Wardat Al Mashreq Food Co. is broadening its processed-cheese offering by introducing a single-serve stick-pack format through a partnership with IMA Hassia.
The Saudi food producer has installed IMA’s S600 vertical form, fill and seal system at its manufacturing site. The equipment allows Wardat to produce portion-controlled packs for liquid and pasty food products, supporting wider food manufacturing trends focused on convenience and production efficiency.
IMA Hassia develops “vertical form, fill and seal machines for stick packs and sachets – including aseptic packaging machines for extended shelf life – for liquid to pasty products,” making the S600 well suited to processed-cheese applications. Its capabilities also reflect broader advances in food processing technology and food and drink packaging.
The launch represents a move toward more convenient dairy formats. Stick packs provide defined serving sizes, promote hygienic handling and create a distinctive presentation on the retail shelf. They also respond to evolving food and drink consumer trends, particularly demand for portable products that fit busy lifestyles.
Each unit is individually sealed to support on-the-go consumption and help protect product quality. At the same time, the S600 delivers the speed needed for large-scale production. Its reliable handling of viscous materials is especially important for processed cheese, enabling accurate filling and dependable seals throughout the manufacturing process.
IMA Hassia has supported Wardat beyond the supply of equipment. As a member of IMA Dairy & Food, the company contributes engineering expertise and industry experience throughout installation, commissioning and line optimisation. Its dairy-focused division employs more than 550 people across several European locations and provides a wide range of forming, filling and sealing solutions. That knowledge helped Wardat introduce the new format efficiently within its existing operation.
The initial performance has encouraged Wardat to expand its investment. “We already ordered a second stick pack machine,” chairman Salem Almazroo confirms, with the additional system expected to arrive in early 2027. The order indicates confidence in both the packaging concept and the underlying technology, while suggesting that stick packs will play a growing role in Wardat’s processed-cheese plans.
The project gives Wardat a stronger platform for expansion in a competitive dairy sector. It combines consumer convenience, product differentiation and streamlined manufacturing, while aligning with wider food and beverage industry trends and food and drink industry innovation. The initiative also supports food and drink sustainability objectives by enabling controlled portions and efficient production, alongside the practical requirements shaped by food and drink regulations.
For IMA Hassia, the installation highlights the flexibility of the S600 and its ability to serve manufacturers pursuing modern portion-packaging solutions. It also demonstrates how advanced equipment can support emerging food distribution trends and enable food and drink marketing strategies built around portability, hygiene and convenience.