Best Packaging Innovation

La Colombe Draft Latte

La Colombe’s vision of packaging the popular draft-poured lattes served in its cafes became a reality with the development of the “InnoValve” can. Created in partnership with can manufacturer Crown Holdings, the unique package holds a blend of espresso and milk that is infused with liquid nitrous oxide injected into the can through a valve at the bottom. The nitrous oxide becomes a gas when the can is opened, creating tiny bubbles and giving the coffee a frothy texture. A plastic lip guard at the top of the can is dual-purpose: it is designed to guide the latte’s foam to a consumer’s tongue and neutralizes the taste of can’s metal lip. The result is a phenomenal and unique drinking experience for packaged beverages.