Retort Packaging Global Market Report 2024

Retort packaging is a type of packaging made from flexible plastic and metal foils. It is commonly used to pack cooked or semi-cooked food, which is then sealed and sterilized to create packages with an extended shelf life, eliminating the need for preservatives and refrigeration.

The main types of retort packaging include pouches, trays, cartons, and others. A retort pouch, also known as a retortable pouch, is made using flexible plastic and metal foil. On the other hand, a retort tray is a flat, flexible structure typically made of plastic material. Retort packaging is widely utilized in packaging various products, including food, beverages, and others.

The retort packaging market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides retort packaging market statistics, including retort packaging industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a retort packaging market share, detailed retort packaging market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the retort packaging industry. This retort packaging market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The retort packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.18 billion in 2023 to $4.45 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%.
The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to various factors, including the convenience and ready-to-eat food trends that retort packaging supports, the extension of shelf life for food products, the use of such packaging in military and space missions, the adoption of cost-effective and efficient sterilization methods, and the increase in single-person households. These factors collectively contributed to the expansion of the retort packaging market during the historic period.

The retort packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.85 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to factors such as the rise in premium and gourmet retort packaging, the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable retort materials, the growth in pet food and baby food packaging, opportunities for customization and branding, the popularity of on-the-go and portable packaging formats, and the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry. Key trends expected in the forecast period include the development of microwavable and sous-vide retort pouches, the use of retort stand-up pouches for snacks, the introduction of recyclable and compostable retort materials, the utilization of retortable glass and plastic containers, the incorporation of smart packaging with QR codes and labels, and the application of retort packaging for plant-based and organic foods.

The growth of the retort packaging market is fueled by an increasing global demand for ready-to-eat or ready meals. Ready-to-eat food products, which are fully cooked and require no further preparation, have become popular, leading to a surge in demand for effective packaging solutions. Retort packaging, known for preserving the quality and safety of food items while extending shelf life, has emerged as the preferred choice for packaging these convenient ready-to-eat products. For example, in 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture reported a significant increase in the total value of processed food product exports from the U.S., reaching $38 billion. Similarly, Canada and Mexico exported processed food products valued at $11.43 billion and $5.65 billion, respectively. This rise in the demand for ready-to-eat meals worldwide is a key driver for the growth of the retort packaging market.

The retort packaging market is anticipated to witness further growth due to the expanding reach of online food delivery services. Online food delivery platforms enable customers to conveniently order and receive meals from various restaurants through the internet. With a growing number of people relying on these services, retort packaging, with its ability to maintain food freshness and extend shelf life, is poised to play a crucial role in meeting the packaging needs of ready-to-eat items. In 2022, the revenue for online food delivery services is projected to grow by 9.18% annually, reaching over $45 billion by 2025. This surge in demand for ready-to-eat or ready meals globally is a significant factor driving the growth of the retort packaging market.

Manufacturers in the retort packaging sector are increasingly focusing on developing recyclable retort pouches to promote sustainable packaging practices globally. For instance, ProAmpac introduced a recyclable retort pouch for pet and human food in January 2021, contributing to its ProActive Sustainability product portfolio. This initiative aligns with the industry's efforts to meet greener packaging goals. Additionally, in September 2020, Amcor and Nestle collaborated to develop a recyclable retort pouch for pet food, further emphasizing the industry's commitment to sustainability.

Strategic partnerships and collaborations with start-ups and mid-sized companies are key initiatives adopted by major players in the retort packaging market to enhance their product offerings and geographical reach. A notable example is the collaboration between Tetra Pak, a Switzerland-based food packaging company, and Stora Enso, a Finland-based paper mill company. Together, they are exploring the feasibility of a recycling plant in Belgium, representing a significant step toward sustainable packaging practices.

In February 2022, Hewlett-Packard Company acquired Choose Packaging for $10 billion, reinforcing HP's commitment to recyclable packaging solutions and sustainable alternatives to plastic bottles. Choose Packaging, a UK-based company specializing in innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, aligns with HP's broader sustainability objectives.

Major companies operating in the retort packaging market include Amcor Ltd., Coveris Flexibles UK Ltd., Sonoco Products Company, Mondi Group PLC, Berry Global Group Inc., Clondalkin Group, Tredegar Corp., Flair Flexible Packaging Corporation, ProAmpac Holdings Inc., Huhtamaki Oyj, Clifton Packaging Group Pvt Ltd., Winpak Ltd., Otsuka Holdings Co Ltd., HPM Global Inc., Avonflex Pvt Ltd., Alliedflex Technologies Inc., Constantia Flexibles International GmbH, AB Tetra Pak, Techni-Pak LLC, Lithotype Company Inc., Fujimori Kogyo Co Ltd., Pyramid Packaging Pvt Ltd., DNP Imagingcomm America Corporation, Printpack Inc., Paharpur 3P Pvt Ltd., Bemis Company Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Ampac Holdings LLC, Scholle IPN India Packaging Pvt Ltd., American Packaging Corporation, Lawrence Packaging Supply Corporation

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the retort packaging market in 2023. The regions covered in the retort packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

The countries covered in the retort packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, and USA.

The retort packaging market consists of the sales of pouches, trays, cartons, and other retort packaging. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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