Worldwide, Asia should account for 79 percent of unit growth of retail flexible packaging in the period up to 2019. And, shoppers sensitive to price and value, will drive package formats – in both emerging and mature markets.

That view comes from Aric Saulka of Euromonitor International, speaking at FPA’s 2016 Fall Executive Conference. He is Regional Director for North America, Central America and the Caribbean for Euromonitor.

He outlined a range of global opportunities:

• Among leading markets in Asia are confectionery, snacks and milk in India, along with instant noodles. Cigarette packaging in China also shows growth potential.
• Small packages will grow faster than the overall average. Their appeal is to new consumers with pocket money who can afford small quantities of products. Also, in mature markets, smaller packages respond to impulse purchases and those looking for portion control.
• Bigger formats also address a niche for consumers looking for value-sized packages. Larger packages find markets in dried and frozen processed foods and dairy products. Zip and press reclosures add to the value proposition, particularly in mature markets.
• One result of the emphasis on smaller and larger packages will be a “squeeze in the middle,” according to Saulka.
• Pouches that provide good shelf presence with microwavability are another growth area. Euromonitor sees a 5 percent CAGR for this category, compared to a 2 percent CAGR for flexibles overall.
• According to Saulka, flexibles already make up half of global retail packaging. Euromonitor expects a 2 percent CAGR for flexibles in the 2014-2019 period. Unlike U.S. demand forecasts, usually reported in dollar value, Euromonitor forecasts are in units.

For More Info

To see the presentation slides, FPA members can go to www.flexpack.org and click “Download Presentations from the FPA Fall Executive Conference.”