Snack food packaging growth takes on a global flavor

Ahead of 2012 PACK EXPO, PMMI releases global growth report

By Pack Expo September 17, 2012

Changing retailer demands, eating habits, demographics, regulations and sustainability efforts are common themes in packaging, but they’re especially apparent among bakery & snack product manufacturers. “Bakery and Snacks — Market Assessment 2012,” released this month by PMMI, details the effects of these trends for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as their customers. 

Growth patterns parallel demographic shifts

As reported in PMMI’s “Global Packaging Trends – Global Growth Markets for Packaging”, released in July 2012, world population growth is shifting to so-called emerging markets such as the Asia Pacific region.

The Bakery and Snacks market report notes bakery and snack products manufacturers will see that growth in action, with 4% growth predicted in U.S. sales of packaged snacks through 2015, but 7% annual growth to $334 billion in global sales of snack foods in the same period. Globally, bakery product sales are expected to increase 4.5% annually to $410 billion by 2015.

“Globally, regions such as Asia Pacific, Latin America and India are presenting the best scenarios for future growth for snacks and bakery products,” said Paula Feldman, director of Business Intelligence, PMMI. “Our global packaging report noted that by 2015, world population growth will spring largely from the Asia Pacific region, which is expected to see a 160 billion-person increase in that time.

Today, the United States is the world’s largest market for snacks, while European markets top the list for baked goods sales. And while 62% of the snack food companies surveyed for this market assessment see Asia Pacific markets as the source of the largest fraction of their sales growth, only 20% of bakery companies share that experience. 

Custom packaging is standard

Historically, changes in consumer eating habits have driven new product development. In 2012, the driving force has shifted to the retailer; many large merchants have their own specifications for the products they carry, Feldman said.

“In the bakery and snack foods arenas, retailers are specifying package sizes, multi-packs and variety packs to optimize shelf space, and they’re asking for retail-ready packaging for high-traffic areas,” she said. “Convenience and drug stores also have their own sets of requirements, and more than a quarter (26%) of respondents are developing packaging accordingly.”

Even dollar stores are making a difference: 27% of participants are distributing to dollar stores (and expect that part of their business to grow), and those venues are requesting smaller portions that they can sell for $1.

Retailer demands were cited by 42% of respondents as the main driver for changes to primary packaging, and 50% said they’re implementing changes in their processing and packaging operations to accommodate retailers’ requirements. 

Equipping manufacturers to meet customer demands

To accommodate the multitudinous change agents in the bakery and snack product marketplace, manufacturers are turning to packaging machinery OEMs.

“Their requests fall into three categories: functionality, support and integration,” Feldman said. “The OEM that wants to meet those needs will do best to build a relationship with the manufacturer and collaborate in the design process.”

This type of partnering will help OEMs better understand needs for machine cleanliness and sanitation, the features and functionality, and automation.

“Today’s baking and snack foods manufacturers want machines that can be flexible and run a variety of sizes, materials and packages; that are easier to clean and operate, ergonomically designed, and reliable. They need OEMs to clearly communicate recommended cleaning schedules and to provide knowledgeable technical support,” she says. “That’s in addition to

PACK EXPO International 2012 is at Chicago’s McCormick Place on Oct. 28-31. Learn more about PACK EXPO and register at www.packexpo.com.