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Fray Bentos To Change Iconic Pie Tins Because Millennials Can't Open Them

Fray Bentos To Change Iconic Pie Tins Because Millennials Can't Open Them

Fray Bentos fans have been left frustrated after the iconic tins have been scrapped because millennials found opening them impossible

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Fray Bentos are changing their tins and it's all down to millennials, apparently. Well, it had to be us, didn't it, because everything else is. This might as well be added to the ever-expanding list.

Well, there's news for fans of the processed pies, because the company have decided to change the 'iconic' tins - and after a series of videos were posted online showing young people struggling to break down their indefatigable metal facade, it looks as though millennials are copping the flak for it.

Customers have complained that getting the lids off is a near-impossible task with some having to resort to hammers and screwdrivers, or a good old sharp knife. These are helpful pointers really, people should be bloody grateful.

The British brand says it's 'committed to providing you with convenient, satisfying meals that are ready in a matter of minutes', but it seems the casing is proving impenetrable to some youths with shoddy tin openers.

Videos have been appearing on YouTube showing people desperately trying to crack open the tins, and failing.

They said the metal was too thick for normal tin openers to cut through and often only scraped the surface. Many even broke their tin openers while tackling the tin, as reported by the Metro.

When these hilarious videos started to appear Fray Bentos, which is owned by Baxters, tried to address the problem by posting a message on its website advising shoppers to 'use a robust can opener'. Thanks, guys, never would've thought of that.

Brabantia

They attached a link to a recommended tin opener which retails at £8.50 ($11.50) which is seven times the cost of the common metal tin openers and four times as much as a classic Fray Bentos steak and kidney pie.

Does anyone really want to spend that much on a tin opener, though? Think how much avocado toast and coffee we could buy with that.

Fray Bentos has now said it is putting the iconic tin under the design microscope in a bid to 'improve openability' after more than half a century. Thanks LADs, this will be a great help.

A spokesperson for Baxters Food Group said: "Since Baxters Food Group acquired Fray Bentos six years ago, we have worked closely with Crown Packaging (the Fray Bentos pie can manufacturers) to improve the openability of the can without compromising the integrity or quality of the Fray Bentos product.

Fray Bentos

"Based on consumer feedback the focus has been on improving the tin profile (ridges on the lid). This enables the can opener to sit better on the rim, giving it more purchase to cut through the metal.

"We have conducted a number of trials, and while we have managed a slight improvement, we have concluded that the cans require a robust 'cut from the top' opener rather than a 'cut from the side' opener.

"Budget tin openers will not deliver consistent results. Moving to a ring pull lid has been considered, however due to the surface area and force required to lift the lid, this may result in serious injury to the consumer. This has been discounted as a potential solution."

Ah good, something else for people to moan about 'millennials' moaning about.

The spokesperson continued: "Whilst we continue to review the design of our can, based on consumer feedback we would strongly advise our consumers to use a robust can opener."

Who knew it would be taken so seriously? Mind you, who knew it would be so difficult to get into them?

Featured Image Credit: Fray Bentos

Topics: Food, Interesting, Community, Weird