According to “2019 Trends and Advances in Food Packaging and Processing,” a report by PMMI Business Intelligence, meat, poultry and seafood holds an 18.1% share of the nine food categories, with the number of establishments decreasing to 2,436 between 2014 to 2017 (a CAGR of -1.6%), even though the number of employees increased to 381,816 during the same period, at a CAGR of 3.2%.
Meat, poultry and seafood product packaging trends include the use of more vacuum and MAP sealed trays for aesthetic appeal. One Process Engineer at a meat processing company said, “We developed a proprietary post-pasteurization process that guarantees our cooked products are free of preservatives, harmful bacteria, and foodborne pathogens.”
Variety protein packs and single-serve tuna in recyclable cups with a foldable fork are also new trends, as are on-the-go meat snack bars. Protein-sourced additives such as soy, whey, algae and insect protein are gaining awareness, as are meatless replacements such as plant-based protein alternatives.
Meat, Poultry and Seafood Product Processing Trends
· Plant-based meats are growing rapidly; plant-based seafood may be the next frontier.
· Red meat consumption has declined, but higher costs make up for volume loss.
· Poultry sales of certified ready-to-eat, USDA inspected chicken continue to increase.
· Animal welfare, humane handling, and how the animal is fed or farmed are important marketing messages.
· Increasing growth in seafood.
Consumer habits are driving change in this market. Consumers want more organic products, more choices and more premium products. As all-day breakfast foods have expanded, so has the consumption of meat products.
Plant-based meat sales have gone up 10%, and account for 2% of all retail meat sales. Refrigerated plant-based meat grew by 37%, while conventional meat grew only 2% in the same time period.
Source: PMMI Business Intelligence “2019 Trends and Advances in Food Packaging and Processing”
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Make plans to visit PACK EXPO International in Chicago, November 8-11, to see on-trend food processing and packaging machinery and materials.
