Retort packaging is a process in which retort pouches are used for packaging. A retort pouch is a packaging material that is made out of a laminate of flexible metal foils and plastic. The retort packaging provides sterile packaging of a wide range of foods and drinks. Retort packaging is a better alternative for traditional canning methods because cans and jars are heavy and bulky. They occupy a fair amount of shelf space, increasing the warehousing and transportation costs whereas, retort pouches are lightweight and occupy less space. Retort packaging has applications in field rations, fish products, space food, instant noodles, and more. They can provide substantial cost savings from shipping and transportation as the retort pouches lay flat when empty, which eventually reduces the storage space required.  

Market scope and structure analysis:

COVID-19 Scenario analysis:

• COVID-19 crisis is likely to affect the retort packaging industry negatively, as a result of halted manufacturing and massive reduction in demand for luxury and non-essential services globally.
• COVID-19 crisis had a mixed impact on the packaging industry, mainly due to closure of physical retail stores globally. However, the availability of online retailing has absorbed the high impact of this shutdown.
• The requirement of e-Commerce specific packaging is likely to remain strong, although the e-commerce companies would have to focus on protection of goods and sanitization of packages. 
• In addition, the food packaging industry is on the frontline within the global packaging market, owing to the demand for essential products such as groceries and fresh food mainly from local e-retail sites. 
• Industrial, transportation, and bulk packaging has faced a sharp decline, owing to decreased demand for non-essential goods during the first two quarters of 2020. 
• Owing to the lowered disposable income of maximum population and weak demand for packaging from industrial goods, the packaging industry might face significant pressure of reduction in both wholesale as well as retail costs. 
• Consumers are likely to stay hesitant for consumption of luxury products, travel, and hospitality services, which is expected to hinder the packaging industry growth in the future after the COVID-19 crisis. 

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities

Changing lifestyles due to busy schedules is resulting in increasing dependence on processed food. This further is expected to fuel the growth of the retort packaging market. Besides, rapid growth in the food and beverage sector and increasing consumer preference toward on-the-go food & beverages is another factor that is expected to drive the retort packaging market. In additionally, rapid globalization has led to a rise in global trade for processed food which will fuel the growth of the retort packaging market. However, growing concerns for health and hygienic food is assumed to be a restraining factor for the retort packaging market. On the other hand, incentives and funding by governments of emerging countries like China and others, for the food processing industry can create huge opportunities for the retort packaging market. 

Trends in the retort packaging market

Huge demand for retort pouches

Retort packaging is a better alternative for traditional canning methods because cans and jars are heavy and bulky. They occupy a fair amount of shelf space, increasing the warehousing and transportation costs whereas, retort pouches are lightweight and occupy less space. The sterilization of the packaged products is achieved by rapid heat transfer. The thin profile of the retort pouches reduces the process time for sterilization. These features of retort pouches can increase their adoption as alternatives for cans and jars for storage of food products. These factors are anticipated to boost up the demand for retort pouches from the food and beverage industry, which can eventually increase the growth of the retort packaging market in the upcoming years.

A surge in demand for packaged food

The demand for packaged food that is either raw or cooked inside a retort pouch is growing at a fast pace globally. For instance, Walmart was the global leader for packaged food sales with a record sale forecast of $572.5 billion in place for 2019. The reasons being consumers changing lifestyles due to hectic schedules and the increasing number of consumers who do not prefer spending much time on cooking. These factors are expected to increase the demand for processed food, which can consequently result in the rising demand and positive growth of the retort packaging market during the forecast period. 

Key segments covered:

Key benefits of the report:

• This study represents the analytical representation of the global retort packaging market combined with the ongoing trends and future predictions to determine investment opportunities.
• The present market is thoroughly analyzed from 2019 to 2027 to enlighten the retort packaging market growth.
• The report gives information regarding the important drivers, restraints, and opportunities provided with an in-depth analysis of the global retort packaging market.
• Segmentation details of the global retort packaging market.
• The report gives a comprehensive global retort packaging market analysis based on competitiveness and how the performance of the competitors will take shape in the coming years.