Produce Packaging Market

Produce Packaging Market Outlook

The produce packaging market is expected to experience strong demand, with a total valuation of US$ 34,470.9 million in 2023 rising to US$ 44,447.6 million by 2033. FMI also forecasts the sales of produce packaging to increase at a steady 2.6% CAGR between 2023 and 2033.

The demand for produce packaging is influenced by various trends that are shaping its growth and development. One of the key trends is the increasing demand for fresh and organic food products. As consumers become health-conscious and environmentally aware, they are seeking out fresh and organic food products, which in turn has fueled the demand for produce packaging. This trend is expected to continue driving growth in the produce packaging market.

Another trend that is having a significant impact on the sales of produce packaging is the growing demand for meat- and gluten-free food products. With an increasing number of people adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet or looking to eliminate certain food groups from their diet, the consumption of fresh produce has increased. This is driving the sales of produce packaging supplies and is expected to continue fueling growth in the market.

Does Packaging Innovations Encourage Produce Packaging Sales?

As per Our World in Data, a trend of single households is increasingly becoming common across the globe. In the United States, the share of adults living alone nearly doubled over the past 5 decades by over 28% in 2018.

This trend is catching up fast in Asia and Europe. Countries such as India, the United Kingdom, China, and Japan have a substantial share of single households. To cut down the cost of living coupled with improving the standard of living, single households are becoming increasingly common.

On the back of this trend, food service and packaging companies have increased the production of compact cardboard produce trays, fruit and vegetable packaging boxes, and various other packaging solutions as consumers are opting for smaller quantities of food to reduce wastage.

This is increasing the production of compact produce packaging. Besides this, with growing urbanization and sustainability concerns, innovation in the packaging industry is likely to transform the produce packaging industry.

Innovative packaging can also enhance the overall consumer experience and increase brand loyalty. Here are a few examples of how packaging innovations have encouraged produce packaging sales:

• Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): MAP is a technology that helps extend the shelf life of fresh produce by controlling the atmosphere inside packaging. This allows for the fresh produce to remain fresh for a longer time, which can encourage consumers to purchase and use the produce.
• Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging: With a growing focus on sustainability and reducing the impact of packaging waste on the environment, biodegradable and compostable packaging has become increasingly popular. This type of packaging provides consumers with an environmentally friendly option, which can encourage them to purchase products that are packaged in this manner.
• Reusable and Recyclable Packaging: Another trend in the market is the use of reusable and recyclable packaging. By using packaging that can be reused or recycled, companies are reducing their impact on the environment and also appealing to consumers who are looking for sustainable packaging options.
• Aesthetically Appealing Packaging: Aesthetically appealing packaging can also encourage sales by grabbing the attention of consumers and creating a memorable and positive impression. For example, companies that sell fresh produce in clear plastic packaging with brightly colored labels and graphics have been successful in increasing sales through innovative packaging design.

Global Produce Packaging Market: 2016 to 2022 Outlook Compared with 2023 to 2033 Forecast

Driven by the staggering need for invoices and receipts in institutional and commercial sectors globally, the produce packaging market was expanding with a CAGR of 2% between 2016 and 2022.

Short-term Growth (2023 to 2026): Rising consumer preference for organic fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, plant-based meat products, and grains is expected to spur the demand for produce packaging over the coming years.

Medium-term Growth (2026 to 2029): Increasing awareness regarding the benefits of organic and natural food products has resulted in higher consumption of organic fresh produce. Coupled with this, shifting consumer preference towards online grocery shopping has encouraged the production of high-quality and sustainable produce packaging.

Long-term Growth (2029 to 2033): The growing trend of single-households, surging demand for vegan and plant-based food products, and consumption of ready-to-eat and meat-free meal options are the factors propelling the use of produce packaging bags for fresh food delivery packaging.

Regionally, Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to be the leading contributor to the global market. However, growing demand for organic food products and fresh produce in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany is expected to propel the growth in Europe produce packaging market.

Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

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How Is Increasing Consumption of Meat-free Food Products Driving Sales of Produce Packaging?

Demand for meat-free food products such as plant-based pork is expected to rise at an exceptional 24% CAGR, as per a Future Market Insights study. With growing consciousness regarding the health benefits of organic and plant-based fresh produce, consumption of meat-free food products has increased.

Sales of meat-free fresh produce such as quinoa, plant-based pork, apples, and other fruits & vegetables are expected to witness a huge uptake over the coming years. Hence, retail store vendors and online grocery stores are increasingly stacking such food items.

In retail stores, demand for packaging of fresh produce, which is display-ready is expected to burgeon over the forthcoming years. In response to this, demand for produce packaging in the food service sector is expected to remain higher.

Country-wise Insights

Why is Demand Rising in the United States Produce Packaging Market?

As per the United States Department of Agriculture, consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has significantly increased in the country over the past five years. With the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19, the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables increased in response to growing consciousness regarding health and wellness among consumers.

Over 60% of the USA population consumes fresh fruits as a whole or in the form of juice, frozen, or dried, as per Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Along with the shift in consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the country has witnessed a major shift in consumer buying behavior.

They are likely to purchase fresh produce through e-commerce and online retail stores. With the increasing demand for fresh fruits and organic vegetables, food service companies are exhibiting high demand for fresh produce packaging supplies such as corrugated boxes, trays, bags & liners, and wooden crates.

In response to this, some of the top produce packaging companies are introducing sustainable fresh packaging solutions to meet the requirements of end-users and gain a competitive edge.

For instance, in September 2021, Graphic Packaging International, announced the launch of ProducePack, which is a sustainable paperboard range of packaging designed for fresh produce applications, an effective and user-friendly solution to preserving fruit for Michigan apple distributor BelleHarvest.

How is Veganism Affecting India Produce Packaging Market?

As per Future Market Insights, India is expected to dominate the South Asia produce packaging market. India is the second leading producer of grains, fruits, and vegetables across the globe, as per the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).

As per IBEF, sales of organic food in India are expected to reach US$ 10.73 billion by 2025. The growing trend of veganism coupled with increasing demand for organic food products is likely to propel the sales of produce packaging.

Increased penetration of smartphones and rising disposable income has encouraged consumers to opt for healthier lifestyle such as vegan and dietary foods. Awareness about the nutritional benefits of vegan and organic food has pushed their consumption in India.

This trend gained momentum following the COVID-19 outbreak, creating a conducive environment for the sales of produce packaging supplies in India.

Top Produce Packaging Companies in India

Uflex Ltd.: Uflex Ltd. is an Indian multinational company that provides packaging solutions for a variety of industries, including the fresh produce sector. The company offers a range of products for the produce packaging market, including modified atmosphere packaging, vacuum packaging, and shrink films. Uflex has a global presence, with facilities in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Egypt, and Mexico. The company's focus on innovation and its commitment to quality has made it one of the leading producers of packaging solutions for the fresh produce industry in India.

HPM Global Inc.: HPM Global Inc. is a multinational company that provides packaging solutions for a variety of industries, including the fresh produce sector. The company offers a range of corrugated boxes, crates, and trays. HPM Global has a strong presence in India, where it is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in packaging solutions. The company's focus on reducing waste and its commitment to using eco-friendly materials has made it a popular choice among customers looking for sustainable packaging solutions for fresh produce.

Ashok Industries: Ashok Industries is an Indian company that specializes in providing packaging solutions for the fresh produce industry. The company is known for using high-quality materials in its packaging solutions, which helps to ensure that fresh produce is protected during transportation and storage.

What is Driving the China Produce Packaging Market?

According to FMI, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) is expected to remain the substantial market for produce packaging throughout the forecast period. China is expected to lead the growth in the APEJ produce packaging market on the back of robust production of fresh produce in the country and consequent demand for effective packaging solutions.

Growth in the market is also attributable to the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging for organic food products. Food packaging companies are focusing on the expansion of their manufacturing facilities due to the easy availability of raw materials and cheap labor costs.

Top Produce Packaging Companies in China

Hubei Xiongye Machine Factory Co., Ltd.: Hubei Xiongye is a leading manufacturer of packaging solutions for the fresh produce industry. The company offers a range of products, including corrugated boxes, vacuum packaging, and shrink films.

Suzhou Lucky Time Pack Material Co., Ltd.: Suzhou Lucky Time Pack is a well-known producer of packaging solutions for the fresh produce industry. The company offers a range of products, including corrugated boxes, crates, and trays.

Zhejiang Feipeng Machinery Co., Ltd.: Zhejiang Feipeng Machinery is a leading provider of packaging solutions for the fresh produce market in China. The company offers a range of products, including corrugated boxes, vacuum packaging, and shrink films.

Category-wise Insights

Why is Produce Packaging Preferred for Packaging Fresh and Organic Fruits?

The growing trend towards healthier eating has increased the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. In response to this, local food vendors and retail stores are stacking up freshly diced and cut fruits and vegetables with premium quality packaging to woo the consumers. Hence, the application of produce packaging in fruits is expected to account for the key market revenue through 2031.

In addition to this, improving the penetration of online grocery stores, especially in economies such as India, has increased the application of produce packaging in fruits and vegetable packaging.

Retail Stores Remain the Key End Users of Produce Packaging

As per FMI, revenues from retail stores are projected to account for nearly 50% share of the market.

Hence, retail store vendors are increasing the adoption of superior packaging to keep the produce fresh and extend its shelf-life. This is expected to increase the sales of produce packaging through retail stores.

Why are Corrugated Boxes Most Preferred for Produce Packaging?

In terms of packaging type, corrugated boxes are expected to remain highly sought-after in the global produce packaging market. The corrugated boxes segment is expected to account for over 35.5% of sales through 2023.

As corrugated boxes are lightweight, have high graphics capabilities, are recyclable, and are cost-effective, end-users prefer corrugated boxes for produce packaging. Corrugated boxes also are stronger than average cardboard boxes.

Produce Packaging Market: High Earning Partnerships & Strategies

Key players operating in produce packaging market are focusing on introducing sustainable and fiber-based produce packaging to gain a competitive edge. Some of the leading players are also adopting expansion strategies such as mergers, collaborations, and acquisitions to expand their product portfolio.

• In July 2022, Mondi Group, a leading company in packaging and paper, introduced a series of efficient corrugated packaging solutions called Grow&Go for the protection and transportation of fresh produce. The Grow&Go line provides logistical benefits such as space savings from palletized flat corrugated packaging. After assembly and filling, all packaging options can be stacked without damage and are strong enough to prevent waste. These options are available for various purposes, including heavy bulk shipments, light fruit and vegetable assortments for display, and more. The entire Grow&Go portfolio meets food contact standards and is made entirely of paper.
• In April 2022, Berry Global achieved ISCC PLUS certification for all its North American rigid plastic food service manufacturing locations. This certification is likely to allow Berry to offer certified circular products, with options for advanced recycled materials.

Key players

• Sealed Air Corporation
• Bemis Company
• Georgia-Pacific LLC
• Pactiv LLC
• International Paper Inc.
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Amcor Limited
• Mondi Group PLC
• DS Smith PLC
• KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation
• Others

Key segments

Application:

• Food Grains
• Vegetables
• Fruits

End User:

• Growers/Shippers
• Re-packers
• Retail Stores

Packaging Type:

• Corrugated Boxes
• Bags & Liners
• Plastic Containers (Cups, Tubs, Bowls, etc.)
• Trays
• Other Packaging (Plastic Film, Molded Pulp Containers, Wooden Crates, etc.)

Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ)
• The Middle East & Africa
• Japan