As four in 10 Americans say that they are buying more pre-packaged foods[1], manufacturers are experiencing never-before-seen opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic and need to act quickly: consumers are expecting more variety and excitement in their foods while at home and cooking more often. The current crisis has also increased focus on healthy lifestyles, encouraging consumers to keep nutraceuticals and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals on hand.
Not only do manufacturers need to offer and efficiently pack a wider range of SKUs more quickly –– regardless if consumer packaged goods (CPGs) are working with co-packers or investing in their own packaging equipment –– but they also need to ensure that they are delivering a high-quality, reliable product that protects consumer health and brand reputation. These requirements are particularly important for dry goods packed in a pouch format, in which inconsistencies are often noticeable for the customer or can in some cases have severe consequences.