Meat products and snack foods have been identified as growth markets in the US according to America’s Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI).
Surveying 70 US-based professionals across the food processing and packaging industry in the US and internationally, PMMI said these segments have been identified as growing areas due to customer demand for portion control and convenience options.
Overall the US food industry is forecasted to grow at a steady rate of 2.9 per cent compound annual growth rate through to 2022.
Meat industry growth
PMMI says the US food industry trails the global market however the meat products are amongst the most innovative of its markets.
Recent innovations include new films to keep meat fresher longer; active labels to sense when meatis past its expiration.
Snack food industry growth
Snack foods were also named as one of the US’ food growth industries.
Recent innovations regarding snack foods include recycled and biodegradable materials for salty snacks; stylish, vivid graphics and shapes for single-serve packs.
Fruit and vegetable plus other innovations
Fruit and vegetable businesses have been identified as innovators with unique packaging solutions coming out of the sector. Clear, tactile films to make consumers pause and consider the product are for example coming out of the US.
Convenience, flexibility, safety, sustainability and technology were all noted as major consumer trends in the US driving food packaging solutions.
