Clamshells still dominate strawberry packaging for retail, e-commerce

Clamshell packaging is still dominant for California strawberries, marketers say, but there is industry investment in sustainable packaging options. Marketers are also watching a shift in consumer preferences toward 2-pound clamshells during the pandemic.

“I still see the clamshell as the predominant package with perhaps the 2-pound container gaining a bigger share of market at retail,” said Jim Grabowski, director of marketing for Watsonville, Calif.-based Well-Pict Berries Inc.

“We saw significant growth in the 2-pound clamshells as consumers shopped less often (and) purchased larger packs for their families at home,” said Cindy Jewell, marketing representative for Bobalu Berries, Oxnard, Calif.  “We are watching this trend closely to see if this is a long term shift or a COVID blip.”

Clamshell containers work perfectly with e-commerce, Grabowski said. “It fits right in with all the other packaged goods one can order online.”

E-commerce is a definite trend to watch, said Jason Fung, vice president of berries and greenhouse categories for The Oppenheimer Group, Vancouver, British Columbia. “We’re looking to develop packs that use less or recyclable plastic, or compostable materials that have the durability for the e-commerce channel,” Fung said. “It’s a big problem to try and solve, but it’s something that we’re working on very actively.”

Sustainable strawberry packaging

Frances Dillard, vice president of brand and produce marketing for Watsonville-based Driscoll’s said the company is investing in sustainable packaging innovation. E-commerce hasn’t changed the way it packages, but Dillard said online grocery has made Driscoll’s brand power and trust even more important.

Using clamshell labels with adhesives that release during the recycling process is one way that Main Street Produce is evolving its packaging program, said Roger Privett III, sales and business development manager for the Santa Maria, Calif.-based company. “Doing this has transformed our clamshells into being fully recyclable,” he said. “Over the next couple of years, I see expanded use of the corrugated clamshells.”

Salinas, Calif.-based Red Blossom has made a proactive push toward increasing its packaging sustainability, said Michelle Deleissegues, director of marketing. “In 2020 we committed to 100% recyclable ready PET thermoform clamshells that can be recycled with PET bottles,” she said. “The game changer was investing in a 100% recyclable BOPP label with a degradable adhesive. Our 2021 labels call out their 100% recyclability with further details inside the packaging,” she said.  “Red Blossom is also a proud partner in the Berry Sustainable initiative by the California Strawberry Commission.”

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