Consumers may show continued preference for packaged produce 

Consumers are far from “over” their preferences for packaging established during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

The Packer asked industry leaders whether consumer preference for packaging is short-lived and will ease now that the pandemic is loosening its grip on the U.S. 

However, the consensus among those surveyed is that the desire for packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables will not diminish significantly, if at all, with the fading pandemic.

“Consumer preferences have continued to grow even further as COVID restrictions have eased,” said Jeff Watkin, director of marketing for Sev-Rend, Collinsville, Ill. “We have seen new consumer trends develop for packaging out of the pandemic and these trends have led to new products, with how they are being transported and shopped for as the main driver.”

One fruit marketer also noted the effect of online orders.

“It’s beginning to even out a bit, but we’re still seeing a need for items to be packaged,” said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit Co. 

“Over the past year and a half, consumers have become accustomed to ordering online for pick up and including packaged items in their carts, and those who are shopping in-store appreciate the convenience of a grab-and-go. Packaged items add an element of safety in the eyes of the consumer.”

Resistance to bulk displays may continue, some think.

“Consumers still want to feel they are buying ‘safe’ produce so many items will continue to be desired in packaging,” said Andrew Hare, co-founder and general manager of Charleston, S.C.-based Vertical Roots.

How long consumer preference for packaging persists is unknown, but could continue for a long time, some think.

“I think there will always be a remnant now as to the suspicions about too many people touching bulk items,” said Steve Greenfield, director of sales and marketing for NNZ Inc., Lawrenceville, Ga. “So, I do think that there will be trend towards packaged goods, but maybe not as much as during the pandemic.”