Understanding the typical pros and cons of batch versus continuous and aseptic sterilization of low-acid shelf-stable food and beverage products helps organizations make an informed purchasing decision.
The retort packaging market was valued at U.S. $36.21 billion in 2018 and is expected to register a CAGR of 7.11 percent over the forecast period 2019-2024. The ease and adaptability of retort packaging technology has resulted in rapid growth of the market.
E-commerce, concern over food waste and consumer demand for fresh, ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are spurring innovation in the food preservation market. On-the-go consumers are seeking healthy, fresh and RTE options in categories like meats, dairy and juices as an alternative to processed snacks found in the center grocery aisles.
The growth of high pressure processing (HPP) is driven by consumer demand for fresh taste without chemicals or preservatives. But that’s not the only reason why food processors and retailers choose HPP. It also delivers sustainability and cost saving advantages over other processing methods, such as thermal.
As the Earth’s population is expected to grow by more than two billion people in the next 30 years according to a 2017 United Nations report, it will become more imperative to address the sustainability of food processing. Population growth translates to higher required food output and consumers—specifically millennials—have concerns surrounding the environmental impact of today’s food supply chain. This leads them to seek out brands that proactively address the matter.