A cleaning device for cleaning a capsule based beverage system is described. The cleaning device includes a body portion having an open end and configured to be located in the brewing chamber of the beverage system and a reservoir portion located at an opposed end to the open end of the body portion as well as a fluid jet forming portion in fluid communication with reservoir region. The cleaning device also includes a cleaning material holding portion located internally of the body portion for holding the cleaning material spaced apart from the fluid jet forming portion. The cleaning device is configured to allow water under pressure originating from the inlet arrangement of the beverage system to flow into the reservoir portion and to form a fluid jet from the fluid jet forming portion that impinges on cleaning material held in the cleaning material holding portion to create a cleaning solution to clean the brewing chamber and outlet arrangement of the beverage system.

A system for the preparation of a multi-component food product, such as coffee, tea, soup or baby food. The system comprises two or more capsules (300,400), each capsule providing a component of the multi-component food product, each capsule having an inlet region for receiving liquid into the capsule and an outlet region (330) for dispensing liquid from the capsule, wherein the outlet region of a first capsule is configured to mate with the inlet region of a second capsule, such that the first and second capsules may be connected in fluid communication.

A tray includes a base having an upper support surface and a central portion extending downward to define a lowermost surface of the tray. The base includes a peripheral portion recessed relative to the central portion. A pair of opposed first walls extend along opposed first edges of the base. A pair of opposed second walls extending along opposed second edges of the base.

A tray includes a base having an upper support surface and a central portion extending downward to define a lowermost surface of the tray. The base includes a peripheral portion recessed relative to the central portion. A pair of opposed first walls extend along opposed first edges of the base. A pair of opposed second walls extending along opposed second edges of the base.

A disposable capsule for use in beverage machines is disclosed. The capsule has a hollow, cup-shaped body adapted to receive a measured dose of a syrup, a liquid or a powder concentrate. The hollow body has an insert housed therein which includes a disc-shaped portion and a stem which stretches out axially from the top of the disc-shaped portion. The stem has an axial through cavity which defines a channel for the dispensing of a beverage. The through cavity includes an inlet formed at an end of the stem located close to the cover of the capsule and an outlet formed at the opposite end of the stem.

Systems, methods and containers for forming a beverage. A container includes a closure arranged with a movable element that is movable to pierce a membrane and permit beverage material in the container to exit. The movable element can include a piercing element that pierces the membrane. Gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage material to exit the container. A gas inlet port can be provided with the closure and arranged to mate with a gas source of a beverage machine.

Systems, methods and containers for forming a beverage. A container includes a closure arranged with a movable element that is movable to pierce a membrane and permit beverage material in the container to exit. The movable element can include a piercing element that pierces the membrane. Gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage material to exit the container. A gas inlet port can be provided with the closure and arranged to mate with a gas source of a beverage machine.

A beverage cartridge and method for forming a beverage cartridge. An outer cup may be made of paper and a polymer liner provided at the inner space of the cup. The liner may define an interior space that is closed by a lid, and the liner and lid may be impervious to moisture and gases, e.g., to protect a beverage material in the interior space. A filter may be attached to the liner and/or lid, and the liner may be peelably removable from the cup. The liner, filter and/or lid may be removable together from the cup.

A multi-section package for instant coffee includes a plurality of sealed flexible packets connected together, each of the plurality of sealed flexible packets being configured to contain a predetermined quantity of contents. In the multi-section package, each of the plurality of sealed flexible packets has a heat-sealed wing disposed at an end thereof and a cutting line formed on a surface thereof adjacent to the heat-sealed wing.

A multi-section package for instant coffee includes a plurality of sealed flexible packets connected together, each of the plurality of sealed flexible packets being configured to contain a predetermined quantity of contents. In the multi-section package, each of the plurality of sealed flexible packets has a heat-sealed wing disposed at an end thereof and a cutting line formed on a surface thereof adjacent to the heat-sealed wing.