Cereal Bags Dilemma (UPDATE)

Last week I was trying to enjoy some cereal in a cup while working at work, when all of a sudden I realized how much noise my cereal bag was making, not only is it annoying to me, but now the whole floor has to hear it and know that I’m having cereal.
What if I didn’t want them to know?! What if someone is in their cubicle squeezing their stress ball because they don’t want to explode and say, “can you stop with that damn cereal bag?!” How embarrassing would that be?! It’s not my fault that cereal companies feel the need to use these loud, extra strength bags.
So…being the inquisitive person that I am, I decided to email the cereal companies and ask them for their opinions. I emailed three companies (Kraft Foods, General Mills and Kellogg’s), only two have replied so far (Kellogg’s and General Mills).

Here’s the question I asked them:

Original Message From: info@kmpblog.com

Originated by Consumer I have one simple question: Why are cereal bags so loud?! I was trying to pour cereal into a cup quietly, but the bag made too much noise it pretty much wakes everyone up. Is there a way to make the cereal bags to be less noisy. Thanks,

This is the response I received from General Mills:
(Some General Mills products: Cheerios, Trix, Lucky Charms, Wheaties, Chex and many others)

From: Corporate.Response@genmills.com
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 17:20:14 -0500
To: kmposted@keepmepostedblog.com
Subject: General Mills Web 2008/10/01-3677 KAG

Dear Valued Consumer:

Thank you for contacting us concerning our cereal. What you have described is the nature of cereal. We are unable to change it.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Kristi Goodman
Consumer Services

KMP’s view: (Hmm…General Mills = General Answer)
I don’t know how I feel about this answer. Maybe there is no solution or way to fix this “problem”. 

Hmm… Let’s see what Kellogg’s have to say about this:
(Some Kellogg’s products: Special K, Raisin Bran, Rice Crispies, Corn Pops, Frosted Flakes, Corn Flakes, Froot Loops, and many more)

From: kellogg@casupport.com
To: kmposted@keepmepostedblog.com
Sent: Oct 1, 2008 10:31 PM
Subject: Re: Consumer Affairs 013676092A

KMP, (named change, they used my real name in this section)

Thank you for contacting us to let us know you would prefer that a different material be used to package Kellogg’s® cereal products.

We base our choices for both inner and outer packaging materials on our need to deliver fresh product to stores in the best possible condition. We look at our packaging to control the absorption of moisture, control breakage and prevent any other type of damage that might occur during the shipping and handling of our foods.

We appreciate the time you took to share your views. Your comments will be shared with our packaging area to help us continue to achieve our goal of providing you with great-tasting and high quality products.

Sincerely,

Hilda Almanzar
Consumer Affairs Department

TLXHXA01/OPS

013676092A

Kellogg North America
PO Box CAMB
Battle Creek, MI 49016-1986

KMP’s view: (Wow…Kellogg’s Cares!) Now that’s an answer that makes me feel happier inside.
They addressed my issue, stated the reason for this issue, by stressing the pros (which is good, makes me, kinda, appreciate the loud packaging), they stated that further action will be taken so that I (the consumer), can continue to enjoy their tasty products.
(Even if the “packaging dept” doesn’t get my email, just the fact that Hilda stated all that on the reply makes me feel like they actually care.

KMP’s Conclusion: So now back to General Mills and their General Answer, I do know how I feel now: In general, I think I’ll stick with Kellogg’s.

*KMP is still waiting on a response from Kraft Foods, doubt they’ll respond…

So a few hours after posting this blog, I got a response from Kraft Foods/Post Cereal:
(some products include: Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles, Grape Nuts, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and many more)

From: Onlineteam2@casupport.com
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:55:42 -0400
To: kmposted@keepmepostedblog.com
Subject: Re: Your Comment/Question Case ID: 18099906

Hi KMP (named changed as well),

Thank you for visiting http://www.kraftfoods.com/.
I’m sorry to hear that you were disappointed with the packaging of POST®Cereal Division. Our packaging staff is continuously trying to make packaging that is convenient, attractive and provides the best quality product for you. We select colors and graphics that, when combined, will create packaging that clearly conveys important information, such as product ingredients that communicate the distintic flavor of the product.I appreciate the time you took to contact us and I’ll be sure to share your comments with our packaging design staff.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Kim McMiller
Associate Director, Consumer Relations
~~TLXEA_18099906~~N

KMP’s View: hmm…that response seems too similar to Kellogg’s response and Post did respond AFTER I posted the blog. I’m not really “buying it” so I’m still sticking with Kellogg’s.