Packaging technologies drive frozen produce market

The global market for frozen fruits and vegetables is projected to reach 28.2 million tons by 2020, according to a report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA). The report cites trends in consumer preferences and changes in demographic factors as driving forces.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are the second largest segment of the global processed fruit and vegetables market, according to GIA. This segment includes fresh fruit and vegetables processed into value-added frozen, canned, preserved and dried food products.

The market study found consumers are now looking for smaller quantities and convenience in their growing demand for easy to store and prepare food. New single-serving packaging, for example, is “aimed specifically at addressing the needs of a growing category of single — young or elderly — customers,” GIA said in its report.

Trends in value-added products include frozen entrees, vegetable mixes, prepared meals and vegetables in sauce. Products found in the frozen food market, such as bulk foods, are changing to smaller portions that can be packaged into smaller containers.

“The market is progressively moving from bulk un-processed food to manufactured and processed foods,” GIA reported.

Packaging makes a difference when products are being marketed as fitting consumers’ fast and on-the-go lifestyles, the study found.

“Customers prefer convenient packages for frozen vegetables and vegetable processors package their products in re-sealable containers and vegetables in 10-ounce box,” GIA said.

Smaller packaging sizes are ideal to be used in microwaves for example. GIA found the most common package sizes are 10 and 16 ounces. Re-sealable containers in various size packages also provide customers with convenience.

GIA also analyzed how marketing strategies are executed to promote product sales and packaging.

“Effective market survival hinges on the entrepreneurial ability to innovatively package and position products in a way that enables consumers to pick and choose them amongst a host of other similar product offerings,” GIA said.

Popular packaging trends appealing to customers were found to be environmentally friendly packaging and packaging that keeps cut produce fresh longer.

The Global Industry Analysts market report uses Supreme Plastics’ Twistlok bags as an example of packaging that extends the storage life of frozen produce. The bags are manufactured from fibers that can be twisted after initial use to retain and restore the remaining contents, GIA said.

— Ana Olvera, digital content editor