H and H Crystalvac
H and H Crystalvac
A vacuum-packed reusable crystal jar packaging innovation introduced by Hoffmann-Hayman Coffee Co. in June 1932. Described as “revolutionizing the local coffee industry.” The first vacuum-packing equipment for glass in Texas.
Overview
- Product name: H and H Crystalvac (registered trademark: “Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.”)
- Full description: Vacuum-packed, re-usable crystal jar coffee
- Slogan: “It’s Days Fresher, and It Stays Fresher”
- Launch: June 1932 (in one-pound jars)
- Expanded: December 1932 (three-pound jars added)
Packaging specifications
- Jar type: Screw-cap crystal (glass) jar
- Capacity: 1 and a quarter quarts liquid measure
- Lid compatibility: Standard Kerr and Mason-Ball lids
- Reuse: After coffee is used, jar is suitable for preserving fruits, pickles, and any canning purpose
- Sizes available: Half-pound, one-pound (launch), three-pound (December 1932); also continued in tin
Technology
- Equipment cost: Over $10,000 (since January 1, 1932); “several thousand dollars” for the vacuum-packing apparatus
- Jar supplier: Three Rivers Glass Company, San Antonio — initial order: 250,000 jars
- First in state: The Hoffmann-Hayman equipment brought to San Antonio “the first apparatus of its kind in the state”
- Process: Coffee vacuum-packed under high vacuum with modern machinery; screw cap seals tightly; continuous freshness assured until last spoonful
Marketing
Miss Katherine Schaeffer shown displaying the reusable container in July 1932 press coverage.
Introductory offer (December 1932, with 3-lb jar purchase at 29¢): two imported cups and saucers, one package black pepper, one package tea, one bottle vanilla extract — total retail value 55¢.
Impact
- Added 15 employees at Hoffmann-Hayman plant at launch
- “Phenomenal consumer acceptance and increasing demand” led to 3-pound expansion within six months
- The large Crystalvac container placed on the roof of the new 601 Delaware Street plant as a landmark