Produce Packaging

Growing Use of Packaging for Fresh Produce Items Drives Demand

Produce Packaging Market in the US, 7th Edition

US demand for produce packaging is projected to increase 4.0% per year. This will represent an improvement over the 2012-2017 period, when domestic produce production declined. Beyond a modest rebound in production, a number of other factors will boost demand, including increased packaging of previously unpackaged produce items, and the widening availability of cut and shredded produce in convenience-oriented packaging.

Key Findings in the Produce Packaging Study

More Produce Packaged in Greater Variety of Formats

Historically, a significant share of fresh produce sold at retail was packaged for shipment, then displayed and sold in bulk. This is changing, and will continue to do so, fueled by such new and ongoing trends as:

  • increased packaging of items not traditionally packaged for retail, such as apples, pears, sweet potatoes, and sweet corn
  • establishment of packaged salads as a ubiquitous grocery item – first in bags, then in a proliferation of packaging formats, including two-piece plastic containers
  • introduction of such products as steamable fresh vegetables in the hope they will be as commercially successful as their frozen counterparts

Convenience for Retailers and for Shoppers

The introduction of bagged salad heralded a new era of convenience-minded produce products, including a wide variety of ready-to-use fresh-cut produce items, such as:

  • fruits and vegetables prepared for snacking and school lunches
  • meal preparation helpers such as vegetable medleys for fajitas and stir-frys
  • melons, pineapples, and other fruits that,are too large for some households

Some Produce Packaging Trends Run Counter to Prevailing Packaging Patterns

In recent years, many food processors have sought to reduce packaging waste. In many respects, the produce industry will continue to move in the opposite direction, with a higher percentage of produce being sold in some form of retail packaging as a marketing device and to reduce food waste. Additionally, commodity flexible packaging – long used to package apples, onions, potatoes, and other produce items – is losing share to clamshells and other plastic containers, although value added pouches have offset this to some extent.

Even so, producers are cognizant of their environmental footprints. This will lead to further advances in the use of plastic resins with recycled content, molded pulp products made from reclaimed fiber, and other packaging formats with favorable environmental images.

Study Coverage

This industry study presents historical demand data (2007, 2012 and 2017) and forecasts for 2022 by product (corrugated boxes, flexible packaging, plastic containers, trays, RPCs, wood crates, foam boxes, and molded pulp baskets) and application (vegetables, fruit, and salad). The study also evaluates company market share and provides analysis on industry competitors including Bemis, Berry Global, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, Pactiv, Packaging Corporation of America, Sealed Air, Sonoco, and WestRock.

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  1. Produce Packaging

    $5,500.00

    1. 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

      $163.00

      1. Figure 1-1 | US Produce Packaging Market

    2. 2 OVERVIEW

      $1,008.00

      1. 2.1 Key Findings

        $82.00

        1. Figure 2-1 | Key Trends in the US Produce Packaging Market

      2. 2.2 Fresh Produce Industry Outlook

        $179.00

        1. Table | US Produce Production & Consumption, 2007 – 2022

      3. 2.3 Packaging Trends

        $409.00

        1. 2.3.1 Overview

          $82.00

        2. 2.3.2 Convenience

          $82.00

        3. 2.3.3 Sustainability

          $98.00

        4. 2.3.4 Product Differentiation

          $82.00

        5. 2.3.5 Technology

          $127.00

      4. 2.4 Pricing Trends

        $141.00

        1. Table | Selected Produce Packaging Prices, 2007 – 2022

      5. 2.5 Environmental Issues

        $140.00

      6. 2.6 Regulatory Considerations

        $95.00

    3. 3 PRODUCTS

      $3,880.00

      1. 3.1 Key Findings

        $82.00

        1. Figure 3-1 | Produce Packaging Products

      2. 3.2 Demand by Packaging Type

        $131.00

        1. Table | Produce Packaging Demand by Type, 2007 – 2022

        2. Figure 3-2 | Produce Packaging Demand by Type, 2017

      3. 3.3 Corrugated Boxes

        $734.00

        1. 3.3.1 Corrugated Boxes: Product Description & Scope

          $82.00

          1. Figure 3-3 | Corrugated Boxes: Example Products for Produce Packaging

        2. 3.3.2 Corrugated Boxes: Advantages & Disadvantages

          $101.00

          1. Figure 3-4 | Corrugated Boxes for Produce Packaging: Key Advantages & Disadvantages

        3. 3.3.3 Corrugated Boxes: Forecast & Key Trends

          $452.00

          1. Table | Corrugated Box Demand in Produce Packaging by Type & Application, 2007 – 2022

          2. Figure 3-5 | Outlook for Key Corrugated Box Produce Applications, 2017 – 2022

          3. Figure 3-6 | Modular & Display Ready Boxes: Product Spotlight

          4. Figure 3-7 | Moisture-Resistant Recyclable Boxes: Product Spotlight

        4. 3.3.4 Corrugated Boxes: Producers & New Products

          $124.00

          1. Table | Corrugated Boxes: Selected Suppliers

      4. 3.4 Flexible Packaging

        $1,254.00

        1. 3.4.1 Flexible Packaging: Product Description & Scope

          $133.00

          1. Figure 3-8 | Flexible Packaging: Example Products for Produce Packaging

        2. 3.4.2 Flexible Packaging: Advantages & Disadvantages

          $171.00

          1. Figure 3-9 | Flexible Packaging for Produce Applications: Key Advantages & Disadvantages

        3. 3.4.3 Flexible Packaging: Forecast & Key Trends

          $744.00

          1. Table | Flexible Packaging Demand in Produce Applications by Type & Application, 2007 – 2022

          2. Figure 3-10 | Outlook for Key Corrugated Box Produce Applications, 2017 – 2022

          3. Table | Plastic Bag & Pillow Pouch Demand in Produce Packaging by Application, 2007 – 2022

          4. Table | Mesh, Paper, &Textile Bag Demand in Produce Packaging by Application, 2007 – 2022

          5. Table | Plastic Film Demand in Produce Packaging by Application, 2007 – 2022

          6. Table | Stand-Up Pouch Demand in Produce Packaging by Application, 2007 – 2022

          7. Figure 3-11 | Stand-Up Pouches: Example Products

        4. 3.4.4 Flexible Packaging: Producers & New Products

          $205.00

          1. Table | Flexible Packaging: Selected Suppliers

      5. 3.5 Plastic Containers

        $805.00

        1. 3.5.1 Plastic Containers: Product Description & Scope

          $82.00

        2. 3.5.2 Plastic Containers: Advantages & Disadvantages

          $82.00

          1. Figure 3-12 | Plastic Containers: Key Advantages & Disadvantage

        3. 3.5.3 Plastic Containers: Forecast & Key Trends

          $522.00

          1. Table | Plastic Container Demand in Produce Packaging by Type & Application, 2007 – 2022

          2. Figure 3-13 | Outlook for Key Plastic Container Produce Applications, 2017 – 2022

          3. Table | Clamshell Demand in Produce Packaging by Application, 2007 – 2022

          4. Table | Tub, Cup, &Bowl Demand in Produce Packaging by Application, 2007 – 2022

          5. Figure 3-14 | Other Plastic Containers: Product Characteristics

          6. Table | Other Plastic Container Demand in Produce Packaging by Application, 2007 – 2022

        4. 3.5.4 Plastic Containers: Producers & New Products

          $130.00

          1. Table | Plastic Containers: Selected Suppliers

      6. 3.6 Trays

        $306.00

        1. 3.6.1 Trays: Product Description & Scope

          $82.00

        2. 3.6.2 Trays: Advantages & Disadvantages

          $82.00

          1. Figure 3-15 | Produce Trays: Key Advantages & Disadvantage

        3. 3.6.3 Trays: Forecast & Key Trends

          $130.00

          1. Table | Tray Demand in Produce Packaging by Application, 2007 – 2022

        4. 3.6.4 Trays: Producers & New Products

          $82.00

          1. Table | Produce Trays: Selected Suppliers

      7. 3.7 Other Packaging

        $607.00

        1. 3.7.1 Other Packaging: Product Description & Scope

          $110.00

        2. 3.7.2 Other Packaging: Forecast & Key Trends

          $448.00

          1. Table | Other Produce Packaging Demand by Type & Application, 2007 – 2022

          2. Figure 3-16 | Reusable Plastic Containers: Key Advantages & Disadvantages

          3. Figure 3-17 | Wood Crates: Key Advantages & Disadvantages

          4. Figure 3-18 | Foam Boxes: Product Characteristics

          5. Figure 3-19 | Molded Pulp Packaging: Product Characteristics

        3. 3.7.3 Other Packaging: Producers & New Products

          $82.00

    4. 4 APPLICATIONS

      $4,758.00

      1. 4.1 Key Findings

        $82.00

        1. Figure 4-1 | Produce Packaging Applications

      2. 4.2 Demand by Application

        $96.00

        1. Table | Produce Packaging Demand by Application & Format, 2007 – 2022

        2. Figure 4-2 | Produce Packaging Demand by Application, 2017

      3. 4.3 Vegetables

        $2,619.00

        1. 4.3.1 Vegetable Sales Outlook & Key Packaging Trends

          $169.00

          1. Table | Fresh Vegetable Packaging Demand by Type & Format, 2007 – 2022

          2. Figure 4-3 | Fresh Vegetable Packaging Demand by Type, 2017

        2. 4.3.2 Tomatoes

          $268.00

          1. Figure 4-4 | Tomatoes: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-5 | Tomato Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Tomato Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        3. 4.3.3 Potatoes

          $261.00

          1. Figure 4-6 | Potatoes: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-7 | Potato Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Potato Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        4. 4.3.4 Lettuce

          $311.00

          1. Figure 4-8 | Lettuce: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-9 | Lettuce Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Lettuce Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        5. 4.3.5 Onions

          $261.00

          1. Figure 4-10 | Onions: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-11 | Onion Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Onion Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        6. 4.3.6 Mushrooms

          $248.00

          1. Figure 4-12 | Mushrooms: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-13 | Mushroom Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Mushroom Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        7. 4.3.7 Carrots

          $289.00

          1. Figure 4-14 | Carrots: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-15 | Carrot Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Carrot Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        8. 4.3.8 Celery

          $237.00

          1. Figure 4-16 | Celery: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-17 | Celery Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Celery Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        9. 4.3.9 Cabbage

          $205.00

          1. Figure 4-18 | Cabbage: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-19 | Cabbage Production & Packaging Demand, 2002 – 2022

          3. Table | Cabbage Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        10. 4.3.10 Other Vegetables

          $371.00

          1. Figure 4-20 | Other Vegetables: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-21 | Other Vegetable Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Other Vegetable Packaging Demand by Vegetable & Product, 2007 – 2022

      4. 4.4 Fruit

        $1,680.00

        1. 4.4.1 Fruit Sales Outlook & Key Packaging Trends

          $114.00

          1. Table | Fruit Packaging Demand by Application & Format, 2007 – 2022

          2. Figure 4-22 | Fruit Packaging Demand by Application, 2017

        2. 4.4.2 Berries

          $264.00

          1. Figure 4-23 | Berries: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-24 | Berry Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Berry Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        3. 4.4.3 Apples

          $248.00

          1. Figure 4-25 | Apples: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-26 | Apple Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Apple Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        4. 4.4.4 Citrus

          $270.00

          1. Figure 4-27 | Citrus: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-28 | Citrus Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Citrus Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        5. 4.4.5 Melons

          $285.00

          1. Figure 4-29 | Melons: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-30 | Melon Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Melon Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        6. 4.4.6 Grapes

          $268.00

          1. Figure 4-31 | Grapes: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-32 | Grape Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Grape Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

        7. 4.4.7 Other Fruit

          $231.00

          1. Figure 4-33 | Other Fruit: Leading Packaging Types

          2. Figure 4-34 | Other Fruit Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

          3. Table | Other Fruit Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

      5. 4.5 Salad

        $318.00

        1. 4.5.1 Salad: Packaging Types & Requirements

          $82.00

          1. Figure 4-35 | Salad: Packaging Types

        2. 4.5.2 Salad: Production Outlook & Key Trends Impacting Packaging

          $93.00

          1. Figure 4-36 | Salad Production & Packaging Demand, 2007 – 2022

        3. 4.5.3 Salad: Packaging Demand Forecast & Growth Opportunities

          $168.00

          1. Table | Salad Packaging Demand by Product, 2007 – 2022

    5. 5 CURRENT TRENDS & FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

      $1,581.00

      1. 5.1 Key Findings

        $89.00

      2. 5.2 Growth in Ready-to-Eat Produce

        $165.00

        1. Figure 5-1 | Examples of Ready-to-Eat Produce Packaging Innovations

      3. 5.3 Growth of ALDI & Similar Low Price Grocery Chains

        $188.00

        1. Figure 5-2 | Key Trends in the Limited Assortment Low Price Grocery Store Market

      4. 5.4 E-Commerce Sales of Fresh Produce

        $127.00

        1. Figure 5-3 | Key Trends in the E-Commerce Grocery Market

      5. 5.5 Introduction of New Produce Varieties

        $194.00

      6. 5.6 Increasing Popularity of Locally Grown Produce

        $211.00

        1. Figure 5-4 | Number of Local Food Distribution Outlets & Consumer Interest in Purchasing Local Foods, 2000 – 2017

      7. 5.7 Sustainable Packaging Requirements

        $181.00

      8. 5.8 The Walmart Effect

        $178.00

      9. 5.9 Organic Produce Sales Continue to Increase

        $129.00

      10. 5.10 Steamable Fresh Pouches: Will They Match Success of Frozen?

        $117.00

        1. Figure 5-5 | Steamable Produce Pouch

    6. 6 INDUSTRY STRUCTURE

      $2,856.00

      1. 6.1 Key Findings & Industry Composition

        $137.00

        1. Table | US Produce Packaging Sales by Company

      2. 6.2 Market Share

        $546.00

        1. 6.2.1 Overview

          $82.00

          1. Figure 6-1 | US Produce Packaging Market Share, 2017

        2. 6.2.2 International Paper

          $82.00

          1. Figure 6-2 | US Produce Packaging Market Share: Leading Supplier

        3. 6.2.3 WestRock

          $82.00

          1. Figure 6-3 | US Produce Packaging Market Share: Second Leading Supplier

        4. 6.2.4 Packaging Corporation of America

          $82.00

          1. Figure 6-4 | US Produce Packaging Market Share: Third Leading Supplier

        5. 6.2.5 Pactiv

          $82.00

          1. Figure 6-5 | US Produce Packaging Market Share: Fourth Leading Supplier

        6. 6.2.6 Georgia-Pacific

          $82.00

          1. Figure 6-6 | US Produce Packaging Market Share: Fifth Leading Supplier

        7. 6.2.7 Sonoco Products

          $82.00

          1. Figure 6-7 | US Produce Packaging Market Share: Sixth Leading Supplier

        8. 6.2.8 Corrugated Packaging Market Leaders

          $82.00

          1. Figure 6-8 | US Corrugated Packaging Market Share for Fresh Produce, 2017

        9. 6.2.9 Other Produce Packaging Market Leaders

          $82.00

          1. Figure 6-9 | Other Produce Packaging Market Share, 2017

      3. 6.3 End Users

        $280.00

        1. 6.3.1 Overview

          $82.00

          1. Table | Produce Packaging Demand by End User, 2007 – 2022

        2. 6.3.2 Growers/Shippers

          $105.00

        3. 6.3.3 Repackagers

          $82.00

        4. 6.3.4 Retail & Other

          $82.00

          1. Figure 6-10 | Produce Packaging Demand by End User, 2017

      4. 6.4 Acquisitions & Divestitures

        $274.00

        1. Table | Selected Acquisitions & Divestitures

      5. 6.5 Marketing & Distribution

        $224.00

      6. 6.6 Research & Development

        $98.00

      7. 6.7 Competitive Strategies

        $170.00

      8. 6.8 Cooperative Agreements

        $133.00

        1. Table | Selected Cooperative Agreements

      9. 6.9 List of Industry Participants

        $994.00

    7. 7 APPENDIX

      $1,172.00

      1. 7.1 Scope

        $191.00

        1. Table | Study Scope: US Produce Packaging Products & Applications

        2. Table | Relevant HS/HTS Codes

        3. Table | Relevant Industry Codes

      2. 7.2 Methodology

        $82.00

      3. 7.3 Sources

        $82.00

      4. 7.4 Associations & Agencies

        $82.00

      5. 7.5 Related Freedonia Group Studies

        $82.00

        1. 7.5.1 US Studies

          $82.00

        2. 7.5.2 Knowledge Center

          $82.00

      6. 7.6 Definitions

        $97.00

        1. 7.6.1 General

          $96.00

      7. 7.7 Abbreviations

        $82.00

        1. Table | Abbreviations

      8. 7.8 Macroeconomic Assumptions

        $613.00

        1. 7.8.1 Economic Environment

          $161.00

          1. Table | Macroeconomic Indicators, 2007 – 2022

          2. Figure 7-1 | Annual Growth in Real GDP, 2000 – 2017, Compared to 1980 – 2005 Average

        2. 7.8.2 Demographic Trends

          $166.00

          1. Table | Population & Households, 2007 – 2022

          2. Figure 7-2 | Annual Population Growth, 2002 – 2017

        3. 7.8.3 Packaging Industry Overview

          $276.00

          1. Table | Packaging Supply & Demand, 2007 – 2022

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