Packaging expectations rising for organic consumers
With consumer expectations rising, packaging continues to evolve for organic produce marketers.
A survey by The Packer of organic marketers asked how packaging from organic produce will change in the next few years.
Less plastic will be used in future organic packaging, said Fred Williamson, president of Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, San Diego, Calif.
The organic customer tends to be more health-conscious and looking for more earth-friendly products, said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Sage Fruit, Yakima, Wash.
“Therefore, in the next few years, I think we’ll see organic packaging, if not all packaging, move towards more sustainable options, whether it be recyclable, biodegradable or compostable," Sinks said.
Organic packaging will become more sustainable and recyclable, said Peter Shore, director of business development and marketing for Santa Paula, Calif.-based Calavo Growers.
Kevin Stennes, organic sales manager for Chelan Fresh, Chelan, Wash., said he expects continued growth in “grab and go” bags with sustainability and recyclability in mind.
Organic consumers are earth-conscious and, stereotypically, more vocal, said Joel Hewitt, sales manager of CMI Orchards, Wenatchee, Wash.
“We expect that shoppers will continue to take an interest in the real data and information about the environmental benefits of different package types out there,” Hewitt said. “The conversation is more complex than ever with so many new technologies in the market. We expect we will continue to see all kinds of advancements towards sustainable packaging.
"We are in a trial by market phase, and perception seems to be just as important as reality when it comes to product marketability," Hewitt said. "At CMI, we want to balance reality with packaging that makes consumers feel good about what they are buying.”
Brianna Shales, director of marketing for Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee Wash., said she expects a continued shift toward recyclable plastic for bags, or even the introduction of non-plastic packaging.
“Packaging is not going away; we are going to need to evolve as an industry to ensure that packaging meets consumer desire for sustainability but also helps ensure product quality and movement,” Shales said. “The rise in e-commerce is going to increase the needs for consumer packaging that moves through the supply chain with ease.”
Organic packaging will continue to evolve to reduce single-use plastics, said Dan Davis, director of business development for Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, Wenatchee, Wash.
