StandUpPouches.net, a leading supplier of flexible retail packaging, released a new industry report that examines consumer preference toward baby food packaging.

The supplier partnered with independent research firm Cint to survey more than 1,000 parents in the U.S. The results of these tests were compiled into a detailed report that is available to download now.

Survey participants were shown two types of popular baby food packaging styles: a traditional glass jar and a modern flexible pouch with a spout.

The respondents were asked their opinions about the two distinct forms of packaging based on factors such as the container's appearance, convenience, lifestyle fit, environmental impact and perceived safety.

Highlights of the report's findings include:

• 86% of respondents said it is "very important" that their infant be able to consume food on the go.
• 65% of respondents said a stand up pouch with spout would be the safest packaging for their child.
• 52% of respondents said a baby food pouch adds the most value to them as a consumer.
• 82% of respondents said they would replace the traditional jar baby food they normally buy with baby food packaged in a pouch.
• 80% of respondents said they buy baby food every week, purchasing brands like Gerber, Beech-Nut, Heinz and Plum Baby.

"As leaders in the packaging industry, it's important that we continuously conduct these types of tests to gauge consumer feedback on current packaging styles," StandUpPouches.net Marketing Director Mallory Fetchu says. "As you can see in this study, the majority of today's parents prefer the flexible pouch over the old glass jar. It's now up to brands to use this information to rethink how they are packaging their products – especially food."

The lightweight packaging market is projected to continue its steady growth with food markets for converted flexible packaging expected to reach $15.5 billion by 2021, according to the Freedonia Group.

Pouches will remain the fastest-growing major flexible packaging product.

Factors contributing to the advancement of lightweight packaging include consumer preference for convenient, portable products and brands' heightened need for shelf appeal to differentiate their products from competitors.

To learn more about the advantages of flexible packaging, download the full "Baby Food – From Jar to Pouch: The Evolution of Packaging" report here: https://info.standuppouches.net/baby-food-packaging-report-2017.