The Association of Packaging and Processing Food Technologies (PMMI) has identified meat products and snack foods as areas of growth markets in the United States.
The association recently undertook a survey of 70 professionals across the food processing and packaging industry in the United States as well as internationally. The findings of the survey showed that meat product and snack food segments will experience rapid growth mainly because of high consumer demand for portion control as well as convenience options.
The survey states that in general, the United States food industry is predicted to grow steadily at around 2.9 percent compound annual growth rate till 2022, Australia Food News reported. The survey also provided separate growth details vis-à-vis the meat product and snack food segments.
Projected growth in meat industry
According to the Association of Packaging and Processing Food Technologies, although the food industry in the United States continues to lag behind the global market in terms of growth, the meat products in the country are amongst the most innovative in the U.S. food market. Citing recent innovations, the survey report points to the development of new films that help to keep meat fresh for a longer period; and the active labels that show when a meat has passed its expiry period.
Projected growth in snack food industry
Among the various segments, the survey has identified snack food as one of the potential growth areas in the U.S. food market. According to the survey, the snack food industry in the United States has also witnessed a number of innovations in recent times, including biodegradable and recycled materials for salty snacks; and trendy, bright graphics as well as forms for single-serve foods.
Innovations in vegetable and fruit segments
With the advent of unique packaging solutions in fruit and vegetable sector, the PMMI has identified this business as innovative as well. The survey report pointed out that tangible films that make consumers pause and mull over purchasing the product are an example of new innovations coming out of the United States.
The survey noted that convenience, safety, flexibility, sustainability as well as technology were all major consumer trends in the United States that are driving food packaging solutions.
