can be allowed to rest on the triangular face (30) while the practicable end (4) is at the point plus 6

E11779669

12-15-2014

raised from the container. This arrangement allows the container to be allowed to stand stably on a surface even after the end (4) is opened without fear that the liquid composition will spill from the opening (4a).

Examples

5 Example 1

The effect of the dimensions of the opening on the pouring properties for sachets similar to the package described with reference to Figures 2a to 2c was studied. All the containers used had a transverse distance

(w) of 2.5 cm and had a longitudinal distance (l) of either 8 or 10 cm. The containers with a distance

Longitudinal (l) of 8 cm contained 8 ml of black tea juice prepared as described in WO 10 2009/059927 while those having the longitudinal distance (l) of 10 cm contained 10 ml of black tea juice.

The size of the opening was varied by changing the width of the projection (6b) and / or the line of weakness (6a) (which was laser-streaked).

The results are shown in the following table.

Package Length (cm)

Perimeter of the opening after opening (mm) Observations on the discharge

10

12.0 Few initial drops and then the flow stops: you need to apply pressure to the bag to empty

10

12.0 Few initial drops and then the flow stops: you need to apply pressure to the bag to empty

10

11.0 Few initial drops and then the flow stops: you need to apply pressure to the bag to empty

10

12.0 Few initial drops and then the flow stops: you need to apply pressure to the bag to empty

10

13.0 Few initial drops and then the flow stops: you need to apply pressure to the bag to empty

10

13.0 Few initial drops and then the flow stops: you need to apply pressure to the bag to empty

10

12.0 Few initial drops and then the flow stops: you need to apply pressure to the bag to empty

8

14.3 No liquid came out until pressure was applied

8

13.7 Few initial drops and then the flow stops: once pressure was applied, a jet of liquid came out to the side

8

15.2 No liquid came out until pressure was applied

10

21.3 It was poured satisfactorily

10

18.8 It was poured satisfactorily

10

20.9 It was poured satisfactorily

15 These results show that only the sachets that had an opening with a perimeter greater than 15.2 mm were discharged satisfactorily.

Example 2

Two sachet designs were tested, each containing 8 ml of black tea juice prepared as described in WO 2009/059927 for ease of handling (opening and pouring).

20 The sachet designs were similar to the package described with reference to Figures 2a to 2c and only differed in the aspect ratio of the chamber. In the first container, the longitudinal distance (l) was 8 cm and the distance

E11779669

12-15-2014

Transversal (w) was 2.5 cm, while in the second container the longitudinal distance (l) was 5 cm and the transverse distance (w) was 4.5 cm.

It was found that for the majority of consumers the second container was too cumbersome and difficult to handle while consumers found that the first container was the easiest to handle and open.

Claims (12)

E11779669 12-15-2014 1. A package (1) in the form of a sachet that has a hollow tubular body surrounded at one end by a first transverse joint and at another end by a second transverse joint containing a liquid composition (2) having a viscosity of less than 10 mPa s inside a chamber (3) that has a volume 5 total between 5 and 25 cm3, in which the liquid composition (2) comprises solid tea materials in an amount between 3 and 30% by weight, in which the chamber (3) has a region that is practicable to form a opening (4) of distribution through which the liquid composition can be distributed, in which the region that is practicable to form the distribution opening is one end of the chamber, in which the chamber extends away from the end to define a maximum longitudinal distance (l) that is perpendicular to a distance 10 maximum transverse (w) and in which the ratio (l / w) of the longitudinal distance with respect to the transverse distance is at least 2.5, in which the maximum transverse distance (w) of the chamber is at least 1.0 cm and less than 4.0 cm and in which the perimeter of a cross-section of the distribution opening in a plane normal to the flow direction of the liquid composition during distribution is between 16 and 50 mm . 2. The package as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perimeter of the distribution opening is at least 15 mm, preferably at least 18 mm.

3.

The package as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the perimeter is not more than 35 mm, preferably not more than 25 mm.

Four.

The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the region that is practicable to form the distribution opening is one end of the chamber, in which the chamber extends

20 moving away from the end to define a maximum distance (l) that is perpendicular to a maximum transverse distance (w) and in which the ratio (l / w) of the longitudinal distance with respect to the transverse distance is less than 20. 5. The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of liquid composition (Vl) contained in the chamber is from 4 to 18 cm3.

The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber has a head chamber and the ratio (Vh / VT) of the volume (Vh) of the head chamber with respect to the total volume of The camera (VT) is from 0.001 to 0.15.

7. The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid composition comprises tea juice.

The package as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tea juice provides at least 50% by weight of the solid tea materials.

9. The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid composition comprises solid tea materials in an amount between 4 and 20% by weight, preferably from 5 to 15% by weight. 10. The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package is a tetrahedron-shaped sachet.

eleven.

The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the practicable region comprises a line of weakness (6a) in a wall (6) of the chamber.

12.

A package (1) according to claim 11 wherein:

The package has a generally cushion or tetrahedron shape defined by a wall (6) of flexible packaging material that is sealed at an upper end by the first transverse joint (10) and at the lower end by the second transverse joint ( 20) parallel or perpendicular to the first transverse joint (10), respectively;  a hollow tubular body that defines the chamber extends between the two transverse joints (10, 20) 45 (3), which contains liquid tea juice (2) and a head chamber (5);  the first transverse joint (10) has a bottom edge (10a) that extends substantially horizontally through the container (1) but narrows towards a side edge of the container to form a generally rectangular projection (6b) of the chamber (3) inside the first transverse joint (10); 50  the line of weakness (6a) is a transverse line of weakness formed that perforates the wall (6), rising through the projection (6b) part of its path;  the chamber (3) extends away from the practicable end (4) a maximum longitudinal distance (l) that is much greater than the maximum transverse distance (w) to provide the container with a high aspect ratio. 9 E11779669 12-15-2014

13.

The package as claimed in claim 11, wherein the package comprises a joint adjacent to the line of weakness in the wall and the joint comprises one or more perforations to aid in the initiation of a tear.

14.

The package as claimed in claims 11, 12 or 13, wherein the line of weakness is formed by laser scratching.

fifteen.

The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid composition has a viscosity of less than 8 mPa s.

10