Historically, packaging has not received much consideration from the foodservice channel. However, manufacturers are increasingly considering new packaging alternatives.

We all know that the economic and lifestyle shifts among US consumers will continue to drive real growth for the foodservice channel.

At the same time, operators are struggling with labor supply, increased costs, regulatory requirements and new competitors. To meet escalating consumer demands, they will have to rely on more value-added, pre-prepared products than ever before. Operators also are looking for new products that can increase their average transaction size, while meeting the needs of distinct consumer groups.

The distributors that supply these operators have their own set of challenges.

What are the implications for manufacturers? In order to achieve future growth and market success, they must start to focus on meaningful product innovation that will solve operator issues and differentiate them from other branded and private label competitors.

So how can packaging assist manufacturers and operators to deliver innovation? First, packaging can deliver better function through better openings and graphics. Additionally, is the product the right size? Additionally, there are food processing technologies, such as aseptic processing, that allow for extended product shelf-life, up to one year. Lastly, the right packaging technology can save distribution costs.

As manufacturers move forward with considering new package options, it is important that they do not view packaging in isolation.

Clearly, this is a comprehensive and time-consuming process, but manufacturers do not have to execute it on their own. Many suppliers have capabilities to assist in many phases of product development and package evaluation processes, cutting costs and improving manufacturers’ time to market.

The key is to select suppliers who are interested in building long-term partnerships and mutually profitable sales growth.