This study analyzes the market for ice cream and frozen dessert packaging. Historical (2009, 2014 and 2019) data and forecasts to 2024 are presented in current dollars
Corrugated boxes used as primary packaging are included; however, corrugated boxes for secondary packaging with case quantities are excluded, as are shipping containers and retail-ready packaging.
Also excluded are separately sold lids, caps, and closures.
Rising demand for ice cream novelties and bite-sized frozen treats – which use more packaging than frozen dairy products in larger containers – will support upward momentum for packaging. However, further gains will be restrained by limited volume growth in ice cream production.
Tubs and cups are by far the type of packaging most used with ice cream, representing 54% of demand in 2019. Additional packaging demand is generated by folding cartons, pouches, wrap and lidding, bags, and other containers such as plastic pails. Through 2024, pouches are expected to post the fastest gains, largely the result of growth in demand for novelties.
Tubs and cups for ice cream include round and square-round types for retail packaging and larger paperboard tubs for ice cream stores and other foodservice establishments:
Given the highly competitive nature of the food packaging industry, pricing plays a crucial role in the success or failure of a given container type as a packaging choice:
Price competition in frozen food packaging is intense, both between different materials and between vendors of comparable products, because many of these packaging types are low technology commodities. Pricing advantages for one packaging material over another tend to fluctuate depending on economic conditions, raw material costs, excess capacity, or discounting. Costs for raw materials – which include paper, paperboard, plastic resin, and aluminum foil, as well as adhesives, inks, and coatings –typically account for 50-60% of the final packaging price.
Other considerations with an influence on pricing include design costs, shipping and filling costs, and the degree of customization required. Costs associated with labor, equipment, and environmental compliance are also key factors.
Price competition in frozen food tubs, cups, and bowls is intense, both between different materials and between vendors of comparable products, because these are low technology, commodity-type products:
Average growth in packaging prices will be influenced by several factors, including: