Date: 20-10-2022
Packaging for fruit and vegetables is changing. It's not just about preserving produce, it can also be an excellent marketing tool to keep customers coming back again and again. Packaging is key to the success of this sector; this statement remains true regardless of what form it takes and where it sells (online or in physical stores).
In reality, packaging is one of the four elements involved in marketing (product, packaging, distribution, and price). It also sets this product apart from others which persuades potential buyers to buy.
Sustainability and convenience are taking over packaging trends, and fruit and vegetable packaging is no exception. Today's consumers look for products that complement their active lifestyle while still being health conscious.
Consumers are constantly looking for ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle - so much so, in fact, that they're becoming more educated about it than ever before. As such, the demand for fresh produce has never been higher. Fruit and vegetable packaging has also undergone an evolution over time to suit this new consumer base.
Peeled, cut, and packaged fruit; as well as whole packages of fruit - all need a designated container that allows for the natural processes they go through during shipping. Packages must take into account how people want to consume these fruits - whether it be at home or on the go.
Let's explore some of the features of fruit and vegetable packaging and see what solutions are available!
OXYGEN CONTENT REGULATION
As we know, fruit and vegetables undergo a process of respiration. In order to maintain a stable state, the generation of oxygen (O2) by the product's metabolism needs to be balanced with the production of carbon dioxide (CO2). A good aroma and moisture barrier will prevent decay or dryness in these products.
It is imperative that this product be protected from both dryness and dampness. If water or moisture accumulates on the surface of the plastic then its life will come to an end much sooner than it should have had to. Not only does this hurt the production team's image, but it ruins a customer's opinion about their purchase in such situations where a lackluster experience has made them reconsider purchasing another item for fear of feeling let down again.
FRUITS & VEGETABLES OF DIFFERENT SIZES AND SHAPES
Manufacturing and food production has become increasingly standardized these days, but there's no way to escape the fact that each individual vegetable or piece of fruit is very different. For example, compare the manufacturing process of pine fruit versus cultivating strawberries or packaging broccoli florets for freezing.
Fruit and vegetables come in many shapes and sizes, so flexible films or thermoplastic trays are made with these different shapes in mind to keep the fruit fresh.
ON THE GO SNACK
If we look at meat products, we know that the packaging is likely to be opened in a kitchen while someone is cooking. When it comes to peeled and chopped fruits and vegetables, however, these might be used in a salad or consumed straight from the packet as an on-the-go office snack. Any brand that produces salads might even employ two packaging solutions for the same product: a salad bag for when you're near your home/kitchen countertop, and a lunch tray for when you're on the go - such as during work hours!
As shown in these examples, the moment of consumption and the context is more flexible when it comes to production than it is for products that need to be cooked first. The packaging industry has been quick to respond with solutions such as containers that keep food fresh until they are ready to eat - whether on the go or without utensils, which also allow people to save their food until they're ready to eat again later.
MICROWAVEABLE PRODUCTS
The changes in consumption highlighted above have also led to the development of products that can be cooked in their packaging. Vegetables and tubers such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and others are now capable of being steamed in microwaves without the aid of cookware or cooking utensils. Plastics for these packages need to be able to withstand high temperatures since they're often used for hot fill foods or microwavable dishes.
SPECIFIC PACKAGING SOLUTIONS
The unique characteristics of fruit and vegetables, as well as the rapidly changing landscape of this market sector, were soon matched by new plastic formulations and materials specifically tailored to each type. We at Smart Packaging customize that for you!
The primary responsibility of any packaging is to protect fragile items inside, no matter how rough its handling may be. Packaging fruit and vegetables is a trade that takes skills - shaping the perfect product can be tough. There are many challenges involved in this manual process- especially since these produce items need to arrive on time and ripen at an appropriate pace during transport. With consumers now demanding perfect-looking fresher foods for sale in every city around the world, packing fruit and vegetables will continue to face new hurdles; but it will also keep them from being too stale or bruised when they reach their destination!
In conclusion, this fresh produce package can meet the needs of all kinds of climates, hold up under heavy weight without breaking or being crushed, arrive at its destination without damage due to mishandling, and be delivered in a way that ensures it arrives perfectly ripe without creating greenhouse gases. When displayed properly - it does all it can do to convince people who see it why going with your brand is worth the price tag.
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