Packaging

As part of our ongoing effort to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, PMA commissioned the Perishables Group to conduct research to gauge consumer attitudes towards packaged and loose/bulk produce.  Use the insights and recommendations from PMA’s 2011 Consumer Attitudes Towards Packaged Fruits and Vegetables study, sponsored by Yerecic Labels, to determine how well your investments in current packaging solutions are meeting consumer preferences and expectations. 

Since packaging is a critical marketing tool as well as a means of protecting fresh produce, we recognize our members who excel in packaging with the PMA Packaging Impact Award: Excellence in Packaging, which is presented during the annual Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition.

Packaging as a Billboard

Lisa Cork, Principal of Fresh Produce Marketing in New Zealand, spoke about using produce packaging as a consumer billboard at the 2011 Fresh Connections: PMA Australia – New Zealand. Lisa’s global expertise is in helping growers and retailers transform the message on their fresh produce packaging into a powerful and persuasive marketing tool that drives sales, captures attention, and builds relationships.

Regardless of where you and your supply chain partners are located, everyone in fresh produce wants to drive their sales and increase their commodity’s consumption. But it’s getting harder to do – especially because we are competing for more share of shopper stomach. According to this expert, in order to compete with packaged foods we need to view our fresh produce packaging as a powerful mini-billboard that can help build stronger relationships with customers. 

Below, Lisa offers insights about how packaging can help you connect with consumers to begin building stronger relationships and loyalty.

Here our industry expert shares three key pieces of information that she recommends  including on your produce packaging.

How are the changing needs of consumers impacting changes in produce packaging?  What will drive future growth in packaged produce sales? Listen to Lisa’s thoughts about this.

Content provided by Lisa Cork at FRESH PRODUCE MARKETING LTD.

Web: www.freshproducemarketing.com

E-mail: Lisa@freshproducemarketing.com

Healthy Eating Trends

The PMA Healthy Eating Trends 2009 report examined the connection between packaging and sustainability. This study found that 65 percent of consumers want to see more emphasis on protective packaging of produce, and 60 percent want to see more eco-friendly packaging. Interestingly, 45 percent of respondents said they want both protective packaging and eco-friendly packaging to be emphasized more.

For additional information, check out the following resources:

• Our FRESH magazine Summer 2010 edition, which focuses exclusively on packaging innovations.
• Our Field to Fork blog, where you can read posts on various topics, including packaging.
• Our Ask Dr. Bob audio blog, where we post periodic audio briefings on topics of interest to our members.