Chilled Food Packaging Market Size, Share, Growth by 2030

The chilled food packaging sector is projected to increase from US$ 12,948.11 million in 2022 to US$ 18,902.73 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% during the period from 2022 to 2030.

Chilled food packaging encompasses the specialized materials and designs utilized for the storage and transportation of perishable food items that necessitate refrigeration to preserve their quality and prevent spoilage. This type of packaging is engineered to create a controlled environment that prolongs the shelf life of chilled food products. The growth of organized retail and the rise of e-commerce are significant factors propelling the expansion of the chilled food packaging market.

The global chilled food packaging market is primarily influenced by the growth of organized retail and e-commerce on a worldwide scale. This market comprises various packaging materials, including plastic, paper and paperboard, aluminum, wood, and others, all designed to maintain low temperatures during the storage and transportation of food products. The increasing demand for convenience foods, urbanization, and evolving lifestyles are key drivers of this market. Additionally, heightened awareness regarding food safety and hygiene is contributing to the rising need for chilled food packaging solutions. The surge in e-commerce and online grocery shopping is anticipated to further boost the demand for chilled food packaging throughout the forecast period. Moreover, the growing popularity of ready-to-eat meals is expected to present lucrative opportunities for the chilled food packaging sector in the coming years.

In terms of materials, the chilled food packaging market is categorized into plastic, aluminum, paper and paperboard, and other materials. Among these, the plastic segment represented the largest share of the global chilled food packaging market in 2022. Plastic is the preferred choice for packaging refrigerated items due to its flexibility, allowing food service providers to tailor the shape, style, and size according to customer preferences. The food service industry favors plastic packaging because it is lightweight and facilitates easy transportation of food products.

In 2022, North America accounted for the largest revenue share in the global chilled food packaging market. The primary factors driving the growth of this market in North America include a high demand for packaged food products and a growing consumer inclination towards convenient food options for on-the-go consumption. Research commissioned by the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and conducted by Technomic Inc. indicates that over 90% of food service operators utilize chilled and frozen foods as inventory in their establishments to provide quick service to customers. This trend has opened significant opportunities for the chilled food packaging market in North America. Additionally, the increasing preference for sustainable packaging solutions among chilled and frozen food companies, aimed at reducing costs while maintaining the quality and nutritional value of products, has created new avenues for growth in the chilled food packaging sector. Innovations such as high-pressure processing and self-heating packaging for chilled foods have also contributed to the advancement of the food packaging industry in North America.

Key players in the global chilled food packaging market include Mondi Plc, Amcor Plc, Sealstrip Corp, Sonoco Products Co, Amerplast Ltd, Berry Global Group Inc, Westrock Co, Graphic Packaging Holding Co, Tetra Pak International SA, and Sealed Air Corp. These market participants are focused on delivering high-quality products to meet customer demands. They are also implementing strategies such as investing in research and development and launching new products to enhance their market presence.

The overall size of the global chilled food packaging market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, numerous primary interviews were conducted with industry stakeholders to validate the findings and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants in this research included industry experts such as vice presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the chilled food packaging market.