Gerber debuts Smart Flow Spout for its organic, Grabbers pouches

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Gerber Products has introduced a new delivery method for its organic and Grabbers pouches. The products in both lines will now feature the company’s Smart Flow Spout, which it says was developed through consumer research that showed parents wanted a pouch that could help reduce mess.

"At Gerber, we always start by listening to our customers — parents and babies. Our Smart Flow spout is just one example of how we are constantly looking for innovative ways to help nurture happy and healthy babies," Gerber chief marketing officer Aileen Stocks said. "As a mother of two, I know how important and convenient pouches are for parents. Nothing is ever 100% mess-free when it comes to little ones, but our new spout helps make mealtime a positive experience for everyone."

Gerber said the spout is customized based on the contents of the pouch to provide the right amount per squeeze. It also features rounded edges and soft sides that are gentle on hands. It noted that pouches have been a steady driver of infant food category growth and that it began rolling the Smart Flow Spout out at the end of 2016, with most retailers currently stocking them.

"At Gerber, we seek to make food that is nutritious and delicious for your little one," said Sarah Smith-Simpson, senior scientist of child development and consumer insights for Nestlé Nutrition Meals and Drinks. "Our focus with the Smart Flow spout was to develop a feature that combines the nutritious food in our pouches with better function. The new opening in our spout helps control the flow of food, giving those tiny toddler hands more control over the amount that comes out without letting too much ooze out on their clothes, tray or floor."