The single-use foodservice packaging industry is looking and feeling very healthy, according to State of the Foodservice Packaging Industry Report, issued today by the Foodservice & Packaging Institute.
The 155-page 2002 report, with its 115 charts and graphs, is a snapshot of anindustry that continues to experience steady, modest growth in volume and profit for the second year in a row, both in North America and Europe. At the same time, US Census Bureau data contained in the report shows the evolution of a global foodservicepackaging industry as single-use products begin to be exported and importedthroughout markets worldwide.
"The data and trends contained in this year's State of the Industry Report show that single-use foodservice packaging use continues to grow because people everywhere find themselves time-pressed by technology, and coping with increasingly complex lifestyles that have become part of modern life," said John R. Burke, FPI president.
"As a result, people here and abroad are eating more and more meals away from home, and when they do head home, they are carrying already prepared foods that they can assemble in their kitchens in a few minutes. Both realities translate into the use of more single-use packaging."
In addition to consumer demands that drive the industry, the report's "News of the Industry" section shows that the continuing expansion of restaurants into new ethnic food concepts and "to go" service at formerly sit-down facilities are also creating new demands for single-use packaging.
For their part, the report details, manufacturers are expanding to gain share of these new markets by expanding existing lines and adding new capacity.Those seeking further information on FPI's 2002 State of the FoodservicePackaging Industry Report should contact Lynn Rosseth, director of marketdevelopment and programs at (001) 703 538-2800.