Food Trays And Bowls Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Food Trays And Bowls Market size is estimated at USD 16.99 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 22.90 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.15% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The expansion of online food delivery platforms and cloud kitchens is expected to drive the growth of the global food trays and bowls market. The rising demand for convenient and sustainable packaging solutions is directly linked to the increasing volume of food orders processed by platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, Deliveroo, and Zomato.

Key Highlights

• The rise in QSR locations leads to higher consumption of food bowls for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services. This drives demand for sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions.
• The expansion of Restaurant Brands International (RBI) outlets highlights significant growth in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, directly impacting the global food bowls market. Between 2021 and 2024, Burger King locations increased from 19,247 to 19,732, with intermediate values of 19,789 in 2022 and 19,384 in 2023. Tim Hortons grew from 5,291 to 6,043, Popeyes saw a notable rise from 3,705 to 4,979, and Firehouse Subs expanded from 1,213 to 1,371.
• The increasing consumer preference for biodegradable food trays and bowls made from materials such as paper and molded fiber is driving market growth. These materials decompose naturally, reducing landfill waste and aligning with global sustainability initiatives.
• The global food trays and bowls market is experiencing significant shifts due to stringent regulations on single-use plastics and fluctuations in raw material prices. Governments worldwide are implementing strict regulations to reduce single-use plastics, which directly impact the food trays and bowls market, especially those made from non-biodegradable materials.
• Stringent regulations pertaining to food packaging, coupled with dynamic industry changes, pose significant challenges for packaging manufacturers, making it difficult to invest in long-term product planning.

Food Trays And Bowls Market Trends

Prepared Food Expected to Witness the Major Growth

• The increasing consumption of prepared food drives the demand for packaging solutions like trays and bowls. Consumers' preference for convenient, ready-to-eat meals requires packaging that facilitates storage, transport, and serving. This trend is significant in takeout and delivery services, where food quality and presentation remain crucial. Trays and bowls accommodate various prepared meals, including salads, pasta, soups, rice bowls, and stir-fries, driving the demand for these packaging products.
• The Food Service Industry's expansion and increased consumption of frozen and ready-to-eat meals enhance the demand for these containers. The packaging requirements extend to multiple prepared food categories, including microwaveable meals, frozen dinners, sushi, and meal kits. The growth of meal delivery services and takeout operations increases the need for packaging solutions that maintain food security and freshness during transportation.
• The packaging must accommodate both dine-in and takeout options to serve high customer volumes effectively. The growth in store numbers and menu variety at chains like McDonald's and KFC increases the requirement for packaging solutions that keep food secure, fresh, and easily consumable for both in-store and takeaway customers.
• For instance, the number of KFC locations grew from 26,934 in 2021 to 29,900 in 2023 and reached 30,000 locations in 2024. Each new store requires packaging materials for various menu items, including chicken, sides, salads, and rice bowls. Trays serve as essential packaging components in KFC's operations, supporting the presentation and delivery of chicken pieces, combo meals, and burgers. The continued growth of KFC's store network and increasing customer demand necessitate more durable and efficient trays to support both takeout and dine-in services. This expansion creates a growing need for packaging solutions designed to hold these menu items effectively.

Asia Pacific to Register Major Growth

• In the Asia Pacific region, a burgeoning population, rapid urbanization, and evolving consumer lifestyles are fueling the retail industry's demand for food trays and bowls. Food vendors utilize these trays to efficiently package deli items, prepackaged meals, and fresh produce. Urban consumers, increasingly leaning towards ready-to-eat and convenience foods, are amplifying the demand for food trays and bowls that prioritize convenience, hygiene, and product visibility. With the region's retail infrastructure expanding and consumers gravitating towards convenient and sustainable packaging, food trays and bowls are poised for significant growth in the region.
• The increasing focus on environmental sustainability has prompted a transition from plastic to more sustainable packaging alternatives. Paperboard products maintain a favorable environmental perception, particularly when manufactured from sustainable materials and recyclable sources.
• The expansion of online food ordering and delivery services, accelerated by the pandemic, has heightened the demand for disposable food packaging, including paper bowls and trays. These items are preferred for their convenience and food safety attributes in delivery applications. The region is witnessing a rise in the production and distribution of paperboard material. For instance,
• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Asia accounted for 54% of paper and paperboard production globally in 2023.
• In Asia, the demand for meat packaging trays is shaped by urbanization, population growth, evolving consumer preferences, and heightened awareness of food safety. As urbanization accelerates across numerous Asian nations, there's a surging appetite for convenience, notably in packaged meats. With a growing urban populace, the preference leans towards prepackaged, ready-to-cook, or ready-to-eat meat offerings.

Food Trays And Bowls Industry Overview

The Food Trays and Bowls Market is fragmented, with major players like Amcor PLC, Sonoco Products Company, DS Smith PLC, Mondi PLC, and Ball Corporation, among others. Players in the market are adopting strategies such as partnerships, mergers, innovations, investments, company expansion, and acquisitions to enhance their product offerings and gain sustainable competitive advantage.

Regulatory compliance related to food safety, hygiene, and environmental sustainability is one of the biggest challenges. Many countries impose strict packaging regulations, banning certain plastic types and enforcing labeling requirements. New entrants must invest in sustainable production methods and certification processes, which increases operational costs.

Sustainability is a major differentiator. Companies investing in biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable packaging solutions have a competitive advantage as regulatory pressure and consumer demand continue to shift toward environmentally friendly options. Innovations in design, such as microwavable and heat-resistant trays, also help brands differentiate themselves.

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• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
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