Food Manufacturers Offer New ‘Retort’ To Meet Demands of On-The-Go Consumers.

The reliance of U.S. consumers on conveniently packaged, ready-to-cook and eat food products is nothing new. What is evolving, however, are packaging and individual serving size pre-cooked products offering greater freshness, better taste, and preparation efficiency. The applications for retort packaging, in particular, are gaining more ground in the consumer food market, according to a new report, “The U.S. Market for Convenience Packaging and Serving Size Trends” by market research publisher Packaged Facts.

Widely used by the military for over 25 years, retort packaging allows food manufacturers to package foods in shelf-stable pouches. Products like pre-cooked rice, and even ground beef, are beginning to hit mainstream markets and are sold without refrigeration. Composed of layers of foil and film and referred to as “flexible cans,” the pouches can keep food products fresh for extended periods, some longer than 18 months, according to the Packaged Facts study.

“European companies such as Parmalat opened Americans’ eyes to the fact that perishable products don’t necessarily have to be refrigerated,” said Don Montuori, Acquisitions Editor for Packaged Facts. “Applying a technology such as retort packaging to mass retail will certainly ease consumer acceptance of shelf-stable, pre-cooked products.”

“The U.S. Market Convenience Packaging and Serving Size Trends” is the third in the three-volume Packaged Facts series on convenience foods and packaging. It examines trends across a broad range of food categories, from prepared meals to snacks and beverages, covering the full range of storage temperatures (frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable) as well as different serving sizes, from single-serve portions and bite-size minis to family packs and resealable eat-now/eat-later options. Volume I in the series covers ready meals and side dishes, and Volume II, frozen meals, appetizers, and snacks.

For more information at http://www.PackagedFacts.com