Frozen Food Packaging Market in the US

US demand to reach $6.5 billion in 2011

Demand for frozen food packaging is projected to reach $6.5 billion in 2011, aided by heightened demand for convenience- type foods, among both consumers and foodservice establishments, the prevalence of microwave ovens and technological advances in packaging. Demographic trends such as smaller household sizes, the aging of the population and rising numbers of households where all adults work will boost demand for convenience foods, including frozen products. These foods often use more packaging relative to their volume. Moreover, increased spending for meals eaten or prepared away from home will bode well for frozen food packaging as the foodservice industry relies heavily on frozen foods.

Dominant applications to post above-average gains

Meat, poultry and seafood and frozen specialties are the largest applications for frozen food packaging, together accounting for nearly 60 percent of demand in 2006. Above-average advances for meat, poultry and seafood applications will be the result of increased production volume and rising demand for convenience items and those packaged for single-portion use. Efforts by processors to meet a variety of customer needs will lead to expanded product diversity, which will also create opportunities for packaging. Gains for frozen specialties packaging will be driven by favorable demographics and quality improvements in frozen specialties. Ongoing introductions of products using premium, organic and other healthful products and ingredients will stimulate packaging demand. Though frozen fruit and vegetable applications will lag the industry average due to maturity and competition from fresh alternatives, packaging innovations will lead to renewed interest in frozen vegetables. Technological advances in plastic films will continue to be a key factor in the improved quality of products steamed in their packaging.

Pouches to be fastest growing product

Among frozen food packaging products, fastest growth is anticipated for pouches as a result of solid prospects for stand-up pouches, often at the expense of rigid containers. Opportunities for stand-up pouches will be based on advantages of excellent visual appeal, product differentiation, compatibility with upright freezer cases, convenience and reclosability. Healthy gains are also expected for flat pouches due to the incorporation of such convenience features as resealable zippers, spouts and tear notches. Boxes are expected to register more moderate gains, the result of inroads by bags and pouches into traditional folding carton applications. Still, prospects will be boosted by heightened demand for boxes with value-added features such as higher quality graphic design and microwave susceptors, which facilitate browning of frozen hand-held foods, pizza, french fries and other products for which crispness is desirable.

Study coverage

It presents historical demand data for the years 1996, 2001 and 2006 plus forecasts for 2011 and 2016 by application, product type and material. The study also considers key market environment factors, evaluates company market share and profiles more than 30 competitors in the US industry.