The global sales of food tray are estimated to be worth USD 10,399.0 million in 2025 and anticipated to reach a value of USD 16,461.1 million by 2035. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 4.7% over the forecast period between 2025 and 2035. The revenue generated by food tray in 2024 was USD 10,105.9 million.
Hospitals, cafes, fast-food companies and catering businesses, which form the food service sector, also grow. Because more people come to visit them, more food trays must be provided not only in preparing food, but also in packing food.
Consumer interest in eating out, takeaways and delivery food is further strengthened by the implementation of standardized sanitary packaging solutions that spur the food trays market's growth. This expansion will create innovation in the industry, thereby developing new and improved food tray solutions that answer changing needs in the foodservice sector.
Global Food Tray Industry Assessment
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 10,399.0 million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 16,461.1 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.7% |
The market for single cavity ready-meal trays is expanding rapidly. It is growing with the increase in demand for efficient packaging solutions and the growth of packaging technology. The market for single cavity ready-meal trays is growing exponentially as the need for efficient packaging solutions is rising in the industry along with improvement in packaging technology.
Single cavity trays are the ultimate beneficiaries of overall growth of the packaging industry due to increasing consumers' affinity for convenience and readymade foods. Higher demand for packaged food and changed food supply chain are two most imperative factors contributing towards this market.
Fully recyclable single cavity trays are fast becoming popular in most industries. The main reason is that there is efficiency in the supply chain, reducing the risk of damage during transportation and enhancing food safety.
The food industry has fast moved from the traditional materials like Styrofoam, paperboard, and aluminum towards fully recyclable single cavity trays. The single cavity ready meal trays are now in great demand as the industry is set to become sustainable-friendly and customers demanding environmentally friendly packaging.
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The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global food tray market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2025 to 2035. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 5.2%, followed by a low growth rate of 4.2% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 5.2% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 4.2% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 5.4% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 4.0% (2025 to 2035) |
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to increase to 5.4% in the first half and decrease to 4.0% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed an increase of 20 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed a decrease of 20 BPS.
The Growing Shift Toward Sustainable Packaging in the Food Industry
Growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging from the food processing side has become a great driver for the food tray market. Concerns regarding plastic waste and environmental impact among consumers and rigid government rules and regulations in such matters have promoted biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable trays in the industry.
Currently, companies are looking for sustainability through materials such as bagasse, cornstarch, and recycled PET without any compromise on durability and convenience.
Increasing demand among consumers for 'green' brands is compelling food service providers to embrace more eco-friendly packaging. Not only is this move lowering carbon footprints, but also brand reputation and customer loyalty improve in a competitive market.
Innovative advancements in food packaging enhancing the quality of food trays
Innovative advancements in food packaging have greatly enhanced the quality of food trays. Advances in material science have also worked so that microwave-safe, ovenable, and biodegradable trays are now available in order to make it convenient and sustainable.
Active & intelligent packaging, like wise trays with oxygen absorber or temperature indictors, helps maintain food freshness safety. Nanotechnology is being integrated to create antimicrobial surfaces, reducing the risk of contamination.
Also in addition to, automation in tray sealing and feeling processes enhances efficiency in food production. These innovations are not only in relation to shelf life but also related to changing consumer need for a safer more sustainable and high-performance food packaging solution.
The limited awareness and adoption of eco-friendly food tray options among consumers
The low awareness and adoption of consumers to the environment-friendly food tray alternatives limit the market. Most of the consumers are not aware of the biodegradable and compostable alternatives available, and they generally view them to be as pricey or less durable than plastic trays, a conventional option. Lack of proper labeling and education further prevents widespread acceptance, as people may not fully understand the benefits or disposals methods.
Additionally, businesses hesitate to switch due to higher production costs and limited availability of sustainable materials. Without strong marketing efforts, government incentives, and consumer education campaigns, the shift towards eco-friendly food trays remains slow, limiting their market growth.
The global food tray industry recorded a CAGR of 2.9% during the historical period between 2020 and 2024. The growth of the food tray industry was positive as it reached a value of USD 10,105.9 million in 2024 from USD 9,013.9 million in 2020.
The global food tray market has grown steadily from 2020 to 2024, with increasing consumer demand for convenience and efficiency in food service and catering. The influence of processed and specialty foods on the market has been significant, as consumers look for packaging solutions that enhance the presentation and preservation of these products. Moisture-proof and spill-proof packaging demand has further fuelled the growth, as the food will stay fresh and safe during transportation and storage.
Looking ahead to 2025 to 2035, the food tray market is predicted to continue to rise while upping the ante on sustainable and eco-friendly usage. As consumer environmental awareness builds, consumers will start demanding biodegradable and recyclable food trays.
Advances in packaging technology will be great, where the manufacturer will build trays that would not only satisfy the functional requirements but also respond to consumer's needs regarding options for sustainability. Generally, the market is expected to expand significantly as influenced by changing consumers' behavior and regulatory pressures towards getting environmentally friendly packages.
| Market Aspect | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| Market Growth | Moderate growth driven by the rising demand for convenience foods |
| Consumer Awareness | Gradual increase in consumer awareness regarding food packaging |
| Regulations & Policy Changes | Emerging regulations on single-use plastics in various regions |
| Technological Advancements | Improvements in materials and designs, but limited innovation |
| Product Demand | Growing demand in developed markets, with slower adoption in emerging economies |
| Market Segmentation | Primarily segmented into food service, retail, and industrial sectors |
| Price Trends | Prices fluctuated due to raw material costs and market dynamics |
| Competitive Landscape | Competitive market with established brands and new entrants |
| Raw Materials | Limited availability of sustainable materials for food trays |
| Environmental Impact | Growing awareness of the environmental impact of plastic trays |
| Market Growth | Moderate growth due to increasing environmental awareness |
| Market Aspect | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| Market Growth | Significant growth expected due to increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly packaging |
| Consumer Awareness | Widespread demand for sustainable and eco-conscious food packaging solutions |
| Regulations & Policy Changes | Stricter regulations globally, with more countries implementing bans on plastic trays and promoting biodegradable alternatives |
| Technological Advancements | Enhanced development of biodegradable and recyclable materials, along with more efficient production technologies |
| Product Demand | Increased global demand, particularly in emerging markets as awareness and regulations rise |
| Market Segmentation | Expanding into niche markets such as meal kits, online food delivery, and specialty foods |
| Price Trends | Potential for price stabilization as production scales and sustainable materials become more widely available |
| Competitive Landscape | Highly competitive with a larger number of players, increased innovation, and a focus on sustainability |
| Raw Materials | Improved access to sustainable raw materials, including plant-based and recycled materials |
| Environmental Impact | Significant reduction in plastic waste, with a strong shift towards zero-waste and sustainable practices in food packaging |
| Market Growth | Significant growth driven by stringent regulations and demand for eco-friendly products |
Tier 1 company leaders are distinguished by their extensive portfolio and use of advanced production technology. These market leaders are stand out because of their extensive expertise in manufacturing and reconditioning across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They offer a wide range of series including reconditioning, recycling, and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within Tier 1 include Amcor, Sonoco Products Company, Huhtamaki Oyj ,DS Smith Plc .
Tier 2 companies are defined by a strong presence overseas and in-depth market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach.
Prominent companies in Tier 2 include Mondi Group PLC, Hitray, HSQY Plastic Group, Easy Green, BillerudKorsnas, International Paper Company, Quinn Packaging, Pactiv LLC, Tray-Pak Corporation, Brodrene Hartman A/S, ESCO Technologies Inc., Novolex.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.
They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
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| Region | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| North America |
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| Latin America |
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| Europe |
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| Middle East & Africa |
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| Asia Pacific |
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| Region | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| North America |
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| Latin America |
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| Europe |
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| Middle East & Africa |
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| Asia Pacific |
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The section below covers the industry analysis for the food tray market for different countries. Market demand analysis on key countries in several regions of the globe, including North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and others, is provided.
USA is anticipated to remain at the forefront in North America, with a CAGR of 3.7% through 2035. In South Asia & Pacific, India is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.8% by 2035.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.7% |
| Canada | 3.4% |
| Spain | 4.3% |
| UK | 3.1% |
| Germany | 3.4% |
| China | 5.6% |
| India | 5.8% |
Among the key drivers in the USA, food tray market is growing demand for food services. Cities is becoming more and more urbanized and the availability of more hotels, cafes and other food delivering sources within one city drives demand for food services.
The busy lifestyle of individuals living in cities has resulted in an increase in demand for ready-to-eat meals thus making the food service industry grow. In addition, markets have expanded, as food services have become less of a challenge to find with focus on technology such as online payments for purchases, and online ordering.
The food service industry around the world is dominated by North America, which has an opportunity fueled by high standards of living and great dining out culture.
Given the rapid change in consumer preferences towards experience rather than just food, and convenience of food service, associated fast casual and delivery options have become more popular. This aspect is also coherent with the high level of technology embedded within ordering and payment systems.
Europe accounts for a major market share of global trays, 28%. This region is going toward sustainable packaging because of regulations like the EU Plastics Strategy and the Single-Use Plastics Directive. The EU targets all packaging to be recyclable by 2030, and hence, it is going to boost the demand for eco-friendly trays made of paper and plant-based plastics. Leading countries in this regard are Germany, France, and the UK; this change focuses on reducing plastic waste.
Ecologically conscious consumers in Western Europe drive demand for eco-friendly products. Additionally, increasing popularity in online food delivery and take-away services is a demand for one-time use trays that is contributing to the market growth in this region.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. By material type, plastic is projected to grow at a CAGR of 52.4% through 2025 to 2035. Additionally, by distributor tray end uses are predicted to grow at a CAGR of 39.7%.
| By Material Type | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Plastic | 52.4% |
The market share of food trays is dominated by plastic, holding around 52.4% of the total sales. Capturing more market share can be achieved through innovation in products, mergers, and cost-effective solutions while enhancing production capabilities. Technological developments have resulted in new materials such as PV that help manufacturers be different.
Although plastic is quite popular, the environmental impact from its production is significant; 1.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide are released for every kilogram of plastic trays produced. In response to this, companies are moving toward reusable plastic trays to reduce carbon footprint. Thus, plastic tray sales are anticipated to increase by 170% in the following decade, as there is a high demand for eco-friendly products in the market.
| By Distribution Type | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Distributor | 39.7% |
The distributor segment trays are highly significant in the food tray market, as they provide efficient logistics and supply chain management. The distributor segment trays are widely used by distributors in the food service industry, catering businesses, and retail environments for the safe and effective transportation of food products.
Their design allows for stacking and storage, enabling easy handling and maximization of space during distribution.As the convenience food market increases, the role of distributors remains focused on achieving solutions that streamline operations and limit waste.
A result of these needs is increased interest in environmentally friendly trays; not only does this mean ensuring that the functional aspect of these trays is also sustainable. As a result of this, innovative companies are including eco-friendly material and designs according to consumer choices for environmentally-friendly packaging.
Distributors update their offerings according to the emerging demand of the market while being pertinent. With regards to this factor, shifting to sustainable practice will be an effective differentiator among distributors. That is to say, they align with the major industry movement, which will enhance sustainability while simultaneously reducing its environment footprint.
Key players operating in the food tray market are investing in the development of innovative sustainable solutions and also entering into partnerships. Key food tray providers have also been acquiring smaller players to grow their presence to further penetrate the food tray market across multiple regions.
Recent Industry Developments in the Food Tray Market
In terms of material type, the industry is divided into plastic, paper & paperboard, aluminium and others. Plastic is further divided into polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), others (HIPS, HDPE, etc.)
In terms of tray Type, the industry is divided into single cavity and multi cavity.
By distribution channel, the market is divided into direct sales, distributors, retailers, E-retail.
By capacity, the market is divided into standard, customized.
The market is classified by end use such as manufacturing, commercial, institutional, household.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, The Middle East and Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania have been covered in the report.
The global food tray industry is projected to witness CAGR of 4.7% between 2025 and 2035.
The global food tray industry stood at USD 10,105.9 million in 2024.
The global food tray industry is anticipated to reach USD 16,461.1 million by 2035 end.
South Asia & Pacific region is set to record the highest CAGR of 5.7% in the assessment period.
The key players operating in the global food tray industry include Amcor, Sonoco Products Company, Huhtamaki Oyj, DS Smith Plc.
| Market Size 2023 | USD 310.5 million |
|---|---|
| Market Size 2033 | USD 482.2 million |
| Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.5% |
| Estimated Size, 2021 | USD 1.3 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Size, 2031 | USD 2.9 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2021 to 2031) | 8.5% |
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