United Kingdom Fresh Food Packaging Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Material (Plastic, Paper And Board, Glass, Metal), And By Application (Poultry And Meat Products, Dairy Products, Produce (Vegetables And Fruits), Sea Food, Others) - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

The United Kingdom’s fresh food packaging market is anticipated to propel at a CAGR of 2.13% throughout the forecast period. The market of the United Kingdom is expected to witness such growth in the forecast period owing to a significant increase in the domestic consumption of food coupled with high exports According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, the United Kingdom's exports of vegetable, fruit, and nut food preparations totalled $558.78 million in 2021. Furthermore, where the export of fish and fish preparations increased by 14% during the same period, the exports of bird eggs and other dairy products increased at a significant rate of 28%.

In addition, a significant increase in the exports of fruits and vegetables by value and volume is also anticipated to propel the growth opportunities for the players in the market to invest more in the country and gain a competitive edge in the market. However, the market experienced a significant downturn in 2021 as a result of economic factors such as rising commodity prices, which made certain produce expensive for some people to consume. For example, the value of food, feed, and drink exports fell by £1.2 billion (5.6 per cent) to £20.2 billion in 2021, according to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. Exports of fresh vegetables fell 35% to £73 million, while exports of fresh fruits fell 66% to £63 million. The United Kingdom's market growth can also be attributed to the country's high meat consumption. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the average amount of meat consumed per person in the United Kingdom is nearly double the global average, at 220 grammes per day versus 117 grammes. Red, processed, and white meats are all included. Having said that, the consumer shift to a vegan diet could be one of the major factors hindering the growth of the market in the coming years. This, in turn, is also boosting the domestic production of fruits and vegetables in the country, which is expected to drive the demand for advanced packaging solutions for them and also contribute to the growth of this market over the next five years

The United Kingdom’s fresh food packaging market has been segmented on the basis of material and application. By material, the market has been segmented as plastic, paper and board, plastic, glass, and metal. By application, the United Kingdom’s fresh food packaging market has been classified into poultry and meat products, dairy products, produce (vegetables and fruits), seafood, and others.

Competitive Insights

Prominent key market players in the United Kingdom's fresh food packaging market include Amcor Plc, Smurfit Kappa, Mondi, Coveris, and DS Smith, among others. Because of their strong brand image and product offerings, these companies have a sizable market share. Major players in the United Kingdom’s fresh food packaging market have been covered along with their relative competitive positions and strategies. The report also discusses recent deals and investments made by various market participants over the last two years.

Recent development and expansions

• M&S removed plastic packaging and 'best-before' dates from produce in July 2022. In order to cut down on consumer packaging and food waste.
• Waitrose announced in August 2022 that packaged fresh products would no longer have best-before dates. The move is intended to reduce food waste and affects nearly 500 products, including root vegetables, apples, and indoor plants.

COVID-19 impact on United Kingdom Fresh Food Packaging Market

The UK fresh food packaging market remained resilient throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, despite some declines as consumer habits shifted under restrictions. Restriction on lockdown followed the closure of many food service establishments and hospitality services, and the demand for packaging in the hospitality sector has plummeted. This was partially offset by increased demand for in-home consumption and retail packaging. The pandemic had also accelerated the growth of eCommerce services, causing people's shopping habits to shift toward online shopping.

United Kingdom Fresh Food Packaging Market Scope:

Segmentation

• By Material
  • Plastic
  • Paper and Board
  • Glass
  • Metal
• By Application
  • Poultry and Meat Products
  • Dairy Products
  • Produce (Vegetables and Fruits)
  • Sea Food
  • Others