In recent years, the food delivery industry has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery became a saving grace for many restaurants. This is evident in the act that for instance, in the United States, the food delivery market more than doubled during the COVID-19[1]. Now more and more consumers opting for the convenience of having meals delivered to their doorsteps. This shift in consumer behavior has presented unique challenges and opportunities for businesses in the food and packaging sectors. At Huhtamaki, we recognize the significance of this trend and have developed innovative solutions to meet the evolving packaging needs of the food home delivery market.
Key trends around food delivery include:
- Explosive Growth: The food delivery market has witnessed explosive growth with expected annual growth rate of 12.7%[2], fueled by the increasing demand for convenience and time-saving solutions
- Consumer Preferences: Consumers are not only demanding convenient and quick delivery but quality of food, with an expectation of restaurant-quality meals even after transit time[3]
- Food Safety Concerns: With the rise of food delivery, ensuring the safety and integrity of the food during transit is a top priority. Maintaining proper temperature control during delivery is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses, highlighting the importance of reliable packaging solutions
- Sustainability Imperative: Sustainable packaging has become a significant focus in the food delivery industry.[4] This growing eco-consciousness is driving businesses to adopt packaging solutions that minimize waste and promote recycling
- Functional and Versatile Packaging: Packaging plays a vital role in preserving the quality and freshness of food during delivery. Packaging solutions that offer temperature retention, leak resistance, and easy handling are essential to ensuring customer satisfaction and minimizing the risk of spills or damage.
At Huhtamaki, we have developed a wide range of packaging products specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of food home delivery. With a strong focus on sustainability, we offer sustainable solutions that align with the values of environmentally conscious consumers. Our packaging solutions not only prioritize functionality, but they also emphasize the use of sustainable materials and reduced plastic content, promoting a circular economy.
As the food delivery trend continues to reshape the foodservice industry, we remain committed to providing innovative packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. By staying ahead of the curve and anticipating future trends, we ensure that our customers have access to packaging solutions that enable safe, efficient, and sustainable food delivery experiences.
Find out more about our home delivery range
Sources:
[1] McKinsey (2021): Ordering in: The rapid evolution of food delivery, https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/ordering-in-the-rapid-evolution-of-food-delivery
[2] Statista (2023): Online Food Delivery - Worldwide, https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/online-food-delivery/worldwide#revenue
[3] McKinsey (2021): Ordering in: The rapid evolution of food delivery, https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/ordering-in-the-rapid-evolution-of-food-delivery
[4] Euractive (2022): Sustainable packaging no longer a nice-to-have for future-fit businesses, https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/opinion/sustainable-packaging-no-longer-a-nice-to-have-for-future-fit-businesses/