Fresh Food Packaging Market

Fresh Food Packaging Market Outlook (2022-2032)

Worldwide demand for fresh food packaging is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 5% from 2022 to 2032. In 2022, the global fresh food packaging market is valued at US$ 150 billion and is estimated to reach a market size of US$ 245 billion by 2032.

The use of polyethylene packaging is expected to progress at a CAGR of 5.6% through 2032. The strong barrier qualities of polyethylene packaging films are essential for preserving the quality, structure, freshness, and nutritional content of the food product.

A food package provides security, tamper resistance, and specific needs in terms of biology, chemistry, or physical properties. Fresh food can be stored longer when it is packaged. Customers are increasingly seeking low-cost, practical, and environmentally friendly packaging materials, which has an impact on the rate at which dairy, fruit, vegetable, poultry, and meat products are packaged.

Fresh food packaging serves a variety of purposes, including physical safety, barrier protection, information transfer, confinement or agglomeration, advertising, accessibility, safety, and portion control. Growing consumption of shelf-stable snacks has increased the demand for food packaging. Complete protection, biological and distraction safety, and resistance to counterfeiting are all features of contemporary food packaging. It typically includes a food information label and other information about the edible product being sold. Packages and labels have made it easier for retailers to entice customers to buy food products.

Growing customer preference for clean-label and nutrient-rich fresh food products is propelling the market. The widespread availability of packaged foods and the increased disposable income of the emerging middle class are the factors expected to support industry expansion. Additionally, the growing urbanization and expansion of distribution networks are anticipated to drive market expansion. The market is anticipated to experience growth over the forecast period as a result of the rising trend of health and wellness.

Over the forecast period, diet- and health-conscious customers are anticipated to drive growth in demand for fresh food products. Additionally, to appeal to a consumer base who is concerned about the environment, a rising number of food service operators and retail chains are anticipated to transition from plastic packaging to eco-friendly alternatives. Thus, it is anticipated that the aforementioned causes will increase demand for organic food packaging.

Food that has been packaged takes time to get to consumers all around the world. As a result, before reaching the consumer, the packaged food may not be fresh and may have lost its scent and flavor. Food spoilage before it reaches the consumer is becoming a greater risk, which would mean that the money spent on packing would be lost.

To address this challenge, the food processing industry is investing in novel packaging methods and technologies, including intelligent packaging and engineering science, which lengthens the product's shelf life. Apart from income, businesses are putting more emphasis on customer happiness because it affects their reputation and market value.

Consumers are choosing packaged goods with extended shelf lives due to rising health concerns and awareness about eating fresh food. Increasing consumer demand for better food quality and longer shelf lives will favorably impact the fresh food packaging industry.

Report Attributes	Details
Market Size (2022)	US$ 150 Billion
Projected Market Value (2032)	US$ 245 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2022-2032)	5% CAGR
Market Share of Polyethylene	50%
Key Companies Profiled	COVERIS Pactiv Amcor Bemis Company Sealed Air Smurfit Kappa Group Anchor Packaging BALL Berry Plastics Group Interflex Group International Paper Leucadia National LINPAC Packaging Reynolds Sonoco Products Company WestRock Company

What is Stimulating Demand for Fresh Food Packaging?

“Surging Trend of Clean Labelling in Food Industry”

The rising trend of clean labelling is a significant contribution to the overall market expansion since consumers are becoming more concerned with simple and fewer synthetic chemicals on product labels. Clean labels do not list unhealthy substances, such as chemical formulas of synthetic compounds.

“Advent of Nanotechnology”

The field of microscopic materials known as nanotechnology is prepared to make a substantial contribution to the production and packaging of food. Oxygen trappers, gas-permeable composites, and antibacterial thin films are all made of nanostructured materials. In addition, nanocomposite films are used to purify the air, for as by removing carbon dioxide from food packaging so that customers may check the product's freshness while it is being transported or stored.

“Growing Adoption of Convenience Food Products”

Consumers are becoming more and more inclined to eat convenience food products. The two main factors driving this demand are consumers' strong purchasing power and the trend toward healthier lifestyles. The best examples of convenience food items include vegetable trays, salad bags, chopped vegetable bags, natural herb packs, and single-serve salad packing.

Another significant factor driving the increase in sales of these products is the more fast way of life in emerging countries. The desire for prepared food products is primarily driven by working-class women and single parents.

What Barriers are Being Encountered by Fresh Food Packaging Product Suppliers?

“Rise in Counterfeit Items & Packaging and Availability of Substitutes”

Strict laws and regulations governing the raw resources used to make packaging materials and the uncertainty of raw material prices are the factors restraining the food service packaging market growth.

The biggest issue facing the market is the rise in counterfeit items and packaging, as well as the manufacturers' waste disposal practices during the production and packaging processes. The availability of inexpensive local products, which has grabbed a sizable market share of the fresh food packaging industry, will act as a growth inhibitor.

How Can Start-ups Increase their Revenue Share?

“New Market Entrants Should Focus on Investing in R&D to Introduce Eco-friendly Food Packaging Solutions”

New companies are highly investing in R&D to offer eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions to gain a competitive edge.

• VITASTRIM is a sustainable alternative to plastic food packaging invented by the French start-up Noostrim. Food is widely packaged with hazardous substances such as endocrine disruptors, which contaminate both the food and the human body. The start-up's patented compound is created without material deterioration, is odorless, and is made of healthy natural elements. Since it can be recycled multiple times, it is safer for food packaging than traditional options.

Which Region Spearheads Global Fresh Food Packaging Demand?

“Wide Availability of Raw Materials Benefitting Asia Pacific”

Asia Pacific holds a dominant position in the global market. The wide availability of raw materials, the growing population, and the rising disposable income are shaping market growth.

The huge popularity of seafood as a result of the booming travel and tourism sector, high demand for sustainable fresh food packaging, and rapid adoption of flexible fresh food packaging are the factors driving market value.

Country-wise Insights

What is Boosting Sales of Fresh Food Packaging Materials in Japan?

“High Awareness about Healthy Lifestyle among Population in Japan”

The market in Japan is predicted to develop at a CAGR of 2.5% over the forecast period. Market expansion is being driven by the presence of fresh food packaging companies, increased packaged food demand, and growing awareness about healthy lifestyles among the population.

Why is South Korea a Lucrative Market for Fresh Food Packaging Producers?

“Increasing Preference for Frozen Food in the Country”

The market in South Korea is booming as a result of the presence of developed end-user sectors, the enormous demand for fresh produce packaging, rising urban population levels, and the development of retail infrastructure.

Increasing preference for frozen food, rapid rise in food outlets, high demand for natural and organic products among consumers, and rising adoption of rigid fresh food packaging products are supporting market expansion.

Why is Germany Seeing High Demand for Fresh Food Packaging?

“Surging Popularity of e-Commerce Platforms”

A variety of fruits, vegetables, and eggs are transported using cartons and folding boxes. As a result, the sales of paper packaging products in Germany are expected to rise over the coming years.

The surging popularity of e-Commerce platforms is driving the demand for fresh food packaging products in the country.

How is the Market for Fresh Food Packaging Evolving across the U.S.?

“Growing Need for Recyclable Materials in Packaging Applications”

The high demand for eco-friendly and fresh food packaging solutions in the U.S. is attributed to the growing emphasis on minimizing the usage of plastic by the food and beverages industry. The need for recyclable and biodegradable materials in packaging applications is anticipated to increase as a result of strict environmental safety laws and a rise in the demand for quickly disposable solutions.

Category-wise Insights

Which Packaging Material is Expected to Gain Immense Popularity?

“Polyethylene More Preferred Due to its Recyclability”

By material, the market is divided into polypropylene, polyethylene, paper, aluminum, and others. Currently, polyethylene accounts for 50% share of the global market.

The most common material used to package fresh foods is polyethylene. Because of its lightweight, flexibility, strength, durability, recyclability, resistance to chemicals, and moisture resistance, it is widely employed. It offers packaging that is resistant to leaks, preventing the passage of water vapor.

Additionally, it is possible to heat seal it, enabling the food to be wrapped in plastic and given an airtight seal. Recent improvements in PE food packaging films indicate that food stored in such containers has a much longer shelf life. Among the most common food items for which polyethylene packaging is utilized are milk, juice, groceries, and meat products.

Why are Sales of Rigid Packaging Gaining Ground?

“Rigid Packaging Widely Used to Shield Food from Deterioration”

The market is segmented into rigid packaging and flexible packaging based on packaging type.

Demand for rigid packaging is expected to rise at a significant CAGR throughout the forecast period. Stronger support for the products is provided by rigid solutions when they are packed with solid bases and barrier walls. Due to the rigid packaging's solid construction, products packed in this style are simple to ship from one location to another without causing content damage.

Due to their greater degree of stackability in factories, during transit, and exhibited on shelves in retail stores, these packs are simple to store. It can shield food from deterioration or outside influence during handling and delivery, increasing demand from producers of eggs, fruits, and vegetables.

Competitive Landscape

To meet consumer demand, top market players are focusing on offering unique packaging solutions. Leading companies in the fresh food packaging industry are experimenting with innovative approaches to improve the quality of their products and boost their brand positions in the market.

For instance :

• Sealed Air recently revealed the acquisition of MGM's flexible packaging division to boost its global footprint and broaden its product offering.

Key Segments of Fresh Food Packaging Industry Research

• By Material :

  • Polypropylene
  • Polyethylene
  • Paper
  • Aluminum
  • Others

• By Packaging Type :

  • Rigid Packaging
  • Flexible Packaging

• By Application :

  • Meat & Seafood
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Dairy Products
  • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa