Why shelf-stable foods are here to stay

In our Food for thought and Food speak series, we touched upon some of the reasons behind the rise of the shelf-stable food segment, as well as the relationship between such products and the way they are packaged. Influenced by factors like convenience, affordability, accessibility and sustainability, it’s clear that shelf-stable products meet a lot of important needs, both for consumers and industry, with the global market expanding year on year.

What’s new within the shelf-stable market

In addition to timeless factors such as those mentioned above, today's food and beverage suppliers need to take into account increasing demand for popular ingredients like mushrooms. They should also consider trends such as a greater desire among consumers to cook at home, with people looking for a wider selection of shelf-stable products to experiment with. We are also seeing a noticeable shift towards natural preservatives like rosemary extract, as well as growing popularity for niche segments including liquid meals.

Why the right packaging matters

It’s easy to see the main factors behind the rise of shelf-stable food products, but what about the “why”? For starters, shelf-stable products are a great way to help consumers and manufacturers reduce food waste, with taste and nutrition company Kerry finding in a recent study that half of respondents would pay extra for a product that helped fight food waste. 

In terms of convenience, such products are also increasingly designed to fit around the way people live, with on-the-go lifestyles and a desire to make home cooking a quicker, smoother process all playing a role. Another key factor is health and wellness, with shelf-stable packaging making it possible for products to retain their nutritional and sensory qualities without the need for artificial preservatives.

In essence, today’s manufacturers require more from their packaging – with aseptic carton packs and spouted pouches offering them the flexibility they need.

“The primary factor driving sales of ambient food is convenience. Convenience for consumers, retailers, and the entire supply chain. However, the trend towards health awareness, inflation, and growing competition necessitates continuous innovation with a focus on providing more value for the same price.”

Tamara Dzalaeva, Category Manager Europe

As the world’s only supplier to provide aseptic carton packs, spouted pouches and bag-in-box, we produce packaging solutions that help manufacturers expand their portfolios, improve their current offerings, and meet consumer demand.

In part two of the series, we’ll highlight the top-performing segments within the aseptic food category. What are the most popular shelf-stable products among consumers, and what opportunities does this offer food and beverage manufacturers and suppliers?

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