Popcorn is a beloved and timeless snack that can be seen on shelves globally. Today more brands and varieties are popping up, especially in ready-to-eat bags and pouches to satisfy the consumer craving for both a salty (and, sometimes sweet) snack and ready-to-eat convenience.
The popcorn segment, which includes both microwave and bagged varieties, is growing. One big reason? COVID-19. The segment was already experiencing increasing sales early in 2020 but then saw a big jump once the virus hit the U.S. With more people eating (and snacking) at home, there is more opportunity to snack on popcorn, whether it’s during the day or during family movie night.
According to Fior Markets, the global ready-to-eat popcorn market is expected to reach $6.22 billion by 2026. With experts speculating that people will continue to stay home due to COVID concerns, the projected sales of ready-to-eat popcorn is set to increase.
Within this growth, there is a push from health-conscious consumers looking for gourmet options with clean labels. Beyond the standard butter-flavored popcorn, consumers are craving popcorn made with heirloom grains, better-for-you oils like avocado or coconut, and specialty salts.
Popcorn Packaging Solutions
There is more opportunity than ever for popcorn companies to launch a new brand, new flavor, or upgraded packaging to get a piece of the market. As you set out to add your new product to the shelf, consider the following four considerations to set your popcorn package apart:
Choose custom snack packaging.
Great packaging has the potential to capture consumer attention, retain customer loyalty, and set your brand apart from the competition. Whether you’re packaging popcorn kernels or fully popped popcorn, consider custom printed packaging.
Go for the bold.
Consider using bright colors and artwork to really POP (pun intended) off the shelf. And if you use digital printing for your packaging, you have the ability to print high-definition graphics with photo-like quality, whether you choose a whimsical design, bold lettering, or life-like graphics.
With digital printing, you also have the option to add certain embellishments like metallic, gloss, matte, soft touch, or any combination of these to highlight certain parts of your package.
Make it functional.
If you’re opting for a stand-up pouch, or multi-serving bag, consider using reseal zippers to ensure maximum product freshness. Consumers love resealable closures and zippers, and these go a long way to set your brand apart, especially within the popcorn segment. They also help to prevent spoilage and make the package portable.
Choose sustainable films.
For today’s eco-conscious shopper, consider packaging your popcorn in eco-friendly materials. Choose from post-consumer recycled (PCR), fully recyclable bags, or compostable packaging printed with compostable inks and a sustainable printing process like digital printing. Attract new shoppers and maintain brand loyalty by offering sustainable packaging that consumers can feel good about buying.
As you launch your new popcorn brand, or make updates to your existing line-up, consider these must-have popcorn packaging pouch features to help you set your brand apart from the competition.
Popcorn Packaging Partner
At ePac, we offer different types of popcorn packaging, such as lay flat pouches, stand-up pouches and rollstock. So, if you’re wondering what is popcorn packaging made of, and whether you package single-serve bags, family size bags, or anything in between, we have you covered.
If you’re looking between popcorn packaging suppliers, remember that with ePac’s digital printing, you get low minimum orders and a fast turnaround so you can get to market quickly, and affordably. With ePac who get experts who can help you with quick and easy flexible packaging solutions. Call us today for a free quote.
