Produce Packaging Market Report Scope & Overview:

The Produce Packaging Market size was USD 36.13 billion in 2024 and is expected to Reach USD 52.98 billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period of 2025-2032.

Increasing urbanization, modernization and globalization are driving the growth in the  market value of product packaging. Increased transportation of  grains, vegetables and fruits through all distribution channels, increased packaging capacity in traceability mode, and rapid development of  flexible packaging solutions will lead to more growth  market value of product packaging. Strengthening research and development skills, raising awareness about the availability of eco-friendly packaging solutions, increasing demand for ready-to-eat food products due to changes in lifestyle and eating habits alternative drinks, the increasing technological advancement in  packaging equipment and technology, the growing development of the e-commerce industry. and growing consumer concerns about contamination and food safety are  other drivers for the growth of the product packaging market.

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Market Size and Forecast:

• Market Size in 2024: US$ 36.13 Bn

• Market Size by 2032: US$ 52.98 Bn

• CAGR: 4.9% (from 2025 to 2032)

• Base Year: 2024

• Forecast Period: 2024–2032

• Historical Data: 2021–2023

Product Packaging Market Insights

• Smart and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) can extend shelf life of fresh produce by up to 50%, reducing post-harvest losses significantly.

• Around 74% of global consumers prefer eco-friendly or recyclable packaging when purchasing fruits and vegetables.

• The shift to paper and compostable materials is projected to cut single-use plastic in fresh produce packaging by 20–25% by 2030.

• Nearly 45% of fresh produce sold in supermarkets in North America and Europe now comes in pre-packed or resealable formats.

• Over 30% of fresh produce exports in 2023 were linked to QR-coded or blockchain-enabled packaging for supply chain transparency.

• RThe EU’s single-use plastics directive and U.S. state-level bans are expected to force 60–70% of produce suppliers to switch packaging formats within the next 5 years.

• E Online grocery sales are driving higher demand for protective packaging, with e-grocery produce orders rising by 40% from 2021 to 2023.

Product Packaging Market Drivers:

• Growth in global trade and exports

The expansion of global trade and exports is one of the strongest growth drivers for the produce packaging market. Fresh fruits and vegetables are increasingly traded across borders, requiring durable, protective, and regulatory-compliant packaging solutions to maintain quality during long-distance transportation. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global exports of fruits and vegetables have grown by nearly 30% over the last decade, with developing nations such as India, Mexico, and Vietnam emerging as major suppliers to Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The value of fresh produce exports alone surpassed US$ 160 billion in 2022, reflecting the rising consumer preference for year-round availability of diverse food options. This trend directly boosts demand for packaging formats such as corrugated boxes, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), and flexible films that extend shelf life and reduce spoilage. Moreover, international retailers and distributors require packaging that complies with food safety, traceability, and sustainability standards, further driving innovation in eco-friendly and smart packaging solutions. With e-commerce grocery channels also fueling cross-border shipments, the packaging industry is increasingly positioned as a critical enabler of global fresh produce trade, ensuring both efficiency and safety from farm to consumer.

• Increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Product Packaging Markt Restraints:

• Limited Shelf Life of Products

One of the most significant restraints in the produce packaging market is the inherently limited shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables. Unlike processed or packaged foods, fresh produce is highly perishable, with many items losing quality within 7 to 14 days after harvest if not stored or packaged under controlled conditions. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that nearly 30–40% of fresh produce is lost annually worldwide due to inadequate storage and packaging, particularly in developing regions. Even with innovations such as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and controlled storage environments, challenges persist in maintaining freshness during long-distance transportation or prolonged retail display. Seasonal variations, temperature fluctuations, and differences in moisture sensitivity across produce categories further complicate packaging requirements. For instance, leafy greens can wilt within a few days without specialized packaging, while berries are extremely vulnerable to bruising and microbial spoilage. This short shelf life not only increases food waste but also adds cost pressure on retailers and distributors, who must frequently replenish stocks to meet quality standards. Consequently, the limited ability of packaging solutions to completely overcome perishability continues to act as a key barrier to market expansion, particularly in global exports and e-commerce grocery segments.

Product Packaging Market Opportunities:

• Collaboration with Retailers can provide growth opportunities

Collaboration with retailers represents a strong opportunity for the produce packaging market, as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online grocery platforms are at the forefront of shaping consumer preferences and influencing packaging demand. Retailers are increasingly seeking packaging partners that can provide sustainable, innovative, and cost-efficient solutions to meet both regulatory requirements and customer expectations. According to industry surveys, nearly 65% of global retailers consider eco-friendly packaging a top priority in their procurement strategies, while over 50% are investing in private-label fresh produce—both of which create openings for packaging manufacturers to co-develop tailored solutions. Joint initiatives can focus on reducing food waste through Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) or resealable designs, which extend shelf life and reduce spoilage in retail displays. Retail partnerships also offer opportunities for personalized and branded packaging that enhances consumer engagement and strengthens product differentiation in highly competitive grocery aisles. With the rise of e-commerce grocery, collaboration with online retailers can further drive demand for durable and protective packaging formats that ensure fresh produce reaches consumers intact. By aligning closely with retailers’ sustainability goals, marketing strategies, and logistics needs, packaging companies can establish long-term supply relationships and unlock new revenue streams in both offline and online retail channels.

Product Packaging Market Segment Analysis:

By Type
The produce packaging market is segmented into trays, corrugated boxes, bags and liners, and plastic containers. Among these, corrugated boxes dominate the market with around 40% share, driven by their durability, low cost, recyclability, and ability to handle long-distance transportation of fresh produce. Trays and plastic containers are preferred for delicate items like berries and leafy greens, where protection and visibility are essential. Bags and liners are gaining traction in bulk handling and retail-ready formats, particularly in emerging economies. The growing shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly materials is further influencing innovation across all packaging types.

By Application
Applications of produce packaging span fruits, vegetables, and food grains, with fruits leading the segment due to their higher export demand and greater perishability. Packaging for fruits often emphasizes extended shelf life and visual appeal to attract consumers in retail environments. Vegetables also represent a substantial share, supported by rising consumption of pre-cut and ready-to-cook formats, which require resealable or flexible packaging. Food grains, while less perishable, rely on bulk and durable packaging solutions, particularly in regions with large-scale agricultural exports. Each application segment demands tailored packaging solutions, balancing protection, freshness, and sustainability requirements.

By End User
End users of produce packaging include growers/shippers, re-packers, and retail stores. Among these, retail stores dominate with over 50% of market revenues, as modern trade channels and supermarkets demand consistent, branded, and consumer-friendly packaging. Retailers are increasingly prioritizing sustainable and traceable solutions to meet consumer expectations and comply with environmental regulations. Growers and shippers also contribute significantly, as they require protective bulk packaging to transport produce over long distances. Re-packers act as intermediaries, customizing and rebranding packaging to align with retail requirements. Collectively, these end users drive demand for innovation in both protective and consumer-facing packaging formats.

Product Packaging Market Regional Analysis:

Asia Pacific Product Packaging Market Insights

Asia Pacific stands as the largest and fastest-growing region in the produce packaging market, holding approximately 36% of global market share in 2024. With modernization of food retail, a booming middle class, and strong agricultural export growth, the region’s CAGR is among the highest around 7%. Key markets such as China, India, and Japan are major contributors. Cost-effective flexible packaging, corrugated transport boxes, and emerging active packaging are in high demand to reduce spoilage and meet both domestic and export needs.

North America Product Packaging Market Insights

North America accounts for around 28% of the global produce packaging market. The region shows robust growth supported by advanced retail infrastructure, strong consumer demand for convenience, and a large agricultural export sector. The forecast CAGR is around 4.1% over the next decade. Increasing adoption of sustainable materials—like fiber-based alternatives replacing plastic clamshells and smart packaging technologies, such as MAP and rPET films, are key trends shaping the market.

Europe Product Packaging Market Insights

Europe contributes approximately 25% of the global produce packaging market. Growth is driven by tight regulatory environments, strong consumer preference for sustainable packaging, and EU initiatives to reduce plastic waste. The region's CAGR is projected at around 4.8% in the forecast period. Packaging solutions like compostable nets, paperboard trays, and home-compostable films are rapidly replacing traditional options, especially in countries like Germany, the UK, France, and Italy.

Latin America Product Packaging Market Insights

Latin America accounts for about 7% of the global market share in produce packaging. Brazil is the largest contributor in this region, though overall growth remains modest with a projected CAGR of around 1.8–2%. Demand is propelled by the region’s substantial agricultural export industry, especially for fruits. Corrugated boxes with ventilation and durable plastic crates remain the primary packaging formats suited for long-distance export logistics.

Middle East & Africa (MEA) Product Packaging Market Insights

The Middle East & Africa region contributes approximately 5% of global produce packaging revenue. Growth is modest, with a CAGR of around 2.2% projected during the forecast period. The region’s reliance on imported produce necessitates premium and eye-catching packaging, especially in high-end grocery retail sectors. Packaging formats typically include high-quality rigid and flexible designs that enhance on-shelf appeal. However, growth is constrained by smaller market size and limited local production infrastructure.

Product Packaging Market Key Players

• Sealed Air Corporation

• Smurfit Kappa Group

• DS Smith Plc

• Bemis Company

• Amcor Limited

• International Paper Inc

• Mondi Group Plc

• Pactiv LLC

• Sonoco Products Company

• Packaging Corporation of America

• WestRock

• Berry Global

• Ball Corporation

• Crown Holdings

• Oji Holdings

• Tetra Pak

• UFlex Limited

• Avery Dennison

• Constantia Flexibles

• TC Transcontinental

• Parkside Flexibles

• Zespri International Limited

Product Packaging Market Competitve Landscape:

Parkside Flexibles, founded in 1953 and headquartered in West Yorkshire, UK, is a leading innovator in sustainable flexible packaging, with production sites in both the UK and Malaysia. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing recyclable, compostable, paper-based, and PCR-content solutions that serve a wide range of markets including food, tobacco, personal care, and household products. Renowned for its advanced flexographic printing and proprietary ParkScribe laser-scoring technology, Parkside delivers easy-open, reclosable, and visually striking packaging. It prides itself on strong ESG commitments, high customer satisfaction, and a strategic vision to drive the circular packaging economy.

• March 2024 – Parkside Flexibles, a UK-based company, introduced Popflex, a recyclable lidding film tailored for fresh produce packers. The film is made from recyclable PET (polyethylene terephthalate) containing at least 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. It also incorporates the company’s patented ParkScribe technology, enabling a laser-scored flap that allows consumers easy access to the produce.

Zespri International Limited is the world’s leading marketer of kiwifruit, supplying premium-quality fruit to more than 50 countries. Established in 1997 as a cooperative of New Zealand growers, Zespri works with over 2,800 growers in New Zealand and about 1,500 international partners. The company manages around 30% of the global kiwifruit volume and is known for its popular varieties including Zespri SunGold, Green, and RubyRed. In the 2022/23 season, Zespri supplied over 180 million trays of kiwifruit, generating revenues exceeding NZ$4 billion. The company is strongly committed to sustainability, aiming for 100% recyclable packaging and carbon positivity by 2035.

• March 2024 – Zespri International, headquartered in New Zealand, unveiled a limited-edition pillbox-style fruit packaging case aimed at promoting healthy fruit-eating habits. Designed like a weekly pillbox, the package features seven compartments labeled Monday through Sunday, each containing a kiwi fruit, making fruit consumption a fun and routine part of daily life.