Steady rising demand for poultry packaging

According to industry research firm the Freedonia Group Inc., in the new study “Meat, Poultry & Seafood Packaging,”  it is likely that a 4.2% annual increase in the demand for meat, poultry, and seafood packaging will prevail, partially attributed to increased production, with changes in packaging practices also providing opportunities.

Processors are offering poultry in smaller, more convenient sizes, as well as increasing the variety of poultry that are further processed. Processed goods, which use more packaging relative to their volume than larger unprocessed cuts, will continue to experience strong demand resulting from growth in the number of smaller households and consumer demands for more convenient foods.

High-barrier film demand will benefit from heightened requirements for value-added packaging materials for extended shelf life and protection from puncturing during shipping and handling.

Poultry applications will log above-average advances, benefiting from trends toward healthier eating. A steady stream of innovative and higher-margin poultry products offering convenience in preparation and storage will also provide opportunities for related packaging as such items tend to be more highly packaged. Fastest advances are anticipated in the smaller ready-to-eat market, where growing demand for prepared foods will drive expanded availability of such foods by retailers.