Jorge Izquierdo, Vice President, Market Development, PMMIToday’s consumers have a vastly different approach to health and wellness than they did as little as 10 years ago. Previously, consumers simply looked for fat-free and diet products. Now, consumers prioritize mindfulness, integrity and authenticity. They share their passion and knowledge for foods rich in antioxidants and quality fats – options that are nutritious, fresh and less processed. Additionally, shoppers are more interested in understanding processes that affect the food throughout the supply chain.[1]
According to the latest Global Packaging Trends Report from PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, health and wellness are among key trends driving innovation and development in primary packaging. As consumers become more health-conscious, they want to know what is in their food. For example, according to the NDP Group, over 30 percent of shoppers are cautious about serving foods with preservatives compared to 24 percent ten years ago.[2] As a result, information on ingredients and how they are produced should be communicated with complete transparency.
Clear Progression
Brand owners that understand and aim to attract the progressive health and wellness consumer will clearly communicate wholesomeness and nutritional benefits. Companies that emphasize “gluten free” and “all natural” attributes on their packaging make it easy for consumers in search of these qualities to zero in on these products amid crowded store shelves. According to PMMI’s Global Packaging Trends Report, products effectively positioned towards health-conscious consumers in North America saw a large increase in sales volume. A report on Gluten-Free Foods in the U.S. released in January 2015 by Packaged Facts, also revealed that sales of gluten-free products reached $973 million in 2014. By 2019, the report cites a 140 percent increase to $2.34 billion.[3]
Brand owners are also turning to transparent packaging as it complements the promise of wholesomeness – especially for clean-label products that claim to be free of preservatives, GMOs or artificial ingredients. Furthermore, it gives shoppers the opportunity to see the quality, color and size of product. When consumers can inspect inside the package, they can feel assured that what they are getting is fresh. The use of transparent packaging is increasing in popularity, particularly for products such as yogurt, granola, tortilla chips, ice cream and juices. Manufacturers including Danone and General Mills have redesigned some of their packaging in response to the rising see-through packaging trend.
Make it Happen at PACK EXPO
Progress is not always easy, but brand owners can get a step closer to achieving a package that supports wellness this fall at PACK EXPO International 2016 (McCormick Place, Chicago; Nov 6-9). The show allows industry professionals to get inspired and connected with more than 2,300 suppliers of processing and packaging technologies exhibiting over 1.2 million net square feet. This show will attract 50,000 attendees from all over the world. Additionally, brand owners will have the opportunity to gain inspiration from food and non-food industries represented at the show, broadening the spectrum of possibilities to enhance their packaging. Innovation Stage locations will also serve as destinations for education as exhibitors present 30-minute seminars on breakthrough ideas and technologies throughout the day.
To learn more about PACK EXPO International 2016, visit packexpointernational.com.
About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents the voice of more than 700 North American manufacturers of equipment, components and materials for processing and packaging. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media and a wide range of resources to empower our members. Learn more at PACKEXPO.com, PMMIMediaGroup.com and PMMI.org.
[1] Consumer Trends in Health and Wellness, Forbes
[2] https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/news/press-releases/2015/consumer-concern-about-food-ingredients-changes-their-view-on-how-natural-should-be-defined-on-food-labels-reports-npd-group/
[3] http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Markets/Sales-of-gluten-free-products-will-continue-to-grow-double-digits
