Fresh Meat Packaging Market

Fresh Meat Packaging Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

According to the latest detailed industry report by Fact.MR, in 2023, the global fresh meat packaging market is estimated at US$ 3.1 billion and is predicted to reach a market size of US$ 4.72 billion by 2033. Worldwide demand for fresh meat packaging solutions is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2033.

Fresh meat packaging is widely used to package and preserve fresh meat products. Packaging options for fresh meat help with contamination control and simple handling. Further use of these packaging options is made to extend the meat product's shelf life.

Over the years, suppliers of fresh meat packaging have experienced growth in sales owing to an increase in the production of beef, pork, seafood, and poultry products. The adoption of new advanced technologies by leading meat packaging solution providers and a rise in inclination towards sustainable packaging solutions are driving market growth.

As key industry players are bringing in a variety of products with different materials such as PE, PP, BOPP, and others, the global industry is steadily expanding, creating new avenues for all market stakeholders. The global fresh meat packaging market is anticipated to exhibit steady growth during the forecast period due to the growing consumption of meat and poultry products estimated to rise further,

• Worldwide demand for fresh seafood packaging is forecasted to rise at a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period.

Fresh meat needs to be packaged using extremely innovative techniques to preserve the color and quality of the meat product. In addition to extending the shelf life of the meat product, proper packaging helps keep the product clean and fresh.

The packaging sector has undergone a substantial transition due to increased awareness of the adverse effects of plastic. As a result, reusable and biodegradable products, including biodegradable paper, are becoming more popular. It is anticipated that such product advancements will have a favorable impact on the market for fresh food packaging products over the coming years.

Longer shelf life for fresh meat is made possible by improved storage technology. The market for fresh meat packaging is anticipated to develop as a result of ongoing product innovation in preservation methods. Meat packaging has rapidly increased in importance because of expanding retail distribution channels and good presentation of packaging techniques, including thermoforming, horizontal flow packing, and stretch film packing.

Report Attributes	Details
Fresh Meat Packaging Market Size (2023)	US$ 3.1 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2033)	US$ 4.72 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	4.3% CAGR
Market Share of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (2023)	33%
United States Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	3.4% CAGR
Malaysia Market Value (2023)	US$ 260.4 Million
China Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	4.9% CAGR
India Market Value (2023)	US$ 399.9 Million
Key Companies Profiled	Mondi Plc; Amcor Plc; Berry Global Group Inc.; Coveris Holdings SA; Winpak Ltd.; Bollore Group; Cascades Inc.; Sealed Air; Crown Holdings; Reynolds Group; Sealpac International BV

What’s Positively Influencing the Demand for Fresh Meat Packaging?

“Rise in Meat Production Bolstering Demand for Fresh Meat Packaging Solutions”

As the production of various poultry and seafood is increasing substantially, suppliers of fresh meat packaging are witnessing a rise in demand around the globe.

• As stated by SelectUSA, the meat and agribusiness industries contributed close to US$ 160 billion in export sales to the United States economy in 2018, which is anticipated to rise over the coming years.

“High Demand for Flexible Packaging Solutions”

The market for fresh meat packaging is anticipated to develop as a result of the growing demand for flexible packaging solutions caused by concerns about sustainability and the desire to minimize carbon footprints. In comparison to rigid packaging, flexible packaging solutions use less energy, use less raw material, and waste less, all of which help to improve environmental sustainability.

Flexible packaging offers a variety of characteristics that perfectly match the requirements of primary packaging, including high barrier, lightweight, minimal contamination, and keeping the product secure from the environment. Thus, the increased demand for flexible packaging is anticipated to fuel market expansion globally.

“More Customers Preferring Bio-based Materials”

Top businesses are adding more biodegradable packaging materials to their products to meet the sustainability needs of customers. To achieve the performance criteria in packaging and keep the meat fresh for consumption, they are manufacturing bio-plastics and molded fiber materials.

Packaging that is compostable and biodegradable is now available thanks to bioplastics and molded fibers. While overcoming obstacles to control moisture and stop the meat from clinging to packaging, manufacturers are creating ongoing research in sustainable materials.

Changing consumer preferences for the use of bio-based materials rather than hazardous plastic in the manufacture of fresh meat packaging is creating new market growth potential. Government rules that are stricter and rising environmental concerns have created new opportunities for fresh meat packaging businesses to innovate.

What are the Challenges Impacting the Sales of Fresh Meat Packaging?

“Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices and Presence of Substitutes”

Market expansion is hampered by price volatility for raw materials, a complex production cycle, and additional costs for storage, transit, and maintenance. Strict regulations on plastic use and the presence of alternative options are the key factors restraining market demand.

How Can New Entrants Settle Down in This Industry?

“Start-ups Concentrating on Offering Absorbent Packaging Solutions”

During storage or transportation, fresh meat and seafood products sometimes acquire new flavors or aromas. There are several causes for this, including the development of bacteria and the presence of dampness or liquids. Packaging start-ups use absorbents in their solutions to stop this. Absorbent packaging not only increases safety but also keeps food items looking good.

• A start-up based in the United States, Novipax, makes absorbent packaging. One of the start-up's packaging options, Dri-Loc, has a sealed-edge design and a highly absorbent core that keeps food fresh. The solutions provided by Novipax prolong the shelf life of other food goods and preserve fresh produce.

Country-wise Insights

How Will the Fresh Meat Packaging Market Expand Across the United States?

“Increase in Export of Beef and Poultry Products Driving Market Growth”

• Use of fresh meat packaging in the United States is predicted to reach US$ 472.3 million by 2033.

The United States has been leading in the North American market for fresh meat packaging and is anticipated to exhibit hegemony over the coming years. Growing production of meat and other meat products and an increase in R&D investments for the creation of cutting-edge packaging techniques are bolstering demand growth in the United States. Market expansion is driven by the early adoption of fresh meat packaging by meat producers and the export of beef and poultry.

Why Does China Hold a Key Position in This Competitive Market?

“Growing Consumer Preference for Packaged Meat Products”

• The market in China is valued at US$ 740.9 million in 2023.

China is at the forefront of fresh meat packaging in Asia Pacific and is predicted to sustain its leading position through 2033. The presence of advanced meat processing infrastructure and growing consumer preference for packaged meat products are assisting market expansion.

Why is India Witnessing Healthy Expansion of the Fresh Meat Packaging Market?

“Easy Availability of Raw Resources for Fresh Meat Packaging Production”

• Sales of fresh meat packaging in India are set to increase at a CAGR of 5.1% over the next ten years.

India is driven by exponentially growing demand from diverse meat production sectors such as beef, pork, and others. Furthermore, market development is anticipated to be fueled by rising consumer awareness of the value of food safety & hygiene and the easy availability of raw resources for the production of fresh meat packaging.

• 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%. No doubt that key players are attracted to India to raise their profit margins.

Category-wise Insights

Why is Demand for Modified Atmosphere Packaging Gaining Traction?

“Modified Atmosphere Packaging Highly Efficient in Storing Fresh Meat in Adverse Weather Conditions”

The market is classified into modified atmosphere packaging, vacuum skin packaging stand-up pouches, vacuum thermoformed packaging, and others based on the packaging type.

• Modified atmosphere packaging accounts for 33% of the global market.

A gaseous atmosphere must be maintained around the food product at a level that is suitable for food preservation. This is known as modified atmosphere packaging. Modified atmosphere packaging is highly efficient in storing fresh meat in adverse weather conditions.

Meat's shelf life is extended from 3 to 21 days using modified atmosphere packaging. As a result, this method is the best option for long-distance meat export. Additionally, this approach avoids the use of chemicals, removing the possibility of chemical reactions lowering the quality of the meat.

Various ways are used to package meat to supply food that is fresh, protected, and meets the high requirements for hygiene. The great way to extend the shelf life of beef and deliver a consistent, affordable product to retail is through modified atmosphere packaging. When it comes to research for meat products, modified atmosphere packaging techniques have garnered the most interest.

Competitive Landscape

Leading companies are focusing on new developments, quality control, and product standards, and offering high-strength and reasonably priced packaging options. Key businesses are enhancing their designs and material exposure capabilities to reduce the chance of contamination.

The fresh meat packaging business has seen a surge in interactive and smart packaging to improve customer satisfaction. With a clear view of the product, smart packaging increases the product's shelf life, checks freshness, maintains quality, and enhances safety and convenience while generating a new visual appeal for consumers.

For instance,

• Winpak Ltd. recently launched its new MAPfresh® Trays, MultiBarrier Films, Semi-Rigid Films, and others.
• A well-known poultry company named Foster Farms unveiled a collaborative and creative packaging called DORI. Users can access information such as more than 500 fresh chicken recipes and a glossary of poultry labeling terms via QR codes.

Key Segments of Fresh Meat Packaging Industry Research

• By Packaging Type :

  • Modified Atmosphere Packaging
  • Vacuum Skin Packaging Stand Up Pouches
  • Vacuum Thermoformed Packaging
  • Others

• By Material :

  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • BOPP
  • EVOH
  • PVC
  • PA
  • Others

• By Meat Type :

  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Poultry
  • Seafood
  • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa