How shelf-stable became top tier?
In the fourth part of our Food Speak series, we discuss how pricing affects purchase decisions and look at the relationship between cost and availability.
In part three of the series, we looked at the role of shelf-stable foods in popularising foreign cuisine. Let’s face it: many of us wouldn’t have ventured into cooking food we didn’t grow up with if the ingredients were exorbitantly priced or hard to track down. How many people would trudge to a specialty store and buy an expensive vegetable that is not a staple in their household?
But, consider everyday items like tomatoes or corn, and you’ll find most people have at one point or other bought a shelf-stable or frozen variant. Such options can not only be more cost effective compared to buying fresh but can also help avoid last-minute runs to the grocery store – thus, justifying their place in our shopping carts.
Consumer priorities
Affordability matters. But that doesn’t mean people just buy the cheapest version of a product. They want value for money, with 70-90% of consumers regarding themselves as being value conscious. This is where shelf-stable food has an edge – both in terms of a direct price comparison and when you consider the time and cost of buying, storing and preparing fresh ingredients. Availability is also no longer taken for granted.
After living through the initial days of COVID-19 and interrupted supply chains, the merits of shelf-stable foods – and how easily available they are – are evident. However, the benefits of stocking up pantries or opting for time-saving options have been relevant to consumers even as far back as the 1940s. And with modern pack formats ensuring that nutritional value is maintained, foods in cartons are a viable alternative.
The view from the other side
When it comes to global food security, or the lack thereof – both food loss and food waste play a vital role in rising food prices – making it a challenge for food producers to maintain price points. But it is a challenge that can be addressed with the right packaging – and the right timing. From dealing with seasonal availability to ensuring minimal food waste – a lot that can be done to bridge the gaps. By procuring produce during harvest times and ensuring surplus produce does not go to waste, manufacturers can keep prices constant without compromising profits while ensuring year-round availability of shelf-stable products.
Packing it right
As an expert in aseptic and retort packaging, SIG is the ideal partner for food manufacturers. And for beverage manufacturers who want to expand their portfolio, we also offer solutions that can fill both food and beverage cartons. Reach out to discover new possibilities.
In the next part of this series, we will recap our insights related to food in cartons and explore what lies ahead for this segment. For more on food packaging and other trends in the food and beverage industry, subscribe to our exclusive bi-weekly newsletter SIGnals Update.
- January 20, 2022