US Fresh Produce Packaging

US Fresh Produce Packaging

Demand for fresh produce packaging is forecast to increase 2.4% per year to $7.3 billion in 2028 or 59 billion units. Market value gains will be supported by modest growth in unit sales as well as by:

• rising demand for value-added produce packaging, such as resealable trays and stand-up pouches
• a continued transition from pillow pouches to higher value plastic trays with lidding and plastic containers for salads and leafy greens
• increasing sales of fresh-cut produce – such as prechopped celery or ready-to-eat mixed berries – which are typically sold in tubs, cups, or other higher value containers

Plastic Trays & Containers to Outpace Other Major Packaging Types

Plastic trays with lidding, tubs, cups, and two-piece containers are expected to outperform bags and pillow pouches in retail markets due to their strong performance across numerous key applications, including salads, berries, and fresh-cut produce. Despite rising concerns over the sustainability of plastic packaging, paper and molded fiber alternatives have struggled to capture significant market share due to plastic’s strong protective abilities, clarity, and capacity to extend shelf-life

Apples & Salad to Drive Overall Produce Packaging Demand

Apples and salad will outperform other types of produce throughout the forecast period and combined will account for a majority of absolute gains in unit and value terms through 2028:

• Unit gains for apple packaging will be aided by the increase in packaged apples as opposed to unpackaged options, while market value will be boosted by the growth of value-added items (such as resealable stand-up pouches and large clamshells) over traditional bags.
• Salad’s market position will be supported by the growing consumer preference for leafy greens and salad mixes over head lettuce. Additionally, a transition to higher-value packaging – such as trays with resealable lidding and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) – will boost market value.

Convenience is King as Consumers Seek to Incorporate More Fresh Produce into Their Diets

Trends toward healthy eating have spurred increased fresh produce consumption and growth in direct-to-consumer outlets, such as farmer’s markets and roadside stands. However, consumers increasingly seek convenient ways of incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into their busy schedules.

Ready-to-eat (RTE) and fresh-cut options have become a significant portion of the fresh produce market over the past decade. These products are generally packaged in rigid plastic containers, often in single-serving format, to support snacking and on-the-go eating.

This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $6.1 billion US market for fresh produce packaging. It presents historical demand data (2013, 2018, and 2023) and forecasts (2028 and 2033) as well as annual data for years 2020-2027. Unit demand and value demand data is shown for fresh produce packaging by material (plastic, paper & paperboard, molded fiber, and other materials), product type (clamshells, two-piece containers, tubs & cups, pails, boxes & cartons, trays, platters, baskets & punnets, wood crates, RPCs, bags, pouches, wrap, lidding) and market (fruits, vegetables, and salad & greens). The study also evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on industry competitors including International Paper, WestRock, Packaging Corporation of America, Georgia-Pacific, and Sonoco Products.