Fresh Food Packaging Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Material (Plastic [Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene(PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Others], Paper & Paperboard, Metal, and Others), By Product Type (Bags & Pouches, Films & Laminates, Boxes & Cartons, Clamshells, and Others), By Application (Fruits & Vegetables, Meat & Seafood, and Poultry), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Fresh food packaging includes fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and poultry products. Fresh food is more sensitive than other food products and needs extra careful handling, sturdy protection, and the right temperature throughout the value chain. The growing production of consumption of such perishable food products across the world is driving the expansion of the fresh food packaging market. The ever-increasing demand for adopting a healthier life is leading to the higher consumption of fresh produce, boosting the growth of this market.

• For instance, as per the National Horticulture Database published by the National Horticulture Board 2023-24, India produced 11.21 MT of fruits and 209.39 MT of vegetables, making it the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables after China. The surging production of such fresh food commodities is contributing to the growth of the fresh food packaging market.

Nowadays, consumers frequently prefer convenience food items due to their busy schedules. It has led to the high demand for healthy, convenient food such as fresh herbs packs, chopped vegetable bags, salad bags, single-serve fruit salad trays, and others, boosting the demand for fresh food packaging in the market. Furthermore, due to the increase in trade activities among countries, the safe transport of such perishable items has become essential. The growing innovation and adoption of technologies such as vacuum skin packaging (VSP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) are causing the growth of this market to flourish.

The fresh produce needs to be packed at optimum temperature for long-distance transportation. A slight temperature change can lead to the contamination of the products, restricting the demand for general packaging, which cannot provide temperature-controlled features. The temperature-controlled packaging also increases the end cost for the customers, leading to hampered growth. Moreover, nations have different regulations for packaging fresh food to prevent contamination and use safe and recyclable materials. Thus, the various regulations in the countries impede the growth of the global fresh food packaging market.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted economies across the globe by changing and reducing supply and demand. The fresh food packaging market has seen a moderate impact as the demand for produce has spiked due to the adoption of a healthier lifestyle. However, due to the restriction on transportation activities and lockdown, the market has seen negative impacts of the pandemic.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Fresh Food Packaging Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Fresh Food Packaging Market


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Fresh Food Packaging Market

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

Based on material, the market is segmented into plastic [polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and others], paper & paperboard, metal, and others.

The paper & paperboard segment dominates the fresh food packaging market. The packaging is made from renewable sources and has a high recycling rate. The high sustainability with the properties of the other traditional packaging materials, such as sturdiness, durability, easy availability, and cost-effectiveness, bolstering the segment growth.

ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE

Based on product type, the market is segmented into extrusion bags & pouches, films & laminates, boxes & cartons, clamshells, and others.

The boxes & cartons segment dominates the fresh food packaging market. The boxes and cartons designed specifically for the produce packaging have holes for air circulation to prevent the products from getting rotten. These packaging solutions can be reused again and protect the products during transportation. In addition, easy customizability, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness are propelling the growth of this segment.

ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the market is segmented into fruits & vegetables, meat & seafood, and poultry.

The fruits & vegetables segment leads the fresh food packaging market. People worldwide have shifted their interest toward the consumption of nutritious food, which has raised the demand for fruits and vegetables. Eating fresh food can reduce the chances of chronic diseases and the growing trend of adopting healthier lifestyles is fueling the growth of this segment.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

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The fresh food packaging market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The Asia Pacific is the dominant region in the fresh food packaging market. The growing population and the consumption of fresh produce, along with rising production, are fueling the regional expansion. Additionally, the presence of the world's largest fruit and vegetable producers and exporters and the largest meat and seafood-producing countries, such as Japan, is enhancing the region's growth.

The North America market is growing significantly due to the shifting trend toward the consumption of healthy food such as meat, seafood, and poultry and adopting a healthier lifestyle.

The Latin America market is experiencing lucrative growth due to the presence of one of the largest fruit and vegetable-producing countries, Brazil.

The European region is anticipated to grow steadily during the forecast period. The demand for sustainable packaging solutions due to consumer awareness is growing. Furthermore, the rising geriatric population leads to the high consumption of fresh food, enhancing the region's growth.

The Middle East & African region is growing at a moderate rate due to the rising disposable income that leads to the affordability of nutritious food.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Amcor, Berry Global, Sealed Air, Sonoco Products Company, Mondi, Huhtamaki, DS Smith, Constantia Flexibles, Graphic Packaging International LLC, and Packaging Corporation of America.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In January 2023, Cascades launched new eco-friendly closed basket packaging for fresh vegetables and fruits. The packaging solution is made up of recyclable and recycled corrugated cardboard. It would help support customers' and manufacturers' efforts to minimize the carbon footprint while fulfilling the soaring demand for eco-friendly packaging.


• In April 2022, Mondi introduced new packaging solutions for the food industry at Nuga FoodTec in Cologne, Germany. The launched two-tray packaging offers recyclable alternatives for fresh food producers and can help to lessen food waste. Among both, one is the paper-based tray and another is the semi-rigid plastic tray.


• In June 2021, WestRock announced the expansion of the produce packaging by launching the EverGrow™ Collection. The new packaging is made of sourced wood fiber, which helps the company's goal to minimize waste and build a 100% reusable, recyclable, and compostable product portfolio.