Germany's Keunecke Frischemenue GmbH, a fine-food specialist, has launched a new ready-meal soup line in a compartmented, thermoformed polypropylene container designed and produced by RPC Bebo Plastik (www.,rpc-beboplastik.de). Keunecke Frischemenue's new fresh soups are said to provide a minimum 28-day shelf life when stored in a chiller cabinet or refigerator, and can be heated in the microwave for three minutes to offer a fast, tasty meal. The collection includes both gourmet recipes and “healthy” soups. Formed in a round custom shape, the black soup container allows the soup to be consumed directly from it. It is available in two formats, one with a compartment for certain soup varieties that include croutons to be added after heating. Two winged hand grips on the rim ease carrying and add more convenience. A colorful paperboard sleeve features product photos of each soup recipe to maximize on-shelf appeal. “We chose RPC Bebo Plastik because of its reputation in the production of ready-meal containers,” says Keunecke Frischemenue.