Food and beverage packaging is currently driven by consumer convenience, with success determined by the the needs of the category’s key customers. Portability and durability and the most important qualities among young adult consumers and consumers with children, respectively. Seniors lean toward traditional packing, unless it is difficult to open. For example, 26% of seniors who buy tuna choose cans with pull off tabs, 11% percent above average.

As in most markets, technology is working to advance the possibilities of packaging. The future is likely to bring “smart” packaging that prepares contents for consumption inside the container, or warn the user of unsafe conditions, such as exposure to temperatures that breed bacteria.

The focus of this Mintel report is packaging as it relates to food and drinks sold in supermarkets, drug stores and mass merchandisers. This report addresses the factors businesses consider when making packaging decisions. Also covered are trends in packaging and the factors influencing those trends. Where possible, trends related to packaging in foodservice are mentioned. Beyond the scope of this report are labeling trends, except when relating to packaging format.