Asia Pacific Fresh Food Packaging Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The Asia Pacific fresh food packaging market is expected to grow to US$69.829 billion by 2028, up from US$47.356 billion in 2021, with a CAGR of 5.70% during the projected period.

An increasing need for the extended shelf life of packed products coupled with increasing disposable income in countries such as India and China, and increasing awareness among people about the consumption of fresh products are aiding the Asia Pacific fresh food packaging market growth. Changing lifestyles among people with an increasing urban population is also one of the reasons attributing to market growth. For instance, according to the National Institute of Urban Affairs, the urban population in India in 2011 was 377.1 million and is estimated to reach 590 million by 2030. With an increase in urban population and increase in disposable income the market for fresh food and packaging is anticipated to grow in the projected period.

Increasing demand for the extended shelf life of products

The Asia Pacific fresh food packaging market is gaining popularity as till the time the packed food reaches the consumer the food loses its aroma and taste. The threat of food going bad before reaching the end-use consumer is increasing the need for fresh food packaging. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing significant growth in fresh food packaging due to boosting exports of fruits and vegetables in the region. For instance, according to the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), during 2022-23 India exported fresh fruits and vegetables worth US$1,635.95 million, fruits worth US$770.70 million, and US$865.24 million. The increasing exports of fruits and vegetables demand packaging that can preserve the smell and taste and keep the nutritional content of the fruits and vegetables intact. Hence, such increased exports are expected to increase the market demand for fresh food packaging in the region in the projected period.

Growth in agricultural export

According to the U.S. Census Bureau Trade Data, Japan exported products such as corn, beef and beef products, pork and pork products, soybean, and wheat among others. The exported products are worth US$3,187 million for corn, US$ 2,376 million for beef and beef products, and US$1,694 million for pork and pork products. The increasing consumption of these products and the need for packaging that can keep the produce fresh even in the process of exporting is also attributed to Asia Pacific's fresh food packaging market growth.

It is projected that the fresh food packaging market in India will grow steadily.

India is rapidly becoming as a favored hub for the packaging sector, with the country's packaging industry experiencing one of the fastest growth rates in the world, rising at a pace of 22–25 % annually. The need for online meal delivery is rising in a country like India, which is driving the fresh food packaging industry to use packed food boxes more and more. For instance, one of the well-known meal delivery services, Zomato, said in February 2022 that during the previous five years, the average number of consumers transacting on Zomato has increased by 13 times and the average number of active food delivery restaurants has increased by 6 times. Along with the rising population in India, changing consumer food tastes and alterations in human behaviour will fuel the fresh food packaging industry expansion during its projected period.

Advancements in packaging technologies

New packaging technologies have emerged, enabling flexible packaging of food products. Companies are employing biodegradable packaging that can be recycled, rejuvenated, and reused to create environmentally friendly packaging. For instance, IBEF estimates that 70% of sales are made through retail, making India's food and grocery sector the sixth largest in the world. One of the largest sectors in India, food processing accounted for 32% of the nation's total food market and was rated fifth in terms of production, consumption, export, and anticipated growth.

Growth in India’s food and grocery market

A lot of retail organizations employ packing materials to preserve the nutritional value and freshness of the goods they sell. In the upcoming years, there will probably be an increase in demand for supermarket goods, such as frozen and chilled dinners, which will aid in the growth of the Indian retail sector. For instance, India's retail market, which was valued at $835 billion in IFY 2022 and is anticipated to reach $2 trillion by 2032, made it the third-largest food and grocery market in the world. The growing need for a variety of nutritious and interesting food goods is the reason why India's food and grocery retail sector is expanding. India's younger, more aspirational, and wealthy consumers are the main drivers of this rise. In IFY 2022, India's food and grocery sector had a value of $528.7 billion, accounting for 63 % of the country's overall retail market.

The increasing popularity of flexible food packaging in India

Corporations are becoming more interested in flexible packaging solutions that are recyclable and contain recycled material. Options like formable paper, which has excellent barrier properties, is suitable for lunchmeat and portion packs and consumes up to 80% less plastic, are becoming more and more popular because of this. For instance, in March 2022, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued new, stricter regulations to control the use of recycled plastic for food packaging. This was intended as a positive step toward more effective management of the nation's massive plastic waste. Moreover, businesses like Evirocor in India offer eco-friendly food packaging products for usage by food outlets, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, industries, caterers, and other users.

Market Key Developments

• In February 2021,Graphic Packaging International launched Paperboard Innovation ProducePack, a sustainable packaging range solution for fresh produce.

Segmentation:

By Material

• Plastic
• Paper and Board
• Glass
• Metal

By Application

• Poultry and Meat Products
• Dairy Products
• Produce (Vegetables and Fruits)
• Seafood
• Others

By Country

• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Thailand
• Taiwan
• Indonesia
• Others