Consumers are looking for resealable packaging that keeps their fresh produce even fresher, according to a report by Mintel.
The Mintel report, called Locavore: Attitudes toward Locally-sourced Foods, concluded that consumers wanted fresh produce that stayed fresh longer – ideally with a resealing function.
And companies are responding. J-Tech Systems, for example, recently came out with the Smileys re-sealable packing system which opens and re-closes more than 22 times and provides tamper-evident product security through a patented opening system.
Supplied in ready-made rolls, the Smileys re-sealable system is suitable for packaging a wide range of fresh produce and food.
Peak Packaging has also been making waves in Australia with its sealable, reusable fruit and vegetable bags.
Peakfresh bags remove harmful gases to ensure produce stays fresher for longer.
They are made from a mineral impregnated film that slows down the ripening process, absorbing and removes ethylene gas given off by the stored produce.
Nearly 30 per cent of the surveyed consumers said they wished more bagged salads came in resealable packaging, while nearly 25 per cent said they'd like more fruits and vegetables in single-serve packaging – both options that present new marketing opportunities for brands and retailers.
In other cases, brands are working hard to exploit on-pack claims touting the convenience and better-for-you benefits of packaged produce.
Respondents were also interested in whether the produce was bought locally, with labelling reflecting this.
Currently, packaged food must carry a statement identifying either the country where the food was made, produced or grown; or the country where the food was manufactured or packaged – and that the food is a mix of ingredients imported into that country or a mix of local and imported ingredients.
The country-of-origin labelling system announced in July removed confusing labels like 'Made in Australia from local and imported ingredients, but some industry bodies have claimed it is less useful for consumers interested in the source of non-Australian ingredients.
