The COVID-19 pandemic continues to shift consumer shopping patterns, and the demand for bagged/packaged produce has clearly been influenced by the virus.
Consumers are spending less time in stores and visiting them less often, making bagged produce a more convenient choice, according to Jeff Watkin, director of marketing at Sev-Rend Corp.
The perception that packaged produce is safer is changing habits, although the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and produce trade groups have said there’s no evidence the coronavirus is spread by food.
“The perception is that un-bagged produce may be unsafe and we are seeing a surge in packaging demand across all areas of our products partially due to this,” Watkin said in a news release.
Sev-Rend is reporting demand for all packaging materials used for consumer packs of fresh produce, which typically is 2- to 5-pound packages.
“We are seeing an increase in need for all packaging types right now,” Art Vega, vice president of sales and marketing. “We are meeting demand head on to support our client’s need for pouches, film, netting, and tags.”
Sev-Rend has ramped up production to meet the sharp increase in demand. The surge in packaging material demand can stress the supply chain and Sev-Rend has acted to ensure a continuity of product.
“From the safety of our work force to the demand for food packaging materials – Sev-Rend is looking to the future to keep our part of the supply chain in check,” Greg Petermeyer, chief operating officer of Sev-Rend, said in the release.
For examples of how the pandemic is affecting other consumer shopping habits, see The Packer’s COVID-19 webpage.
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