Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Market

Meat, Poultry and Seafood Packaging Market Overview 2024 to 2034

The global meat, poultry, and seafood packaging market is expected to record a growth of 5.3% during the forecast period. The market value is projected to increase from USD 7.7 billion in 2024 to USD 13.2 billion by 2034 due to a surge in ready-to-eat meals. The industry for meat, poultry, and seafood packaging registered an average growth of 3.1% in 2023.

Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Market Analysis

• The rise in the demand for processed and marinated food products has contributed to the growth of the market. Meat and poultry food products require specialized packaging solutions that protect them from contamination, maintain their freshness, and ensure they are easy to use. The packaging industry has responded to this demand by developing novel technologies and biodegradable solutions such as retort and aseptic packaging.
• Increasing awareness about food safety and hygiene has contributed to the growth of the meat, poultry, and seafood packaging market. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the safety and quality of their food products. As a result, the packaging industry has been focusing on developing solutions that protect food products from contamination and ensure they are safe for consumption.
• Changing consumer habits is likely to lead to industry growth for the projected period. Consumers are increasingly looking for fresh, convenient, and easily available products. In response, the packaging industry has developed innovative solutions such as vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, and active packaging. These solutions help extend the shelf life of products and ensure they are fresh and safe for consumption.

Attributes	Details
Meat, Poultry and Seafood Packaging Market Size, 2024	USD 7.7 billion
Meat, Poultry and Seafood Packaging Market Value, 2034	USD 13.2 billion
Value CAGR (2024 to 2034)	5.3%

Key Opportunities for the Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Demand

• Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of packaging waste and are looking for eco-friendly options. Packaging companies are focusing on developing packaging materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, or made from renewable resources.
• The rise in e-commerce sales of meat, poultry, and seafood products is expected to create lucrative opportunities in the industry. Consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping for their food needs. This has created a need for packaging solutions to protect perishable products during transportation. Packaging companies are developing innovative solutions to keep these products fresh and safe during transit.
• The growing trend toward convenience packaging is driving demand for ready-to-eat or microwaveable packaging solutions. Consumers are looking for packaging that is easy to use and allows them to prepare their meals quickly. Moreover, advancements in packaging solutions that withstand high temperatures and retain the freshness of the product are reshaping the industry.
• The meat, poultry, and seafood packaging market is experiencing a rise in demand for customized packaging solutions. With the rise of premium and specialty products, companies seek packaging that differentiates their products from their competitors. Packaging companies provide customized solutions expected to enhance the product's appeal and provide a unique brand identity.

Challenges for the Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Market

• The rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions is expected to hinder market growth in the forecast period. The current packaging methods and materials used in this market are often non-biodegradable, leading to environmental concerns and waste accumulation. As a result, companies have started investing in eco-friendly packaging solutions, which is a significant challenge in cost and availability.
• The stringent regulations imposed by various governments on the packaging industry may somewhat hinder the market. The regulations are put in place to ensure the quality and safety of the products, restricting the use of certain packaging materials.
• The meat, poultry, and seafood packaging industry is highly competitive, with numerous companies competing for a market share. The competition is likely to lead to a price war, with companies cutting prices to attract customers, impacting their profit margins. Additionally, the market is highly dependent on the supply chain, and any disruptions in the supply chain are expected to lead to delays in delivery and food quality.

Category-wise Insights

The Poultry Segment Dominates the Market Due to Growing Health Concerns

Attributes	Details
Meat Type	Poultry
Market Share in 2024	36.3%

• Poultry products are more affordable compared to meat and seafood, making them more accessible to a larger consumer base.
• Poultry has a longer shelf life, making it a more convenient option for consumers and retailers.
• The rise in health-conscious consumers has contributed to the growth of the poultry segment, as poultry is perceived as a healthier protein option compared to red meat or seafood.
• For instance, in 2023, LIPNAC Group Limited, a packaging manufacturer, launched poultry trays manufactured from rPET. The carbon footprint of these trays is 15% less than that of PP and can be recycled back into the packaging chain.

The Modified Atmosphere Segment Dominates the Market by Packaging Technology

Attributes	Details
Packaging Technology	Modified Atmosphere
Market Share in 2024	38.4%

• The valuation of modified atmosphere in meat, poultry, and seafood packaging represents a significant 38.4% market share in 2024.
• The modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) segment has been dominating the meat, poultry, and seafood packaging market due to its ability to maintain the freshness and quality of the products for longer periods.
• This technology helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that spoil the food and maintain the freshness of products.
• Modified atmosphere packaging helps to retain the natural color, flavor, and texture of the products, making them more appealing to consumers. As a result, many manufacturers and retailers are adopting this packaging technology to meet the growing demand for fresh, high-quality, and convenient food products.

Country-wise insights

Countries	CAGR through 2024 to 2034
United States	3.3%
China	6.4%
Japan	3.7%
Germany	3.1%
India	6.9%

Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Market in the United States

• The United States is one of the leading consumers of meat, poultry, and seafood products in the world, and as a result, the market for packaging these products is expanding rapidly in the country.
• The shift toward more convenient packaging options, such as vacuum-sealed pouches and pre-cut portions, cater to the busy lifestyles of consumers driving the market. Moreover, innovation in sustainable poultry packaging to reduce waste is gaining momentum in the United States. For instance, leading meat and poultry packaging firms utilize thermoformed saddle packs integrated with leak-proof seals to preserve the product and cut landfill waste.

Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Market in China

• China is one of the world's leading meat, poultry, and seafood-consuming countries, with a growing demand for packaged food products and a growth rate of 6.4%. The market in China is expected to grow significantly over the next few years due to the increasing demand for ready-to-eat and convenience food products.
• The key factors driving this growth include rising incomes, changing lifestyles, and the growing popularity of online food delivery services.
• The Chinese government has implemented several policies to improve food safety and quality, which has led to an increase in demand for packaging that can protect food products from contamination.

Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Market in Japan

• The seafood consumption in Japan, as per a market study conducted in 2022, is around 8 million tons. The country is also a leading importer of seafood products. The growing demand for nutritional food and seafood-based ingredients is driving the market in Japan.
• The demand for high-quality and safe packaging for these products is rising in Japan due to the increasing awareness among consumers about health and safety.
• The country has strict regulations on food safety and packaging standards, which has led to the development of advanced packaging technologies. Moreover, due to the scarcity of fish, the government is focusing on fisheries policy to protect the marine resources in Japan and seafood cuisine culture.

Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Market in Germany

• Germany is known for its strong industrial sector, high-quality engineering, and advanced technological development. It is famous for its culture, history, and architecture, with many historical landmarks and buildings that attract tourists worldwide.
• The country is a leading player in the meat, poultry, and seafood packaging market, with many companies involved in producing and distributing these products. For instance, Frisch-Geflügel Claus is a Germany-based poultry supplier aiming to innovate the packaging landscape with sustainability. Replacing the conventional trays with cardboard trays that can reduce the use of plastic by 80%, the company is also focusing on using wafer-thin sealing film to cover trays.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape for the meat, poultry, and seafood packaging industry is quite diverse. Several players operate in the market, ranging from large multinational corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises. Companies compete on various factors such as product quality, price, distribution network, and marketing strategies. The market is witnessing the emergence of several new players, further intensifying the competition. Overall, the market is highly competitive and offers customers a wide range of options.

Recent Developments

• In 2022, Amcor announced the opening of its new innovative manufacturing facility in Huizhou, China. With an investment of more than USD 100 million, the 590,000 square foot factory is China's leading flexible packaging plant by production capacity, significantly improving Amcor's ability to meet expanding customer demand throughout Asia Pacific. The facility includes China's first automated packaging production line, which reduces production cycle time by double digits, as well as high-speed printing presses, laminators, and bag-making equipment.
• In 2019, Berry Global Group Inc., a key participant, acquired RPC Group PLC (RPC) for USD 6.5 billion in order to produce value-added solutions. The goal was to offer a protective barrier for plastic packaging firms. Furthermore, this alliance is expected to enhance the company's growth by reaching USD 150 million annually.

Key Market Players

• Bemis Company Inc.
• AEP Industries Inc.
• DuPont (EI) de Nemours
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Visy Industries Holdings Pty Ltd
• Tri-Mach Group Inc.
• Printpack, Inc.
• Orora Packaging Australia Pty Ltd
• ABBE CORRUGATED PTY. LTD
• Cambridge Packing Company.

Key Market Segments

By Packaging Technology:

• Vacuum Skin
• Modified Atmosphere

By Meat Type:

• Poultry
• Seafood
• Meat

By Application Type:

• Proceed Products
• Fresh & Frozen Products
• Ready To Eat Products

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Europe
• Oceania
• The Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Packaging Technology Segment Contributes More to the Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Industry?

Within the packaging technology segment, the modified atmosphere segment held 38.4% of the market share in 2024.

What is the Growth Outlook of the Market in the United States?

The United States accounts for around 3.3% growth from 2024 to 2034.

What is the Growth Potential of the Market in China?

China is estimated to record a growth of 6.4% during the forecast period.

How Big is the Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Market in 2024?

The market is currently valued at around USD 7.7 billion.

What is the Projected Valuation of the Market by 2034?

The market is set to reach a valuation of around USD 13.2 billion by the end of 2034.

What Was the Historical Performance of the Global Market?

Demand for sustainable and innovative food packaging increased at a 3.1% CAGR from 2019 to 2023.