Case-Ready Trends Drive Demand for Meat Packaging

Gains will be supported by continued use of case-ready packaging systems in the fresh meat sector and the greater need for the high-performance packaging that is used in these systems. A better outlook for beef and pork production as a result of such factors as population expansion, lower meat prices, and the alignment of some meat products with healthy, natural eating trends will also bolster advances for meat packaging. Additionally, shrinking household sizes will drive meat processors to lower package weights, thus increasing volume demands for packaging overall.

Value-Added Meat Packaging Products Show Continued Growth

The demand for packaging products that can extend the shelf-life of packaged meat or enhance the marketability of mature processed meat types will drive gains for value-added boxes, films, trays, and other rigid and flexible packages. These trends will also bolster increases for packaging accessories, such as labels, that are needed with the increased use of branding in the fresh, processed, and ready-to-eat meat markets. As these trends continue to evolve, high-value meat packaging is expected to gain share over commodity alternatives or package formats without the potential to incorporate newer technology.

Pouches and Plastic Containers Show Fastest Gains

The fastest growth will be observed in niche packaging formats as they gain some share from other containers in the frozen and processed meat sectors. Pouches will see continued gains in the packaging of frozen meat products while plastic containers have seen greater use in the packaging of fresh prepared entrees and more premium processed meat offerings. Although applications are limited for both of these packaging formats, there will continue to be growth based on a good outlook for the related meat products and the marketing and brand differentiating potential these containers provide. Pouch growth will also be sustained by the popularity of jerky and minimally-processed dried meat snacks.

Markets that Capitalize on Fresh & Natural Eating Trends See Best Opportunities

As consumers continue to seek out minimally processed foods and brands that use clean label practices to promote product transparency, the markets that will show the fastest gains through 2021 are those that are aligned with these trends. The burgeoning ready-to-eat sector will continue see gains as consumers demonstrate preference for deli or restaurant prepared meat entrees over pre-packaged processed alternatives based on the perception that fresh prepared foods are healthier. Good gains will also be seen in the fresh meat sector as home cooking is still seen as the best way to control the foods one eats and ensure that dietary restrictions are followed.

Study Coverage

This study presents historical demand data (2006, 2011 and 2016) and forecast (2021) by product (corrugated boxes, trays, folding cartons, cans, paperboard sleeves, plastic containers, blister packs, foil containers, glass jars, plastic film, bags, pouches, paper and foil wrap, labels, absorbent pads, oxygen scavengers, tape, tags, and netting), market (fresh & frozen, processed, and ready-to-eat), and application (beef, veal, pork, lamb, bison, other meat. The study also discusses technologies used in meat packaging (MAP, vacuum packaging, case-ready packaging, retort packaging, interactive labels, TTIs, susceptors, and moisture control packaging) and evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on industry competitors including Bemis, Berry Plastics, Georgia-Pacific, Graphic Packaging, International Paper, NOVIPAX, Packaging Corporation of America, Pactiv, Sealed Air, Viscofan Group, and WestRock.

Published:  February 2017

Format:  PDF emailed by publisher

Number of Pages:  219

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The Freedonia Group, Inc. is a leading international industry market research company that provides information and analysis needed to make informed strategic decisions for your business. Freedonia’s industry market research on Packaging covers a broad range of packaging materials (e.g., paper, plastic, metal) and applications (e.g., protective packaging, food containers). In each case various factors affecting demand are considered such as renewability, life style, distribution, end use product demand and other related issues. All studies include market size, forecasts, product and market segmentations, related economic indicator and regulatory analysis, market share estimates, a discussion of industry structure, and profiles of the leading companies.