Distribution Methods For Distributing And Dispensing Beverages And Liquid Food Products

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of distributing beverages or liquid food products including transportation, by a commercial distributor, or flexible bags ( 10 ) filled with the beverage or liquid food products. Flexible bags ( 10 ) are located in the bulk transport containers ( 30 ) and transported to consumers of the product in required quantities. Flexible bags ( 10 ) are delivered to a consumer, the beverage or liquid food product being dispensed for consumption ban an end consumer. Through each step in the distribution method, hazard and critical control points during distribution and dispensing are minimised, the “one way” nature of the preferred embodiment of the method minimising recovery and recycling costs at well as potential hygiene problems associated with re-use of containers currently in use.

1 . A method of distributing flexible bags filled with a beverage or liquid food product under sterile conditions to a consumer of said beverage or liquid food product in return for payment and comprising the of: 
 a) locating said flexible bags, filled with said beverage or liquid food product, in a bulk transport container having a capacity for a plurality of flexible bags;    b) transportation, by a commercial distributor, of the bulk transport container, in which the filled flexible bags are located, to a consumer of said beverage or liquid food product;    c) unloading a required quantity of flexible bags filled with beverage or liquid food product for delivery to the consumer; and    d) delivering each flexible bag for dispensing the beverage or liquid food product contained in the flexible bag o be consumed by an end consumer, wherein, through each step, hazard and critical control points during distribution and dispensing are minimized.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of filling said flexible bags through a spout or tap forming part of each flexible bag thereby avoiding residue from a sealing process.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the commercial distributor fills the flexible bags.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said beverage contained in a flexible bag is drinking water.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said distribution method is “one way” without recovery of flexible bags for re-use.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said commercial distributor positions said flexible bag containing water in a dispenser for delivery of the water to the end consumer  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein said commercial distributor supplies and maintains the dispenser in return for payment.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said bulk transport container is of a variable capacity adaptive to varying quantities of flexible bags in accordance with consumer demand.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said bulk transport container is of a cubic design having a smooth wall and base construction thereby reducing risk of damage to, and contamination of, said flexible bags.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said bulk transport container is made of a polymer suitable for use in food grade environments.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the flexible bag incorporates at least one handle.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said flexible bag is positioned in said dispenser by said at least one handle.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said flexible bag, when positioned in said dispenser, allows substantially complete drainage of the liquid contents from said flexible bag.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said dispenser has a housing having a base, the base being angled with respect to a vertical axis of the housing, to allow substantially complete drainage of the liquid contents from said flexible bag.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said housing of said dispenser has an inner wall and a shield is located between said flexible bag and said inner wall of said housing to protect a lower portion of the flexible bag from damage.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said flexible bag is communicated with a tap for delivery of water for consumption by the consumer and said shield is located proximate said tap.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a commercial distributor comprises at least one party selected from the group consisting of: a single entity, and a vertically integrated entity, servants, contractors and agents of either entity.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein a consumer is a bailee of the flexible bags.  
   
   
       19 . A method of distributing drinking water contained in flexible bags filled with drinking water under sterile conditions to a consumer of drinking water in return for payment and comprising the following steps 
 a) filling the flexible bags with water through a spout or tap forming part of each flexible bag;    b) locating said flexible bags filled with drinking water in a bulk transport container having a capacity for a plurality of flexible bags;    c) transportation, by the commercial distributor, of the bulk transport container, in which the filled flexible bags are located, to a consumer of said drinking water;    d) unloading of required quantity of flexible bags filled with drinking water for delivery to the consumer; and    e) mounting a flexible bag in a dispenser for dispensing the drinking water for to an end consumer,    wherein, said distribution method is “one way”, without recovery of flexible bags for re-use, and wherein, through each step, hazard and critical control points during distribution of the drinking water are minimized.