OnTech named one of the "25 Breakout Companies of 2005" by Fortune Magazine
May 4, 2005

Fortune

(excerpt from article)

OnTech
Technology: Self-heating cans
Sector: Packaging
Headquarters: San Diego, CA
Website: www.ontech.com

In an on-demand world, why not have on-demand hot coffee at your desk? That's the promise of OnTech, whose self-heating, shelf-stable lattes—sold under the Wolfgang Puck brand at Kroger, BJ's Wholesale Club, and Kmart—have finally made it to retail shelves after nearly a decade of R&D. (A four-pack at Kroger costs $8.99.) An earlier effort at self-heating cans flopped, but in 2003, CEO Jonathan Weisz gave the project a jolt of venture financing ($8 million) and business savvy. He partnered with Puck, packaging giant Sonoco, and Lakeside Foods to launch the insta-hot era. Though an analyst scoffs that the product is a mere novelty, a Kroger rep says, "There's nothing like it" in stores today. OnTech's market may just be heating up.

HOW IT WORKS

Custom-built molding machines join an inner cone holding calcium oxide (quicklime) with a six-layer outer vessel containing the beverage (coffee right now; cocoa, soups, and mac & cheese are coming). Push a plastic button and water is released into the quicklime, starting a reaction that heats the contents to 145 degrees in six to eight minutes.

Download full list of 25 Breakout Companies.