The fresh produce trays market is anticipated to grow at a sustainable growth over the forecast period. The increasing consumer preference for convenience of pre-packaged fruits, vegetables, and organic fresh produce are contributing to the demand for protective, sustainable packaging. They are essential to shelf life extension, reduced cross-contamination and letting perishables travel without spoiling.
This elicits increased awareness about the plastic waste and promotes the usage of biodegradable, recyclable and compostable tray materials including moulded pulp, paper based trays and bio plastics among others. In addition, increasing investment in sustainable packaging solutions and the rising penetration of e-commerce grocery delivery are also expected to propel the growth of the market.
The market is expected to be up 4.8% from USD 157,437 million in 2025 to reach USD 251,605 million by 2035. Ongoing factors driving the market are the rise in demand for sustainable packaging, the ban on the use of plastic, and the increasing uptake of fresh goods ready-to-eat food.
Key Market Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 157,437 Million |
| Projected Market Size in 2035 | USD 251,605 Million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.8% |
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North America continues to be a lucrative market for fresh produce trays makers, owing to increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and robust retail distribution hedged by a large consumer base. The USA has taken the lead, with growing adoption of biodegradable and recyclable trays by retailers and food manufacturers in response to environmental rules and consumer demand for green packaging.
There is growing demand for the fresh produce trays market of Europe owing to stringent regulations over the application of single-use plastics and a strong push toward sustainable packaging solutions. Germany , France the UK & Italy and the Netherlands also are the leading countries in adopting fibre-based and compostable trays, particularly for use in supermarkets and fresh food retail chains. The growing awareness of food safety and eco-friendly packaging among consumers is also driving the market growth.
So the report anticipates the Asia-Pacific region to register the fastest growth due to rapid urbanization, growing disposable incomes and expanding fresh food retail sector. Demand has been sent soaring for offers of packaging of fresh perishable goods in the likes of China, India and Japan, where the rise of modern supermarkets and online grocery services has spurred sales. Additionally, the initiatives taken by the government to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable alternatives to the packaging will further help the market grow in the region.
Challenges
Plastic Waste Regulations, Rising Raw Material Costs, and Supply Chain Disruptions
The green washing in the food industry leads to stiff competition for fresh produce trays manufacturers in the fresh produce trays market throughout the world, with several companies are in cutthroat competition to design recyclable, eco-friendly trays. Increasing machinery costs that are involved in the production process are also challenging the cost-effectiveness of manufacturers. More infact supply chain disruption assured the whole availability of sustainable packaging material and logistics which affect Pressure on the market.
Opportunities
Sustainable Packaging Growth, Innovations in Smart Packaging and Expansion in E-Commerce
Despite these challenges, global market trends continue to reflect an increasing demand for sustainable, compostable produce trays driven by consumer awareness and government sponsored sustainability initiatives. Active and intelligent packaging solutions such as moisture control, antimicrobial coatings, and freshness indicators are enhancing quality and extending product shelf life.
Increased adoption of online grocery & fresh produce delivery services is also projected to present opportunities for durable & protective packaging solutions. Recent moves towards fibre-based trays, plant-based plastics and alternative edible packaging are also driving new growth opportunities.
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 Trends |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Compliance with plastic reduction laws and recyclability mandates. |
| Consumer Trends | Increased demand for recyclable plastic and paper-based produce trays. |
| Industry Adoption | Use of traditional plastic trays and minimal sustainable alternatives. |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Heavy reliance on petroleum-based plastics for cost-effective tray production. |
| Market Competition | Dominated by plastic packaging manufacturers and food-grade tray suppliers. |
| Market Growth Drivers | Increased demand from supermarkets, food processors, and fresh food retailers. |
| Sustainability and Environmental Impact | Moderate efforts to reduce plastic waste and increase recycled content in trays. |
| Integration of Smart Technologies | Early adoption of vacuum-sealed, moisture-absorbing, and modified-atmosphere trays. |
| Advancements in Tray Technology | Development of heat-sealed, tamper-proof, and lightweight tray designs. |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 Projections |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Stricter bans on single-use plastics, mandatory compostable packaging adoption. |
| Consumer Trends | Expansion in biodegradable, reusable, and plant-based produce trays. |
| Industry Adoption | Widespread shift toward fiber-based, moulded pulp, and starch-based fresh produce trays. |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Shift toward sustainably sourced and biodegradable materials, including bio-polymers. |
| Market Competition | Entry of green packaging start-ups, AI-driven sustainable packaging firms, and eco-conscious retailers. |
| Market Growth Drivers | Accelerated by online grocery expansion, AI-powered packaging optimization, and reusable tray initiatives. |
| Sustainability and Environmental Impact | Large-scale adoption of zero-waste packaging, bio-compostable solutions, and carbon-neutral tray manufacturing. |
| Integration of Smart Technologies | Expansion into AI-assisted freshness tracking, IoT-enabled spoilage indicators, and antimicrobial protective coatings. |
| Advancements in Tray Technology | Evolution toward self-decomposing trays, plant-based coatings, and smart-label packaging solutions. |
Increasing demand for sustainable packaging, grocery delivery through e-commerce, and government programs aimed at reducing plastic waste are among the factors driving growth in the USA fresh produce trays market. The rise of zero-waste grocery stores and plastic-free supermarket initiatives is also pushing for increased usage of biodegradable and compostable produce trays in stores.
Furthermore, retailers are switching to recyclable and fiber-based tray packaging due to the demand to meet Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.The rising usage of AI-driven supply chain management for Fresh produce distribution also augments novel protective packaging solutions demand.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 4.9% |
These factors are leading to an expanding UK market for eco-friendly wrapping driven by both consumer demand and tighter plastic packaging regulations. Supermarkets are now moving to moulded fiber and compostable trays in an effort to meet single-use plastic bans and net-zero sustainability goals.
The growing inclination toward the use of reusable and plant-based trays in organic and premium grocery sectors is also contributing to the market demand. And government incentives to address plastic packaging waste are pushing manufacturers to create zero-waste and returnable produce trays for the distribution of fresh food.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| UK | 4.7% |
Stringent environmental policies, sustainability focused retail initiatives, and shifting toward fiber-based and plant-derived packaging solutions all play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of Europe’s fresh produce trays market. Trends like the shift toward biodegradable and compostable trays in order to combat single-use plastics and reduce food packaging waste are coming from countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands as they begin to be paved by EU directives.
The demand for smart packaging solutions such as spoilage indicators and moisture-control trays is witnessing a surge in the region, thereby stimulating advancements in the same. Closed-loop recycling systems and reusable tray programs are being invested in more and more by supermarkets and fresh produce suppliers.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| EU | 4.8% |
Growing demand for premium fresh produce, government regulations on plastic waste and innovation to meet the needs of consumers are fuelling the growth of Japan's fresh produce trays market. It is a frontrunner on modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP technology), which extends the shelf life of fresh produce and reduces spoilage. Japanese customers want high-quality, protective packaging, resulting in ultra-lightweight, biodegradable, moisture-resistant produce trays. Furthermore, government-sponsored programs on bioplastic and bio-derived tray materials are stimulating industry expansion.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 4.8% |
South Korea is set to become a very important market for fresh produce trays, thanks to damaging expansion of e-commerce grocery delivery, robust environmental policies and rapidly growing investments in green packaging solutions.Rising trend of direct-to-consumer fresh food services is fuelling the demand for durable and lightweight produce trays that protect fruits and vegetables during transit.
Food retailers and manufacturers are increasingly moving to plant-based alternatives and fiber trays, driven by government incentives for biodegradable and compostable packaging. AI-powered freshness tracking and temperature-sensitive labels are examples of smart packaging technologies that are also being incorporated into packaging for fresh produce.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 4.9% |
Driven by the positive environmental and eco-friendly characteristics of food packaging solutions such as paper & paperboard and molded fiber, these two segments are dominating the fresh produce trays market, as food manufacturers, retailers and consumers are showing strong preference towards eco-safe and biodegradable packaging alternatives. Such materials are increasingly necessary in decreasing plastic dependency, ensuring safe food production and improving product presentation in the fresh produce market.
Paper & paperboard trays are among the most widely adopted segments in the fresh produce trays market, as they provide economical, lightweight and recyclable packaging solutions compared to plastic trays. In contrast to conventional plastic packaging, paper & paperboard trays help deliver environmental sustainability while preserving structural integrity of the packaging for fruits, vegetables, and organic food.
Growing need for sustainable and compostable packaging, such as food-grade paper coatings, moisture-resistant barriers, and customizability in printing, has accelerated market penetration. According to studies paper & paperboard trays are favoured by over 60% of retail owners globally owing to their ability to complement brand sustainability initiatives.
The market was witnessing a new trend of distributing organic and farm-to-table food items packaged in paper-based material for use in fresh berries, leafy greens, and cut fruit, which has augmented the demand among consumer to select eco-friendly material leading to better appeal on the shelf, thereby paving way for market growth.
Incorporating AI-powered packaging optimization with the ability to adjust the thickness of each layer in real-time, automatically regulating moisture absorption, and customizing digital prints has also increased adoption, providing far higher packaging efficiency and extended freshness.
Investments undertaken for the development of high barrier coated paper trays, with water resistant, oil resistant, and biodegradable inner linings has improved the market growth, as they support better packaging performance for moisture sensitive fresh produce.
Although it has benefits like recyclability, lightweight handling, and sustainability over plastic, the paper & paperboard segment does face some challenges such as limited durability of heavy produce, susceptibility to moisture damage, and higher production costs for the advanced barrier coatings. New innovations in nanotechnology-enhanced paperboard, biodegradable lamination techniques, and AI-assisted packaging durability testing combine to ameliorate market feasibility, and are enabling the continued expansion of paper-based fresh produce trays.
Trays molded pulp packaging solutions relied on biodegradable cushioning packaging materials extend their strong market adoption, yet these businesses are capitalizing on the adoption of molded fiber trays solutions from premium organic food brands and eco-friendly retailers. Molded fiber trays are more shock absorbent than paperboard trays, an important factor when packaging delicate and high-value fresh produce.
The high acceptance of molded fiber containers with impact-resistant characteristics, ventilated designs, and moisture-wicking features has driven the need for protective packaging for fruits and vegetables globally. It is estimated that over 55% of specialty produce suppliers are using molded fiber trays to reduce damage in transit and improve shelf appeal.
Market growth is further reinforced by the growth of circular economy packaging initiatives providing fiber-based trays, produced from recycled pulp, agricultural waste and sustainable forestry sources to ensure minimal environmental impact and promote material re-usability.
Further boosting adoption, artificial intelligence-driven packaging engineering involving 3D-modeled tray designs, stress-testing algorithms, and real-time moisture absorption monitoring have been integrated, guaranteeing packaging with optimized material efficiency and maximized shelf life of produce.
Molded fiber trays have evolved as an ideal choice for food and beverage packaging owing to the enhanced physical strength, compostable moisture barrier and temperature resistant structure, which has complemented the demand in the industry and aided in the market development.
While the molded fiber segment has advantages based on being compostable, shock absorbing, and sustainable, there are a few drawbacks, such as high production cost, low customization in tray design, and longer drying times in manufacturing process. Nevertheless, advancements in rapid-drying molded fiber production,AI-enhanced material strength improvements, and bio-based water-resistant coatings are facilitating viability and continued growth for molded fiber fresh produce trays.
With Partition and Without Partition Trays Drive Market Growth as Retailers and Suppliers Optimize Packaging for Fresh Produce Categories
The with partition and without partition segments drive the majority of the market growth as fresh produce suppliers and retailers continue to look for packaging configurations that improve protection of produce products, minimise in-store wastage, and can assist in making it more consumer-friendly.
Partition trays has become the largest fresh produce packaging type ensuring you better separation, cushioning and presentation for fragile and high-value fruits and vegetables. Unlike standard trays, partitioned designs offer individual compartments, which relieve pressure at key points and help minimize bruising while in storage and transit.
This has fuelled volume uptake in multi-compartment packaging across a wide range of applications, where partition layouts can be customized, dividers can be optimized for airflow and the wall of the tray is reinforced. More than 50%of gourmet fruit & berry suppliers use partitioned trays to protect the quality of the products while keeping them appealing to the eye.
Motivational market growth and improved consumer convenience and food safety are fortalecidas by the proliferation of ready-to-eat produce packaging, including portion-controlled fruit packs, segmented snack trays and pre-cut vegetable assortments.
In line with some of these advancements, intelligent packing technologies are causing huge waves, supporting advancements like on-produce freshness detection via AI, embedded RFID labelling, and tiny humidity-controlled alterations that ensure stockpiling conditions align across a plethora of lines leading to expanded service life.
To facilitate enhanced market growth, the introduction of high-strength partitioned trays has been witnessed, with composite materials such as recyclable fiber dividers, antimicrobial coatings, and biodegradable insulating layers.
While the with partition segment can offer benefits in terms of produce protection, better organization, and less spoilage, its limitations include increased material costs, higher manufacturing complexity and limited suitability of bulk packaging. Yet recent innovations in modular tray partitions, artificial intelligence-assisted packaging optimization and lightweight fiber-based dividers help improve functionality, leading to continued growth for with partition fresh produce trays.
The increased market uptake of without partition trays comes as they offer flexibility and adaptability at a time when retailers and suppliers look for packaging that conforms to the size of the various fruits and vegetables being transported. Because their no partitions, non-segmented designs allow for distinguish stacked boded, great for high turn stores and storage.
Cost-effective bulk produce packaging emphasizes high-capacity tray designs, impact-resistant fiber structures, and biodegradable moisture barriers, which is one of the key factors expected to boost the adoption of the market. Over 45% of supermarket chains and foodservice providers, according to a study, prefer without partition trays due to its scalability and versatility for seasonal produce.
The rise in sustainable retail packaging, with minimal-waste tray designs, source of compostable material, and lightweight emergent transport solutions have consolidated market hex by preventing bottleneck in grocery chains for eco-conscious consumers.
In particular, the adoption of AI-powered logistics management, which includes features such as real-time tray weight monitoring, predictive produce stacking optimization, and streamlined inventory tracking, has fuelled the growth further as it caters to reducing food waste and improving retail efficiency.
Trays without partition and reinforced, with shock-absorbing fiber blends, a ventilated base of a tray, and a waterproof barrier coating, has contributed towards a maximum market growth, as they hold better durability and freshness.
The sub-segment without partition segment will face challenges in terms of high risk of damage of produce, limited product separation for delicate items and appearances in the premium packaging due to the fact that it does not have the partition. But, innovations in shock-absorbing material for trays, AI-assisted techniques for stacking produce, and hybrid protective inserts, are enhancing functionality, ensuring scope for further growth for without partition fresh produce trays.
Growing considerations for sustainable or eco-friendly packaging granting high and long-term return on investment, changing landscape of convenience food consumption, and innovative technologies to AI based formulation of packaging to ensure enhanced shelf life are playing crucial roles in driving fresh produce trays market.
Regulatory imposed mandatory reduction of plastic and innovative biodegradable and compostable packaging materials are also influencing the growth of the industry. Major companies in the sector are concentrating on high-barrier packaging, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled material optimization, as well as smart packaging solutions with decay sensors. Key players are packaging manufacturers, food industry suppliers, and sustainability-minded businesses developing innovative lightweight, durable and temperature-resistant fresh produce trays.
Market Share Analysis by Key Players & Fresh Produce Tray Manufacturers
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Amcor Plc | 18-22% |
| Sealed Air Corporation | 14-18% |
| Mondi Group | 12-16% |
| Pactiv Evergreen Inc. | 8-12% |
| Cascades Inc. | 6-10% |
| Other Fresh Produce Tray Providers (combined) | 30-40% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Amcor Plc | Develops AI-optimized, sustainable packaging solutions, high-barrier trays for extended produce freshness, and recyclable polymer-based trays. |
| Sealed Air Corporation | Specializes in vacuum-sealed and moisture-control trays, AI-powered packaging design, and biodegradable fresh produce containers. |
| Mondi Group | Focuses on eco-friendly molded fiber trays, AI-assisted shelf-life extension packaging, and compostable solutions for fresh produce. |
| Pactiv Evergreen Inc. | Provides high-performance foam and PET trays, AI-enhanced leak-resistant designs, and smart packaging for produce freshness tracking. |
| Cascades Inc. | Offers recycled and biodegradable produce trays, AI-driven material optimization, and sustainable molded pulp packaging solutions. |
Key Market Insights
Amcor Plc (18-22%)
Amcor leads in high-barrier and recyclable fresh produce trays, integrating AI-powered design optimization for enhanced durability and sustainability.
Sealed Air Corporation (14-18%)
Sealed Air specializes in moisture-controlled, vacuum-sealed, and AI-driven smart packaging solutions that extend produce shelf life and reduce food waste.
Mondi Group (12-16%)
Mondi focuses on sustainable, molded fiber and compostable tray solutions, leveraging AI-enhanced material optimization for high-strength, eco-friendly packaging.
Pactiv Evergreen Inc. (8-12%)
Pactiv provides durable PET and foam trays, offering AI-assisted structural design for improved freshness retention and leak prevention in fresh produce packaging.
Cascades Inc. (6-10%)
Cascades excels in recycled and biodegradable packaging, using AI-driven material engineering to develop high-performance, compostable produce trays.
Other Key Players (30-40% Combined)
Several sustainable packaging manufacturers, food industry suppliers, and eco-friendly material innovators contribute to advancements in next-generation fresh produce trays, AI-powered shelf-life extension, and smart packaging solutions. Key contributors include:
The overall market size for the fresh produce trays market was USD 157,437 Million in 2025.
The fresh produce trays market is expected to reach USD 251,605 Million in 2035.
The demand for fresh produce trays is expected to rise due to increasing consumer preference for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. The growing focus on reducing plastic waste and stringent government regulations promoting biodegradable packaging materials are further boosting market expansion. Additionally, the rising demand for convenient and protective packaging in the fresh food supply chain is driving significant growth
The top 5 countries driving the development of the fresh produce trays market are the USA, China, Germany, India, and France.
Paper & Paperboard and Molded Fiber are expected to command a significant share over the assessment period.
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