Foodservice Cup Sales to Reach $5.4 Billion in 2021

Foodservice cup demand will grow 3.3% annually through 2021 to $5.4 billion, accounting for just under half of single-use serviceware demand. Beverage cups hold the largest share of this demand by far – over 90% of the total – with the remainder being portion cups. Beverage cups will post slightly faster growth through 2021. These and other trends are presented in “Foodservice Single-Use Products in the U.S.,” a new study from The Freedonia Group (freedoniagroup.com), a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Supporting growth will be the general rise in foodservice revenues along with foodservice trends such as:

• specialty hot and cold beverages, especially iced and cold brew coffee, along with fruit-based drinks, like juices and smoothies
• increased foodservice sales at retail establishments offering various beverage options
• increased hot and cold drinks consumed on-the-go
• delivery options requiring durable portion cups for sauces

Demand for single-use disposable foodservice products, including packaging and serviceware, is forecast to increase 3.2% annually to $21.8 billion in 2021. Growth will be driven by the increased options and convenience of meals prepared or consumed away from home. Demand will also be supported by a shift toward the use of higher value products featuring durable plastic or compostable materials.