Chilled Food Packaging Market Report 2025 (Global Edition)

Global Chilled Food Packaging Market Report 2025 Market Size Split by Type (Rigid packaging, Flexible packaging), by Application (Bakery and Confectionery, Fruits and Vegetables, Seafood and Poultry, ...

Chilled Food Packaging Market Report Description

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How 2025 Tariffs Are Reshaping the Consumer Goods Industry

In 2025, the global trade landscape has shifted dramatically following the U.S. introduction of sweeping tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration. These "Liberation Day Tariffs," launched in April, aim to reduce trade deficits and boost domestic manufacturing. Tariffs range from 10% on imports from countries like the UK and Australia to 46% on Vietnamese goods, with a blanket 34% tariff on many Chinese imports and 25% on all steel, aluminum, and auto parts. This policy heavily impacts the consumer goods sector apparel, appliances, packaged foods, and personal care products due to their deep reliance on global supply chains, especially in Asia. U.S.–China trade tensions have intensified, with reciprocal tariffs reaching up to 145% on U.S. goods and 125% on Chinese exports, while China’s trade surplus with the U.S. hit USD 102.6 billion in March 2025. In response, the EU and Canada have implemented retaliatory measures, signaling a broader shift toward protectionism.

The consumer goods industry is feeling immediate effects: production costs are rising, sourcing is delayed, and inflation pressures are mounting. Apparel and footwear now face 25% tariffs, prompting brands to seek nearshoring options or raise prices. Household appliances incur 20% tariffs, complicating inventory and procurement strategies. Packaged foods and beverages are hit with 10–15% tariffs, impacting contracts and leading to supplier diversification and product reformulation. Personal care firms face higher costs for imported ingredients and packaging, leading to local sourcing efforts and delays in new product launches. Meanwhile, electronics, though temporarily exempt, are preparing for possible disruptions by diversifying suppliers and increasing inventories.

China remains the backbone of U.S. consumer goods sourcing, accounting for a large portion of imports either directly or through upstream components. This makes tariffs on Chinese goods especially disruptive. The rising input costs 15–30% in many categories combined with seasonal pressures and tight timelines, are causing delays and increased costs. Smaller brands, in particular, are struggling due to limited capital and reduced supplier leverage. Many are being forced to increase prices, cut product variety, or compromise on quality.

Market research is now critical to navigating this volatile environment. It supports supplier mapping and risk assessment, helping brands identify alternative sourcing countries with stable regulations and quality control. It also aids in cost and margin analysis, guiding decisions on pricing and sourcing changes. Optimization of product design and materials through research allows companies to reduce costs while maintaining consumer expectations. Additionally, research helps assess consumer price sensitivity, enabling strategic repositioning. Tracking regulatory changes and running scenario planning models allow firms to anticipate and adapt to future trade shifts.

To cope, companies are restructuring their global sourcing models. Major brands like Nike and IKEA are expanding operations in Vietnam, India, and Mexico, while embracing “in-market for market” strategies to reduce exposure to tariffs and logistics risks. Many are adopting AI-driven demand forecasting and automated procurement, and pushing suppliers for transparency. Product redesign and SKU rationalization are also common. The most successful firms are those using data-driven insights, operational flexibility, and strategic supplier partnerships to adapt not just survive in this new era of global trade.

Top Companies in Chilled Food Packaging Market

Consumer goods companies are encountering various challenges, such as shifting consumer preferences, supply chain disruptions, and rising raw material costs. In response, several leading players in the industry are embracing new technologies to enhance their product offerings. This study provides valuable insights into competitors’ revenue generation, key strategies, recent developments, and includes a comprehensive S.W.O.T. analysis, offering a clearer understanding of the competitive landscape and market positioning. To gain more insights about the leading players you can access the paid version of this report.

Top Companies Market Share in Chilled Food Packaging Industry: (In no particular order of Rank)

• ProAmpac
• Sonoco
• WestRock Company
• Graphic Packaging International
• LLC
• Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
• Anchor Packaging LLC
• Mondi
• Amcor Qingdao
• Yilucai Packaging Co.Ltd
• KOROZO GROUP
• Mondi Group
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*List of Second Tier Companies, List of Third Tier/ Start-up Companies (Inquire with sales executive) Request Any Company Profile for Preview Purpose OR Data Validation!

If any Company(ies) of your interest has/have not been disclosed in the above list then please let us know the same so that we will check the data availability in our database and provide you the confirmation or include it in the final deliverables.

Which Region Dominates the Chilled Food Packaging Market in 2024?

The North American Region Dominates the Chilled Food Packaging Market. The North American chilled food packaging industry is experiencing significant developments influenced by evolving consumer behaviors, stringent regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements. According to research commissioned by the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and conducted by Technomic Inc., more than 90% of food service operators use chilled and frozen foods stored as inventory in their restaurants to offer a quick service experience to the customer. As a result, the North American market for chilled food packaging has enormous room to grow. https://affi.org/foodservice-operators-turn-to-frozen-foods-to-meet-their-business-needs/
The chilled food packaging market in North America is positively impacted by the growing government requirements about food safety packaging. Recently, the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) came into effect, which aims to transform the food safety protocols in Canada. The newly made food safety regulations are consistent and reliable with international standards. Getting registered with the CFIA is mandatory for food imports, exports, manufacturing, processing, treating, preserving, grading, packaging, or labeling. Therefore, the need for chilled food packaging in this area is driven by strengthening food safety laws and creating innovative packaging methods.
There are growing innovations in the chilled food packaging industry as well for instance, USDA states, that aseptic packaging is highly safe for chilled food packaging items as the inside layer of polyethylene (plastic) touches the product without leaching of aluminum or aluminum components through the layer. This process involves the sterilization of food and beverages by quick exposure to ultra-high heat, rapid cooling to an ambient temperature, and filling into sterilized packages that are then sealed in a commercially sterile environment. The North American chilled food packaging industry is adapting to complex regulatory requirements, shifting consumer preferences towards convenience and health
 

Which Region is Expanding at the Fastest CAGR?
The European chilled food packaging market is experiencing notable growth, driven by increasing demand for ready-to-eat meals and advancements in technologies. These advances in technologies significantly benefit the chilled food packaging industry by enhancing food safety, extending shelf life, improving sustainability, and optimizing efficiency. For instance, RDM Group’s Barcelona mill is now producing a water-resistant (WR) board called Triplex Gris WR (GD2) which is made from premium fibers coming from selected paper sent for recycling, it is significantly better at repelling the kind of moisture caused when chilled food changes temperature and can be made into boxes, punnets, and sleeves. Another packaging solution from Toppan Printing uses GL BARRIER, a barrier film developed by leveraging original vapor-deposition and coating technologies, to reduce oxidation and therefore, prevent discoloration, loss of flavor, and changes in food texture for a longer period than is possible with conventional packaging.
Additionally, non-recyclable food packaging poses significant threats, contributing to pollution, resource depletion, and long-term ecological waste. Biodegradable and compostable materials reduce environmental impact by replacing plastic-based packaging. For instance, Amazon’s new packaging is made from recycled paper and is curbside recyclable, so whether customers are ordering chilled or frozen foods from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market, it will arrive insulated in packaging that is easy and convenient for customers to recycle at home.
These packaging material each year replaces approximately 735,000 pounds of plastic film, 3.15 million pounds of natural cotton fiber, and 15 million pounds of non-recyclable mixed plastic. Moreover, Walki has developed a portfolio of paper-based packaging, including printed solutions, for frozen food applications, which are intended to be recyclable in existing paper streams. These are especially intended for pillow pouches for frozen food, such as vegetables, seafood, and bakery products. The innovation in packaging technology is a positive sign for the growing industry as it increases the shelf life of the product while reducing environmental impact. 
However, a recent survey indicates that nearly half of Europeans have reduced their, eating intake compared to the previous years. There is the transition towards plant- based diets, supported by education, marketing regulations, and voluntary farm buyouts in livestock-heavy regions. This shift increases demand for specialized chilled food packaging that preserves the freshness of plant-based products, which often have shorter shelf lives than traditional animal-based foods. 

The current report Scope analyzes Chilled Food Packaging Market on 5 major region Split (In case you wish to acquire a specific region edition (more granular data) or any country Edition data then please write us on info@cognitivemarketresearch.com

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Rest of Europe)
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, South East Asia, Rest of APAC)
• Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Rest of South America)
• Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Rest of Middle East)
• Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Africa)

The above graph is for illustrative purposes only.

Chilled Food Packaging Market Analysis

The chilled food packaging system is divided into two types of packaging, rigid and flexible packaging. Both rigid and flexible packaging options are widely used to safeguard a variety of items while they are being transported, stored, and used at home. They are comparable in that they both serve to create a barrier of protection between the user and the product. Nevertheless, because of their distinct qualities and advantages, the two forms of packaging are frequently utilized for distinct products, even if they are comparable. Rigid packaging refers to the strong and durable materials used to contain various products. This includes a range of packaging designed to avoid bending, curving, snapping, or breaking – such as cardboard, glass, metal, and hard plastics. Rigid containers include cardboard cereal boxes, glass condiment jars, metal cans, and plastic water bottles. These have advantages such as they are solid and durable, provide protection, and have a luxury finish though they demand more space, and have higher shipping costs. Flexible packaging is characterized by its ability to conform to the shape of the product it holds and its ability to be easily manipulated or reshaped. The advantages of flexible packaging are that they are space-saving and lightweight, cost-effective, eco-friendlier, and have higher marketing potential but they have less protection and may hamper the flavor. 

The above Chart is for representative purposes and does not depict actual sale statistics. Access/Request the quantitative data to understand the trends and dominating segment of Chilled Food Packaging Industry. Request a Free Sample PDF!

Cold food packaging refers to the specialized packaging designed to store, transport, and display perishable food items at refrigerated temperatures usually less than 8 degrees Celsius. Its significance lies in its ability to maintain the freshness, quality, and safety of food that require refrigeration such as bakery and Confectionary, Fruits and Vegetables, Seafood and Poultry, Meat, and other products. Chilled bakery and confectionery products are susceptible to moisture loss, staling, and microbial growth, where chilled food packaging systems prioritize maintaining freshness, preventing spoilage, and ensuring product integrity through appropriate materials, sealing techniques, and temperature control. Chilled food packaging for fruits and vegetables aims to maintain their freshness and extend shelf life by controlling temperature and humidity, slowing down biochemical processes that cause decay and spoilage. With modern customers demanding healthier foods, they value meat, chicken, and seafood packaging methods that preserve food without additional chemicals and preservatives. The food packaging industry utilizes highly developed technologies to keep perishable foods stored longer while maintaining freshness, taste, scent, and consistency. Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP) is another popular protein packaging technology to preserve the freshness of meat, poultry, and fish. Other ready meals like prepared salads and Delicatessen also use chilled food packaging systems to increase their shelf life and preserve food from spoilage. The constant population growth, the surge in disposable income, and an increase in the working population are creating a need for more packaged and ready-to-cook foods.

The above Graph is for representation purposes only. This chart does not depict actual Market share.

Chilled Food Packaging Material Segment Analysis

Chilled packaging helps maintain the sensory, chemical, physical, and microbiological characteristics of the food, ensuring it remains palatable and safe for consumption. The various materials used in chilled food packaging systems include plastic, aluminum, paper, and paperboard. Common plastics used in primary packaging include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), These are known for their durability, flexibility, and ability to form airtight seals, crucial for maintaining product freshness and temperature. Aluminium is a highly versatile packaging material as it can be used in a freezer or fridge to a microwave oven or oven and it can also be used on the grill and is flexible enough to take various shapes and a significant advantage lies in the complete recyclability and infinite recycling potential of aluminum food packaging, aluminum cans, and other aluminum packaging materials. For chilled food packaging, paper and paperboard materials like coated natural Kraft (CNK) and whiteboard (coated with polyethylene, PVC, or wax) are used for their strength, adaptability, and ability to be heat-sealed, often used for ice cream, frozen food cartons, and other food containers. Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP) is another popular protein packaging technology to preserve the freshness of meat, poultry, and fish. Instead of replacing air with gas, VSP simply removes the air from the packaging. The food product is placed on a pre-formed plastic tray or pre-made, laminated paperboard sheet and sealed in a protective film barrier. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is another food preservation technique that extends shelf life by modifying the gas composition within a package, typically using combinations of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide to inhibit microbial growth and chemical deterioration

• Plastic
• Aluminum
• Paper and Paperboard and Others

Chilled Food Packaging Distribution Channel Segment Analysis

Offline channels such as convenience stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, grocery stores, food specialty stores had established their presence and consumers trust. Physical stores allow consumers to evaluate products firsthand, fostering confidence in their purchases. In addition, hands-on assistance, knowledgeable staff, and detailed product descriptions including their packaging dates contribute to a more engaging shopping experience, making offline purchases more attractive for seeking specific food products. Buying products immediately without waiting for shipping and delivery also adds to the convenience factor. Furthermore, the opportunity to buy in bulk, the availability of many brands, and the introduction of new brands all under one roof all contribute to the expansion of this market. The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment accounted for the largest share of this market. Consumers experience a good assortment of goods in supermarkets and have various options to choose from, thus making it an accessible retail point for customers to buy chilled food packaged products. 
The online channel has become increasingly appealing to consumers because of convenience and easy accessibility, which allows them to browse and purchase chilled food packaged products from the comfort of their homes. Furthermore, the availability of detailed product descriptions and customer reviews on online platforms adds to the shopping experience and strengthens buyer assurance.  The rise in e-commerce platforms, competitive pricing, easy accessibility, and attractive promotions attract more consumers’ traction towards online shopping. The online channel is gaining more popularity among consumers and is expected to rise. 
 

• Online
• Offline

Author's Detail

Sneha Mali

Research Analyst at Cognitive Market Research

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I am a research analyst working in various domains including the Consumer Goods domain, and my primary responsibility is to conduct thorough research on various subjects and provide valuable insights to support client requirements. I have knowledge of research methodologies, and data mining which enables me to analyze large data sets, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate them effectively. I stay up-to-date with the latest research trends, methodologies, and technologies to ensure that my research is accurate, relevant, and impactful.

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