As ice cream is drawn from the scraped-surface freezer, it should be put into containers that give it the desired form, size, and appearance for convenient han- dling, efficient hardening, consumer appeal, consumer information, convenience, and economy. The label must reveal the ingredients in the order of highest to lowest concentration and the nutrient content in standard format. These labeling consider- ations were discussed in the context of formulations in Chap. 2.
The ice cream manufacturer is basically interested in using containers that will protect the product, will be desired by potential purchasers, and will cost a minimal amount. However, there are many factors that ultimately determine what package to use. In view of the importance of the subject to the dairy industry, the International Dairy Federation published the third edition of the Technical Guide for the Packaging of Milk and Milk Products (IDF 1995). The Bulletin describes factors that deter- mine the nature of the packages that enter and stay in the marketplace