The UAE’s food packaging industry is set to log in record growth over the next few years, due to the current situation with the Covid-19 pandemic and changing consumer trends, experts highlighted.
Jebbar explained that the shift within food consumption has brought its own challenges, especially in relation to food hygiene, transportation, and storage. The high temperatures often experienced in the UAE mean that food packaging must be contamination free from the outset and properly sealed to maintain the freshness and moisture content. “The significant growth in e-commerce during the pandemic also triggered new developments in the industry, with priority towards safety and hygiene, and tamper-evident packaging, as well as increased sensitivity to offering a complaint-free consumer experience.”
He also revealed that the food packaging industry in the UAE was valued at Dh10 billion in 2020, and is set to grow to Dh14 billion in the next five years. The presence of more international food brands in the Mena markets has also contributed significantly to the growth of the sector.
Like Jebbar, Mohammad Mansouri, business development manager at Fresh Fruits Company, said that consumers are becoming more sophisticated in terms of how they shop. With a shift towards a healthier diet, they are more conscious of the quality of food ingredients, safety, and broader impact on the planet.
source : https://www.khaleejtimes.com/