The Nuances of Packaging for Fresh Produce: Timeliness, Safety, and Innovation

By Chris Kampsen, Enterprise Account Executive – Food at Veritiv

Fresh produce is a cornerstone of healthy diets but getting fruits and vegetables from the field to tables is a complex process. One of the most important elements of delivering fresh, intact produce is packaging. In fact, demand for fresh produce packaging is forecast to increase 2.4% per year to $7.3 billion in 2028 or 59 billion units according to Research and Markets. 

As demand grows for fresher and longer lasting produce, packaging solutions must continuously evolve to meet these challenges. Effective packaging goes beyond keeping produce contained; it helps ensure safety, reduce waste, extend shelf life, and maintain quality. Understanding the differences between each raw agricultural commodity is essential to put the best packaging solution forward. For example, knowing the expected shelf life of packaged berries or the average loss rate during transit helps companies develop better supply chain strategies. As demand rises, knowing the facts can help ensure packaging is uniquely designed for each type of produce. 

Meeting all the requirements for size, labeling, and origin is complex, but getting it right helps to ensure that produce reaches consumers without unnecessary delays or losses. Image courtesy of Veritiv.

The Importance of Efficient Transportation

We can all agree that produce is highly perishable, and delays in packaging or shipping can result in significant losses due to spoilage. Extra considerations need to be taken into account for transportation along with the ability to respond quickly to changes. For example, when adverse weather or unexpected demand spikes occur, having a packaging partner who can quickly react is essential to keep produce fresh and available. The produce packaging industry always needs to be prepared for both the best- and worst-case scenarios when it comes to delivering fresh fruits and vegetables.

In addition to anticipating any challenges along the journey, packaging must be sturdy enough to protect against bumps, temperature changes and rough handling. Understanding the unique characteristics of each commodity when designing packaging for transit aids in a fresh delivery. 

Navigating Produce Packaging Challenges

Every fruit and vegetable has its own sensitivities — some are prone to dehydration, others to mold or bruising, while others can have reactions to body oils when touched. Specialized packaging tailored to the fruit or vegetable helps eliminate the risk of spoilage.

Working closely with growers to understand these requirements and design solutions that protect the integrity of each commodity is essential. Additionally, as time progresses, growers and packagers continuously have new innovations when it comes to designing a more effective vehicle to store and transport produce. For example, typically one might see berries in a ventilated plastic clamshell, but research is being done in the space as more manufacturers are increasingly looking for snackable versions of consumers’ favorite produce items, which would hence require different packaging. In comparison to berries, you might find root vegetables in mesh bags and apples and pears in corrugated cardboard boxes, since all these products require different packaging due to the varied characteristics they each have.  

By embracing new technologies, prioritizing reaction time, and understanding the unique needs of each product, companies are helping to deliver better, fresher food to consumers. Image courtesy of Veritiv.

Tackling Mold with Innovation

One of the biggest threats to berries and grapes is Botrytis mold, a persistent fungus that can ruin entire shipments. Right now, there are a few solutions on the market that help combat Botrytis mold. Berrisys is one solution which kills Botrytis mold and extends shelf life and currently is the only solution in the US specifically designed to help prevent Botrytis in blueberries. Berrisys uses a laminated sheet that releases a gas to neutralize mold spores, significantly reducing waste and ensuring produce arrives fresh at its destination.  A similar product, Uvasys can be utilized in grape packaging to help prevent molding. Uvasys also utilizes a laminated sheet that releases gas to neutralize mold spores. Working with designers to consider products that help keep the mold at bay further helps to ensure delivery of fresh produce.

Knowing the expected shelf life of fresh produce and the average loss rate during transit helps companies develop better supply chain strategies. Image courtesy of Veritiv.

The Impact of Retail Changes and Private Label Trends

The retail landscape is evolving rapidly, with more store-brand products and an emphasis on year-round availability. This means packaging solutions must be even more adaptable, supporting the demands of 52-week supply cycles that many stores are requesting.

Produce is a seasonal good, with many varieties only available for short windows each year. Successful packaging strategies must account for these fluctuations. Physical packaging isn’t only important, but creative design and branding can help products stand out during peak seasons, attracting consumers’ attention when shelves are crowded.

One last thing to consider is standardization. Standardization in packaging is vital for reducing errors and ensuring compliance with regulations. By centralizing graphics and labeling, the process for growers is simplified and helps them avoid costly product rejections at borders and retail locations. Meeting all the requirements for size, labeling, and origin is complex, but getting it right helps to ensure that produce reaches consumers without unnecessary delays or losses.

In summary, packaging for fresh produce is much more than a box or bag. It is a critical link in the supply chain that impacts freshness, safety, profitability and customer satisfaction. By embracing new technologies, prioritizing reaction time, and understanding the unique needs of each product, companies are helping to deliver better, fresher food to consumers across the nation.

About the Author

Chris Kampsen is an Enterprise Account Executive – Food, Veritiv. Based in central California, Chris Kampsen serves as an Enterprise Account Executive in the Food Division at Veritiv, specializing in produce packaging. He previously held positions at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and xpedx. He received his BA in Economics and Business from Westmont College. Visit: https://www.veritiv.com/home