Fresh Food Packaging Market Report 2026

The fresh food packaging market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $87.83 billion in 2025 to $92.01 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods, expansion of organized food retail chains, rising food safety regulations, increased demand for extended shelf life, advancements in packaging material science.

The fresh food packaging market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $110.58 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing adoption of biodegradable packaging solutions, rising investments in smart packaging technologies, increasing focus on reducing food waste, expansion of cold chain infrastructure, higher demand for premium fresh food packaging. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of sustainable packaging materials, rising demand for smart freshness-indicator packaging, growing use of modified atmosphere packaging, expansion of active and intelligent packaging solutions, enhanced focus on food safety and hygiene.

The growth of online food delivery services is expected to drive the expansion of the fresh food packaging market. Online food delivery services are platforms or apps that enable customers to order food from restaurants or food outlets and have it delivered, usually through third-party delivery services. This surge in online food delivery services is fueled by increasing consumer demand for convenience, digital innovation, and shifting lifestyle trends. In the context of these services, fresh food packaging plays a critical role in maintaining the freshness, safety, and visual appeal of food during delivery, while preserving quality and extending shelf life. For example, in October 2023, DoorDash, a US-based food delivery service, reported that 35% of consumers increased their online food orders from restaurants compared to 2022, and 80% of diners in the United States maintained or exceeded their online ordering frequency from the previous year. Thus, the rise in online food delivery services is contributing to the growth of the fresh food packaging market.

Key players in the fresh food packaging market are focusing on innovations such as recyclable lidding films to improve product shelf life, maintain freshness, reduce food waste, and enhance sustainability through biodegradable, recyclable, and smart packaging solutions. Recyclable lidding films are sustainable materials used to seal food containers, offering protection and freshness while being designed for recycling to minimize environmental impact. For instance, in March 2024, Parkside, a UK-based provider of sustainable packaging solutions, launched Popflex, a recyclable lidding film aimed at addressing challenges faced by fresh produce packers and growers, particularly recyclability and consumer convenience. Parkside highlighted that Popflex addresses recyclability by staying securely attached to its corresponding polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tray during the recycling process, preventing contamination of other plastic streams.

In November 2024, Monomoy Capital Partners, a US-based private equity firm, acquired Oliver Packaging & Equipment Co., a US-based provider of packaging solutions and equipment for the food industry. The acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, is part of Monomoy's strategy to expand its presence in the fresh food packaging sector.

Major companies operating in the fresh food packaging market are WestRock Company, Amcor plc, Mondi plc, Graphic Packaging Holding Company, DS Smith Plc, Sonoco Products Company, Sealed Air Corporation, Huhtamaki Oyj, Transcontinental Inc., Printpack Inc., Ampacet Corporation, PPC Flexible Packaging LLC, Anchor Packaging Inc., Pro-Pac Packaging Limited, Glenroy Inc., Emerald Packaging Inc., FFP Packaging Ltd., INFIA S.r.l., Smurfit Kappa Group plc, Flex-Pack Inc.

North America was the largest region in the fresh food packaging market in 2025. The regions covered in the fresh food packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the fresh food packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Fresh food packaging consists of sales of plastic containers, vacuum-sealed bags, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), cling film (plastic wrap), paperboard boxes, and biodegradable packaging. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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