The global deli cup market size is estimated to be USD 2,439 million in 2024. Displaying a CAGR of 3.1% through 2034, the sector is slated to account for USD 3,309.8 million by the forecast period.
The demand for deli containers is very saturated, leaving little space for innovation. Biodegradable materials such as cornstarch, bagasse, and PLA are anticipated to become familiar, and the industry is defined by sustainable trends. In recent years, major players have made large expenditures in such an approach.
Owing to the popularity of deli food meals in the convenience food service sector. This has been occasioned by the fact that the general population in industrialized as well as emerging economies have shifted towards the use of food cups mainly because of their packaged meals and on the go eating habits.
It is expected that the industry is likely to continue to grow with the help of online meal delivery companies that provide simple, safe, and hygienically packed meals to customers for the upcoming decade.
Deli Cup Industry Assessment
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 2,381.9 million |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 2,439 million |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 3,309.8 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.1% |
In the hospitality industry, deli cups are being utilized extensively to serve and package different foods, salads, desserts, snacks, and drinks in hotels, eateries, and vending machines. It is anticipated that major possibilities would arise for market participants from countries like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Brazil where tourism contributes significantly to GDP.
The expansion of the retail industry in developing and underdeveloped parts of the world has also in a way supported the market. Supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores generate significant requirements for these cups for packaging deli items, salads, and prepared foods. Besides this, catering services are also putting tremendous pressure on deli container manufacturers for meal prep and individual servings during events and corporate functions.
Even in the pharma industry, companies utilize the full potential of deli cups to securely package and distribute small quantities of medical supplies, pills, and samples.
Beyond conventional sectors, these cups also find applications in the cosmetics industry for packaging and sampling beauty products like creams, lotions, and gels. Companies involved in the pet care industry, too, consume a significant amount of deli containers for packaging pet food samples, supplements, and small treats.
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Integrating Deli Cups with Smart Packaging Tech Significantly Amplifies Adoption
There have been various innovations in this industry but the integration of smart packaging technologies such as QR codes, NFC tags, and freshness indicators have considerably revolutionized how consumers use deli containers in their day-to-day lives.
By leveraging these additions, businesses are not only providing sophistication but also attracting the millennial population to the market. The demand for cups with advanced features is also increasing as they provide product information, tracking, and freshness monitoring.
Advanced Food-Safe Certifications to Create Lucrative Opportunities
A multitude of companies involved in the manufacturing of deli cups are obtaining certifications like FDA approval, ISO standards, and other food safety certifications so that they can build consumer trust and ensure compliance with health regulations.
This has driven a higher demand and adoption of these deli containers, especially in the food and healthcare sectors. Food safety certifications also mean these cups can be used for packaging food items for kids and pets.
Environmental Concerns and Cost of Sustainable Materials to Impede Market Growth
Deli cups, in some industries, are still made from plastics and non-renewable resources which poses a significant challenge to the industry’s growth. Growing environmental awareness among the general population and businesses has limited the adoption of these cups.
Also, smaller companies struggle to adopt sustainable alternatives as they are costly in comparison to their plastic and polyester counterparts. Resistance to change is another major factor slowing down the market growth.
The market size was tipped to be USD 2,125.9 million in 2019. Throughout the historical period, the industry developed at a CAGR of 2.3%, reaching a size of USD 2,381.9 million in 2023.
The industry, in this period, was highly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the initial phases, there was a surge in demand for deli cups due to increased takeout and delivery services as restaurants closed or shifted to limited dine-in operations. The market saw a sudden spike in sales due to this.
Pharma companies also generated an excellent demand for these cups as they used them to secure the packaging and distribution of medical supplies, pills, and samples.
As the individuals got accustomed to the new normal, there was a gradual reopening of restaurants, hotels, and take-out eateries. This meant that the demand for deli cups remained relatively high but stabilized compared to the initial phase. The tourism sector in some of the Southeast Asian countries too began to pick some pace, benefiting the sales of these cups appreciably.
Although the pandemic ended, some habits formed during the time, like online food ordering persisted in the general populace. The rise in remote work and take-out culture is set to take the market to unprecedented levels in the coming future.
Principal Consultant
Tier one companies like Dart Container Corporation, Genpak LLC, and Huhtamaki Group are industry leaders known for their extensive product lines, global presence, and strong customer relationships. These companies prioritize innovation in materials and technology to offer high-quality, reliable deli cup solutions.
They invest heavily in research and development to introduce sustainable materials, advanced manufacturing processes, and innovative designs. Tier one companies often lead in obtaining food safety certifications and compliance, ensuring their products meet rigorous standards globally.
Tier two companies such as Fabri-Kal Corporation, Pactiv LLC, and Eco-Products focus on differentiation through specialized product offerings and agility in responding to market trends. These companies emphasize customization and branding options to cater to diverse customer needs across various industries.
They are also leveraging their flexibility in manufacturing capabilities to offer competitive pricing and rapid product development. Tier two companies also prioritize sustainability initiatives, integrating eco-friendly materials and manufacturing practices into their product lines.
Tier three companies like Biopac India Corporation Ltd., Sabert Corporation, and Anchor Packaging differentiate themselves through specialization and regional market focus. These companies often excel in niche markets or specific geographic regions.
Tier three companies also prioritize cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency to maintain competitive pricing. They also emphasize innovation in product design and materials, particularly focusing on biodegradable and compostable options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.
The advent of multinational companies in the food and catering sector in the Asia Pacific has been prolific, which has only improved the industry’s prospects in the region. In North America and Europe, the popularity of food vending machines has exploded, giving more scope to the industry in these regions.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| Canada | 2.8% |
| United States | 3% |
| Germany | 2.7% |
| India | 3.3% |
| Thailand | 3.2% |
| South Korea | 3.1% |
| China | 3.2% |
| United Kingdom | 2.9% |
The demand in India for deli cups is set to register a CAGR of 3.3%, making the country one of the most promising ones in the Asian sector.
As the middle-class customer base of the sector is estimated to develop novel demand, the industry is going to thrive in India. The industry in India is growing because of growing internet meal delivery, shifting customer lifestyles, and urbanization. Customers are choosing dependable, sanitary packaging as they become more health concerned.
The demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable deli cups has increased as a result of the government's push for sustainable practices and environmental awareness. All of such elements work together to propel the industry's expansion in India.
The sector in China is anticipated to book a CAGR of 3.2% over the next ten years. Due to a huge population and high smartphone penetration, e-commerce, and food delivery are anticipated to boost in China, which is compelling the industry and requiring dependable packaging solutions.
The marketing of premium, certified deli containers is a result of the Chinese government's stringent food safety laws and growing environmental concerns. The rise and popularity of these cups in China can be attributed to the market's trend towards sustainable packaging materials.
The industry is penned in to grow at a CAGR of 3% in the United States. The increasing trend of the takeaway and ready-to-eat meals in the United States because of the Americans’ hectic schedules is also driving the growth of the industry, and therefore, the need for better packaging.
Biodegradable and compostable have been embraced by businesses in the United States due to the growing consumer consciousness regarding sustainability, which in turn has driven demand growth. The demand for high-quality deli cups is always high in the United States because of the active food service industry and the delivery of meals online.
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The below table highlights how the plastic segment is leading the market in terms of material, and will account for a share of 28% in 2024. Based on end use, the food service segment is gaining heights and is set to account for a share of 27% in 2024.
When it comes to the material type, the choice of consumers as well as businesses is clear. The plastic segment is anticipated to account for 28% of the share of the market in 2024.
| Material | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 28% |
The plastic deli cups are on the rise in demand by the general public because of their convenience, durability and cost efficiency. Other factors that have boosted the industry include rising population density in urban areas, people’s rising working schedules, and the growing trend in food delivery services.
Their use is as a result of the need to have clean, effective and versatile packaging materials that will enable food to be protected from contamination and also retain its quality during transportation.
The same demand is also touching the skies since plastic deli containers are convenient for on-the-go consumption, takeout, and storage. They have also become more sustainable and eco-friendlier due to advancement in material science hence their popularity.
The deli cup industry, based on end-user, is segmented into food service, hospitality, and household. Food services are estimated to hold a market share of 27%, as of 2024.
| End Use | Food services |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 27% |
Deli containers are increasingly sought after in the food services sector due to their versatility, convenience, and ability to maintain food freshness and safety. They are also preferred over counterparts for their durability, leak-resistance, and clear visibility.
The rise of takeout and delivery services, the need for hygienic packaging, and consumer preference for portion control and convenient, on-the-go options are also driving their adoption in the food services sector.
The availability of biodegradable and eco-friendly deli cups is also boosting their popularity in businesses involved in the food services sector catering to eco-conscious consumers.
The market for deli cups is very saturated as there is very little scope for new entrants to dominate the market. Industry giants are investing heavily in research and development to introduce sustainable materials, advanced manufacturing processes, and innovative designs. Eateries, hotels, diners, etc., all rely on the product offerings from these companies to effectively package their food.
In recent years, there is, however, a shift toward sustainable deli containers. These transitions are deterring small-scale businesses as they have to dip low into their financial resources in the manufacturing of deli containers made from bio-degradable materials.
Dart Container Corporation, Genpak LLC, Huhtamaki Group, Fabri-Kal Corporation, Pactiv LLC, and Eco-Products, are some of the most prominent companies in this market.
Recent Developments
The deli cup market, segmented by material, includes options such as plastic, paper, foam, and compostable materials.
Within product types, offerings range from standard deli cups to insulated and customized designs
These cups cater to various end uses, including food service, hospitality, and household applications.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Oceania have been covered in the report.
The global valuation is USD 2,439 million as of 2024.
The market is expected to reach USD 3,309.8 million by 2034.
The market is growing at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2024 to 2034.
Dart Container Corporation, Genpak LLC, and Huhtamaki Group.
In 2023, the global market was valued at USD 2,381.9 million.
1. Executive Summary 2. Industry Introduction, including Taxonomy and Market Definition 3. Market Trends and Success Factors, including Macro-economic Factors, Market Dynamics, and Recent Industry Developments 4. Global Market Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, including Historical Analysis and Future Projections 5. Pricing Analysis 6. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 6.1. Material 6.2. Product Type 6.3. End Use 7. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Material 7.1. Plastic 7.2. Paper 7.3. Foam 7.4. Compostable 8. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Product Type 8.1. Standard 8.2. Insulated 8.3. Customised 9. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By End Use 9.1. Food Service 9.2. Hospitality 9.3. Household 10. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Region 10.1. North America 10.2. Latin America 10.3. Western Europe 10.4. South Asia 10.5. East Asia 10.6. Eastern Europe 10.7. Middle East & Africa 11. North America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 12. Latin America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 13. Western Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 14. South Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 15. East Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 16. Eastern Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 17. Middle East & Africa Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 18. Sales Forecast 2024 to 2034 by Material, Product Type, and End Use for 30 Countries 19. Competition Outlook, including Market Structure Analysis, Company Share Analysis by Key Players, and Competition Dashboard 20. Company Profile 20.1. Dart Container Corporation 20.2. Berry Global 20.3. EasyPak 20.4. Display Pack 20.5. Vegware 20.6. Material Motion, Inc. 20.7. Lollicup USA Inc 20.8. Green Paper Products, LLC 20.9. Multipack International 20.10. RitePak
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Deli Cup Market
