Fresh Meat Packaging Market

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Fresh Meat Packaging Market is accounted for $2.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $3.6 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. A packaging technique called ""fresh meat packaging"" is used to package and preserve fresh meat products. The techniques for packaging fresh meat assist to offer convenient handling and protection against contamination. Utilizing advanced technologies and materials, such as vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and active packaging, it helps inhibit bacterial growth, prevent oxidation, and maintain product freshness. 

According to a report published by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, India produces around 5.3 million metric tons of meat and 75 billion eggs annually. As stated in the report, India is the prominent producer of buffalo meat, while current processing levels in poultry are 6% and for meat, it’s 21%.

Market Dynamics: 

Driver: 

Increasing focus on extended shelf life (ESL) packaging

ESL packaging involves the utilization of advanced materials and technologies to extend the lifespan of perishable products like fresh meat, thereby reducing waste and enhancing product quality. Consumers increasingly seek convenience and longer shelf life in food products, driving manufacturers to adopt innovative packaging solutions. Additionally, ESL packaging offers benefits such as improved preservation of freshness, reduced spoilage, and enhanced safety through modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging techniques.

Restraint:

Fluctuating raw material prices

As raw materials like plastic, paper, and cardboard are essential for packaging, any volatility in their prices directly impacts production costs and profit margins. When prices surge, manufacturers often face increased expenses, which they may pass onto consumers, risking a decrease in demand. Conversely, when prices drop, profit margins may improve momentarily, but this unpredictability makes long-term planning and budgeting difficult. However, fluctuating prices can disrupt the supply chain, leading to delays and shortages, further exacerbating market instability.

Opportunity:

Rising meat consumption

With rising incomes and urbanization, consumer demand for convenient, hygienic, and sustainable meat packaging solutions has increased substantially. Fresh meat, being highly perishable, requires effective packaging to maintain its quality, safety, and shelf life. This has led to innovations in packaging materials and technologies aimed at extending the freshness of meat products while minimizing food waste. Additionally, heightened awareness regarding food safety and hygiene has prompted stricter regulations governing meat packaging, further driving market growth.

Threat:

Competitive landscape

Intense competition among market players often leads to price wars, reducing profit margins for companies and limiting their ability to invest in research and development for advanced packaging solutions. The rivalry prompts companies to focus more on short-term gains rather than long-term sustainability or environmental considerations. However, this can result in a lack of investment in eco-friendly packaging alternatives, which are increasingly demanded by environmentally conscious consumers.

Covid-19 Impact: 

Stringent hygiene and safety regulations necessitated by the pandemic led to increased demand for packaged meat products, as consumers sought assurance of cleanliness and safety. This surge in demand strained supply chains, leading to disruptions in packaging material procurement and production. The closure of restaurants and food service outlets resulted in a shift towards home cooking, boosting retail sales of packaged meat. However, challenges such as workforce shortages, logistical constraints, and fluctuating consumer preferences posed significant hurdles for market players.

The Vacuum Thermoformed Packaging segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

Vacuum Thermoformed Packaging segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period. This packaging method involves heating a sheet of plastic until it becomes pliable, then forming it into a mold by vacuuming out the air. It offers superior protection to fresh meat products by creating a tight seal that prevents oxygen from entering, thus minimizing the risk of spoilage and extending shelf life. Vacuum thermoformed packages also provide excellent transparency, allowing consumers to inspect the product easily. Moreover, this packaging technique is cost-effective and allows for efficient mass production, making it appealing to both manufacturers and retailers.

The Case Ready Packaging segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Case Ready Packaging segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to its convenience, efficiency, and enhanced shelf-life benefits. Case ready packaging involves the processing and packaging of meat products directly at the meat processor or packager's facility before being delivered to retailers, eliminating the need for in-store butchery. This method ensures that the meat is portioned, labeled, and ready for immediate sale upon arrival at the retail store, thereby reducing labor costs and minimizing the risk of contamination or mishandling.

Region with largest share:

North America region commanded the largest share of the market throughout the extrapolated period, driven by consumer preferences for convenience, sustainability, and extended shelf life. Flexible packaging offers numerous advantages over traditional rigid packaging, such as reduced material usage, improved product visibility, and enhanced preservation of freshness. In the context of fresh meat, flexible packaging provides superior protection against contamination, moisture, and oxygen, thereby extending the product's shelf life and maintaining its quality for a longer duration. Additionally, the versatility of flexible packaging in the region allows for innovative designs and customization, further appealing to consumers.

Region with highest CAGR:

Asia Pacific region is poised to witness profitable growth over the forecast period. Consumers' growing awareness of sustainability and environmental concerns in the region has fueled the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Materials such as biodegradable films, compostable trays, and recyclable plastics are gaining traction due to their reduced environmental impact compared to traditional packaging options. As a result, food producers and retailers in the region are increasingly adopting innovative packaging solutions to meet consumer preferences while adhering to regulatory standards.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Fresh Meat Packaging market include Amcor Limited, Amerplast Ltd, Bemis Company, Inc, Berry Global Group Inc, Cascades Inc, Coveris Holdings SA, Crown Holdings, Mondi Plc, R. Faerch Plast A/S, Reynolds Group, Sealed Air Corporation and Winpak Ltd.

Key Developments:

In February 2024, Cascades announces an operational realignment and optimization of its Containerboard Packaging platform. The currently idled Trenton (Ontario) corrugated medium mill will not restart operations, while the Belleville (Ontario) and Newtown (Connecticut) converting plants will be permanently closed, in a progressive manner.

In August 2023, Amcor announces acquisition of Phoenix Flexibles to increase production capacity. The acquisition will increase the capacity at Amcor to cater to the high demand and drive strong returns for shareholders. The acquisition also adds machine-direction oriented film technology, enabling local production of a broader range of sustainable packaging solutions.

Packaging Types Covered:
• Vacuum Thermoformed Packaging
• Vacuum Skin Packaging Stand up Pouches
• Other Packaging Types 

Meat Types Covered:
• Poultry
• Pork
• Beef
• Other Meat Types 

Materials Covered:
• Ethylene–vinyl alcohol (EVOH)
• Biaxially Oriented PolyPropylene
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Other Materials 

Layers Covered:
• 3-Layer
• 5-Layer
• 9-Layer
• 7-Layer
• Monolayer

Packaging Technologies Covered:
• Intelligent Packaging
• Active Packaging
• Case Ready Packaging
• Other Packaging Technologies

Distribution Channels Covered:
• Departmental Stores
• Grocery Stores
• Hypermarket/ Supermarkets
• Other Distribution Channels

Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan        
o China        
o India        
o Australia  
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific    
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa 
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings: 
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances