5 Essentials to Keep in Mind for Food & Beverage Packaging
Food and beverage Packaging is not just about wrapping a product. It protects food and drink items from getting contaminated, maintains their quality until consumption, and extends their shelf life. In today’s fast-paced & competitive marketplace, visual appeal & convenience also influence the purchasing decisions of consumers, and hence, packaging is also treated as an influential marketing tool.
For something as diverse as food packaging in India, it is very important to select the right packaging solution. In food & beverage packaging, whether you are launching a new product or rebranding an old product, there needs to be a perfect balance between functionality, aesthetics & sustainability.
1) Safety & Hygiene
The first & foremost priority is to ensure hygiene & safety of the product. A packaging must protect against moisture, bacteria, & external contamination of any kind. In markets like food packaging in India, preventing spoilage & maintaining freshness is important, as the climatic conditions vary a lot.
2) Material
It’s crucial to use food-grade materials in food & beverage packaging. More often than not, plastic food & beverage packaging is the go-to solution for businesses & brands, because of its versatility & cost-effectiveness.
But as we are moving towards a sustainable world, businesses must look for sustainable alternatives such as paper-based packaging, biodegradable plastics, or recyclable containers.
3) Regulatory Standards
To avoid any legal issues & maintain the brand’s credibility in the eyes of the consumers, it is necessary to comply with local & international regulatory standards. For food packaging solutions in India, businesses must follow the guidelines & standards set by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
4) Branding & Design
The packaging is often the first point of interaction between the consumer & a brand. If your product is well-packaged & well-designed, it can positively influence the buying decisions of the consumers.
A well-packaged item must be easy to handle, visually appealing, & informative, and the design must reflect the uniqueness of the product. A good visual & functional design will always be in demand.
5) Functionality & Convenience
Convenience is the currency of modern times & today’s consumers value it more than anything. F&B packaging solutions must ensure that user-friendly features like resealable closures, easy-to-open tabs, quantity control, & microwave-safe materials are already there.
In urban India, where ready-to-eat meals & beverages are more prominent, convenience is directly associated with customer satisfaction, and it can help businesses build lasting loyalty.
A functional food & beverage packaging is about protecting the contents, reflecting the brand’s identity, complying with regulatory & safety standards, & connecting with the consumer. And the businesses must evolve with the evolving consumer preferences. Buyers are now more informed & more aware than before. Staying informed & investing in smart food packaging solutions in India will help the businesses compete both locally & globally.
