Fresh Meat Packaging Market Size - By Material Type (Plastic, Metal), By Meat Type (Beef, Pork, Poultry, Lamb), By Packaging Format (Trays, Lidding Films), By Application (Fresh Meat, Processed Meat), Packaging Technology & Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Fresh Meat Packaging Market Size

Fresh Meat Packaging Market size was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023 and is estimated to expand at 3.5% CAGR between 2024 and 2032. Consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety and hygiene. Proper packaging helps maintain the freshness of meat, prevents contamination, and extends the shelf life of the product, giving consumers confidence in the quality and safety of the meat they purchase. Consumers seek convenient and portable packaging options for fresh meat, especially in the context of busy lifestyles and on-the-go consumption. Packaging that allows for easy storage, handling, and transportation appeals to modern consumers.
 

The growth of modern retail formats, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, has impelled the need for attractive and practical packaging that enhances the display of fresh meat products.
 

Ensuring compliance with strict food safety and quality standards is a significant challenge. Packaging materials must be designed to prevent contamination and maintain the freshness of the meat throughout the supply chain. Increasing awareness of environmental issues has led to a demand for sustainable packaging solutions. The cost of high-quality and innovative packaging materials can be a significant factor affecting profit margins for manufacturers and retailers. Thus, the high-end pricing and risks associated with fresh meat packaging may drive down the acceptance rate, further hampering the fresh meat packaging market growth.
 

COVID-19 Impact

As consumers sought to minimize visits to grocery stores and restaurants, there was a surge in demand for packaged and processed foods, including packaged fresh meat. This increased demand put pressure on packaging manufacturers and retailers to maintain sufficient stocks and ensure timely delivery. The pandemic prompted changes in consumer behaviour and preferences. Many consumers shifted towards purchasing more fresh meat products from retail stores instead of dining out or visiting foodservice establishments. Thus, the reduced number of COVID-19 cases and implementation of subsequent strategies by government and non-government organizations is forecasted to boost the market growth.
 

Fresh Meat Packaging Market Trends

There was a growing demand for sustainable packaging options, propelled by increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues. Manufacturers and retailers were exploring eco-friendly and recyclable packaging materials to reduce their carbon footprint and meet consumer preferences. Active and intelligent packaging technologies were gaining traction in the fresh meat industry. These packaging solutions help monitor product freshness, quality, and safety by using indicators, sensors, and other functionalities, providing real-time information to consumers.
 

Fresh Meat Packaging Market Analysis

Based on material type, the plastic segment accounted market value of USD 0.8 billion in 2022. Flexible plastic packaging offers easy handling and portability for consumers, making it a popular choice for fresh meat products. High barrier properties of certain flexible plastic materials help in preserving the freshness and quality of fresh meat, reducing food waste.
 

The beef screening segment dominated around 40% share of the fresh meat packaging market in 2022 and is predicted to showcase lucrative pace by 2032. Beef is among the most widely consumed meat products globally, augmenting the demand for packaging solutions that cater to these meat types. Beef and pork are used in various culinary applications, leading to the need for different packaging options, including bulk packaging for processors and portioned packages for retail consumers.
 

Based on packaging, the trays segment acquired major share of the fresh meat packaging market in 2022 and is poised to observe gains at nearly 2.9% through 2032. Trays provide a clear view of the meat product, allowing consumers to inspect the quality, colour, and freshness before purchase. The attractive presentation of the meat product in trays can entice consumers and promote impulse purchases. Thus, the high-quality services and growing usage of fresh meat packaging are anticipated to expedite the business growth.
 

Fresh meat packaging market from the skin packaging technology segment captured a dominant market share in 2022 and is likely to attain lucrative growth by 2032. SP technology provides a tight and protective seal around the meat product, preventing oxidation and spoilage, resulting in an extended shelf life.
 

The fresh meat segment held a major market share in 2022 and is slated to grow by 2032. Institutional buyers often require large quantities of fresh meat, making bulk packaging options essential for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
 

U.S. dominated the North American region with majority market share and a revenue of USD 0.6 billion in 2022 and is set to expand at a significant pace from 2023 to 2032. Consumer demand for safe and high-quality fresh meat products was a significant driver. Proper packaging helps maintain the freshness of meat, prevents contamination, and ensures food safety, giving consumers confidence in the products they purchase.
 

Fresh Meat Packaging Market Share

Some of the major market players operating in the fresh meat packaging market are

• Sealed Air Corporation
• Amcor Plc
• Berry Global Group, Inc.
• Coveris Holdings S.A.
• Bemis Company, Inc. (Acquired by Amcor Plc in 2019)
• Sonoco Products Company, Huhtamaki Oyj
• Printpack Inc.
• Crown Holdings, Inc.
• Winpak Ltd.
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (formerly DuPont)
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Mondi Group
• Reynolds Group Holdings Limited (Reynolds Packaging Group)
• Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH

These players focus on strategic partnerships, new product launch & commercialization for market expansion. Furthermore, these players are heavily investing in research that allows them to introduce innovative products and garner maximum revenue in the market.
 

Fresh Meat Packaging Market News:

• In September 2020, Mondi launched an 80% paper-based packaging solution for cold meats and cheese. The new packaging will reduce plastic usage for Austrian dairy producer SalzburgMilch by approximately 40 tons per year, compared to its previously used rigid plastic trays.
   
• In August 2020, Sealed Air has developed chlorine-free vacuum shrink bags to help food processors and retailers improve food safety and sustainability in a circular economy.
   

This Fresh meat packaging market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million & Units from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Material Type

• Plastic
• Paper & Paperboard
• Metal
• Other

Market, By Meat Type

• Beef
• Pork
• Poultry
• Lamb
• Others

Market, By Packaging Format

• Trays
• Bags & Pouches
• Wraps & Films
• Lidding Films
• Others

Market, By Packaging Technology

• Skin Packaging
• Case Ready Packaging
• Active Packaging
• Intelligent Packaging
• Others

Market, By Application

• Fresh meat
• Processed meat

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt