Sep 04, 2026

What Today’s Shoppers Really Want (And Why Your Food Packaging Matters)

At a Glance  Today’s consumers are still spending, but they’re becoming far more selective, weighing convenience, quality, freshness, and perceived value before making a purchase.   Convenience has shifted from a competitive advantage to a basic expectation, making durable, leak-resistant, and tamper-protected packaging more important than ever.   As more shopping journeys begin online, packaging must perform […]
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Aug 26, 2026

Freezer Burn: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How the Right Packaging Can Stop It Cold

At a Glance  Freezer burn is moisture loss that damages food’s texture, flavor, and appearance.   High-moisture foods are more vulnerable, especially during longer freezer storage.   Packaging matters: WVTR determines how well a material keeps moisture from escaping.   The right plastic packaging can help protect product quality and reduce freezer burn.  Freezer burn has a way […]
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Aug 19, 2026

When “Good Enough” Packaging Isn’t Good Enough

At a Glance  “Good enough” packaging can quietly reduce shelf appeal, freshness, and consumer trust.   Focusing only on the lowest price often leads to hidden costs like shrink, waste, and lost sales.   High-quality packaging makes food look fresher and reinforces a premium brand image.   The smartest businesses treat packaging as an investment, not just a […]
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Aug 12, 2026

Hybrid Meals Are Changing How Shoppers Cook. Is Your Packaging Keeping Up?

At a Glance  Hybrid meals are becoming the new normal, blending prepared foods with homemade ingredients.   Prepared foods are now meal components, not just complete meals.   Protein leads the trend because it saves the most time and effort.   Packaging must support multiple meals with resealable, reusable designs.  Let’s say you grab a hot rotisserie chicken from a grocery store, throw together a […]
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Aug 03, 2026

Square, Rectangular, or Round? Which Container Shape Is Right for Your Fresh Food Product?

At a Glance  Container shape impacts more than appearance, influencing shelf efficiency, branding, shipping, and the consumer experience.   Rectangular containers maximize shelf space and label area, making them ideal for many fresh food categories.   Square containers offer a balance of efficiency and premium presentation, with a clean, symmetrical look and strong stackability.   Round containers excel for bowl-style foods, prioritizing usability and presentation over maximum shelf […]
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Jul 30, 2026

Stacking Up: Sandwich Packaging Trends in 2026

At a Glance  Sandwich packaging trends in 2026 are being shaped by changing consumer preferences for portion flexibility, protein-rich options, and grocery-prepared meals that compete with restaurants.   Resealable, clear, and sturdy packaging helps preserve freshness, showcase ingredients, and deliver the convenience shoppers increasingly expect.   Premium breads, handheld formats, and value-driven portion sizes are fueling continued demand for sandwiches across grocery deli […]
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Jul 23, 2026

What Heat Lamps Are Really Doing to Your Food and Packaging

At a Glance  Heat lamps preserve hot food freshness, but can potentially pull moisture from food, causing dryness, discoloration, and reduced shelf appeal.   Anti-fog coatings improve visibility but don’t prevent moisture loss.   PP handles heat better than PET, but prolonged exposure can still affect container performance.   Choosing the right packaging and managing temperature and hold times helps maintain food quality.  One […]
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Jul 15, 2026

This is Why Polypropylene Pricing Can Be Tricky (And What Food Businesses Can Do About It)

At a Glance  Learn how polypropylene (PP) is made and why its pricing can change so quickly.   Discover the biggest drivers behind polypropylene price volatility, from propane markets to production outages.   Understand which market indicators can provide early warning of potential price increases.   See what food businesses can do to reduce surprises and better prepare […]
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Jul 06, 2026

What the 2026 IDDBA Show Revealed About the State and Future of Dairy, Deli, and Bakery

At a Glance  The 2026 IDDBA show highlighted strong momentum across dairy, deli, and bakery, while revealing important shifts in category performance and consumer demand.   Protein has become a dominant purchase driver, expanding beyond dairy into categories like bakery and influencing product innovation.   Inflation, GLP-1 medications, and a generational shift toward Millennials and Gen Z are […]
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Jul 06, 2026

What is California’s Assembly Bill 3336 and What Does it Mean for Food Businesses?

At a Glance  California’s AB-3336 requires ready-to-eat food delivered through third-party services to be sealed with a tamper-evident method before leaving the restaurant.   The goal is to protect consumers and give customers confidence that their food hasn’t been opened or altered during delivery.   Common solutions include tamper-evident stickers, sealed bags, and containers with built-in tamper protection.   Beyond […]
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