Given the rise of online commerce to the detriment of traditional channels, the contact point between customers and brands is packaging, which must meet the demands of consumers, who are increasingly responsible for the environment.
Studies carried out by companies that provide courier services, detail that in a context of booming e-commerce, 90% of companies believe that in the coming years packaging will be more important, in the area of sustainability and in reducing carbon emissions.
Since consumers are less willing to buy products whose packaging is harmful to the environment, the packaging industry must begin to incorporate these trend changes in the development of its packaging design.
The increase in the diffusion of ideas proposing sustainability in the production and commercialization of goods opens a space for companies to implement strategies based on the preference for the consumption of "eco-friendly" products.
Recyclable and biodegradable bottles and packaging with a "second life" are some of the packaging trends arising in the food industry.
From a report by PROCOMER:
In the food sectorpackagingas a conceptis becoming increasingly present and brands are targeting their strategies towards green and practical practices. Experts believe that this is a crucial part of brand perception as it is a major point of contact with the consumer.Specialistshave detailed upcoming trends in packagingwhich are being backed by the food sector:
The structure of the packaging, the role of "online" packaging, the trend of smart packaging and packaging experience, are some of the factors that will drive the industry this year.
From a report by PROCOMER:
Five trends will drive the market of packaging and bottling, announcedthe Mintelin its report "Global Packaging Trends 2017". The points, which the firm inidcates must be taken into consideration by manufacturers, consumers, retailers and industrialists in order to achieve better results and be at the forefront are:
Individual packages and innovation in packaging are part of the strategies used by the food industry in Latin America to improve the positioning of healthy packaged products.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Latin American region has shown a preference for choosing healthier options of packaged foods.
A new type of biodegradable container has been developed for products containing liquid or solid fat which prolongs the shelf life of the food.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
Biomat research group at the University of the Basque Country, has developed a new biodegradable packaging for fatty products, both liquid and solid, made from agro-industrial by-products, thereby contributing to sustainable consumption of raw materials and by-product recovery. The container is transparent and at the same time, an excellent barrier to ultraviolet light and gases such as oxygen. Multilayer laminates are usually used as a barrier to gases, however, the product developed by Biomat group is monolayer, thus greatly reducing its cost. Furthermore, it can be heat sealed and is printable.
In Central and South America the use of this type of packaging grew by 50%, going from nearly 5 billion units in 2008 to 7 billion in 2013.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The market for flexible packaging (such as those used in sauces and mayonnaise) in Central and South America has experienced rapid growth over the past five years, increasing by 50% in volume, going from nearly five billion units in 2008 to 7 billion in 2013, according to a recent report by PCI Films Consulting. The largest categories of individual final consumption were mayonnaise and tomato sauce (not ketchup), each having 16% and 23% of the volumes, respectively.
The race to win the favor of consumers forces companies to differentiate their products with attractive and value added packaging.
From an article published by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
Growing demand for value-added packaging
According to Kevin Curran, managing director of Tri-Star Packaging, a leader in the development of food packaging, because more and more people eat food while riding in their car, on the train or walking, demand has grown for packaging which facilitates its consumption, while maintaining freshness and appeal to the consumer, taking into account the demands that arise when looking at the sustainability of these products, be they made out of paper, cardboard, recycled plastic or natural fibers.
Consumers readings of nutrition information when making purchase decisions is affected by the way in which the information is displayed.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The presentation of information on labels helps consumers make decisions
A study by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) measured the accuracy with which consumers use modified label information to maintain healthy dietary practices. Amy Lando and Serena Lo, officials from the FDA and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, carried out an online study with more than nine thousand participants in order to assess their perceptions of how reliable and useful labels were.
The Guatemalan Exporters Association is organizing a course entitled "Trends in the Fruit Sector for 2014."
In order to raise awareness about new trends in 2014 regarding packaging, technology, markets and marketing in the fruit sector, the Department of Business Information and Market Intelligence, INFOEXPORT at AGEXPORT, will be running the course "Trends in the Sector Fruit for 2014" on the 11th of March 2014.
Packaged foods that are exported to the South American country must indicate levels of sugar, salt and fat.
The advertising of packaged foods containing high levels of sugar, salt or fat must contain the message "Eating healthy and exercising is good for your health." The new regulation applies to products manufactured in Chile and imported ones.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Nutritional labels on food exported to Mexico detailing sugar, fat and salt on exports to Ecuador are part of the changes.
The Association of Producers and Exporters of Nicaragua (APEN) confirmed that from this and next year Mexico and Ecuador will implement new labeling rules for foods and beverages. Exporters will have to take into account those rules if they want to place their products in those markets.
In the Netherlands new labeling will give information on the geographical origin of perishable goods and the conditions under which it has been handled, stored and transported.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
A new sensor based label will allow, among other benefits, reduction of the risk of pesticide residues found in fruits and vegetables.
Specialty coffee buyers still prefer the traditional bags for the grain.
"The jute sack (...) has been reaffirmed as the preference of buyers facing new global trade rules, in addition to the contracts on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)", reported Elperiodico.com.gt.
The ICE announced a few days that it will allow shipments of the grain in lined containers or plastic supersacks holding up to one ton, in late 2015.
Of the 703 products surveyed by the Consumer Ombudsman in El Salvador 75% do not meet the standards set by the law.
This was announced by the chief of the institution, Yanci Urbina, during the first national Codex Alimentarius congress. Some 3,123 products were submitted to analysis, 457 were submitted for safety and 69% breached at least one technical standard or standard under the Consumer Protection Act.