smaller is better as global packaging growth is shaped by variation in pack sizes

The world snack market size

Based on Statista's data for the year 2022, the snack market revenue in the United States is approximately $160.48 billion.

The snack market in Japan generates approximately $80.23 billion in revenue. India follows with $60.57 billion, and China with $54.26 billion.

In 2022, the United States emerged as a shining star in the snack market, boasting a staggering revenue of $160.48 billion, injecting vibrancy into the paradise of delectable treats. Its diverse array of snack choices attracts consumers of various tastes, positioning the United States at the forefront of snack culture, ranging from classic potato chips to innovative healthy snacks.

Simultaneously, the snack market in Japan presented a remarkable scene in 2022, with market revenue reaching $80.23 billion. Renowned for unique flavors, exquisite packaging, and continuously innovative products, Japan's snacks have gained popularity among consumers both domestically and internationally.

In Asia, both China and India's snack markets show robust performance. China's snack market revenue reached $54.26 billion, reflecting its massive population and the growing demand from the middle class for quality snacks. India's snack market achieved a notable $60.57 billion, highlighting its diverse culture and passion for traditional flavors.

This series of data reveals the vitality and diversity of the global snack market. Consumer pursuits of delicious, convenient, and innovative snacks are propelling the continuous development of the industry, bringing endless enjoyment to people's taste buds. Regardless of location, snack culture continues to weave unique stories, becoming an indispensable part of people's lives.

The factors that are reshaping the snack industry

In this fast-paced modern life, people's time has become increasingly valuable, and many individuals have limited opportunities to cook at home. According to statistics, China's fast-food industry is emerging as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. This industry has witnessed the rise of giants such as Meituan and Ele.me, serving as culinary saviors in the busy lives of individuals. However, with the accelerating pace of life, the demand for takeout and fast food is continuously expanding, and traditional restaurant models are gradually falling behind this change.

In the past, takeout primarily relied on restaurants for orders, delivering delicious meals to consumers through delivery services. However, as the demand for fast food continues to grow, the expansion speed of restaurants cannot keep up with the rapidly increasing consumption rate. To meet market demands, restaurants have started adopting the use of pre-packaged ingredients. These pre-packaged ingredients are presented in convenient packaging and delivered directly to consumers after being heated by the restaurant. This transformation not only enhances dining efficiency but also provides consumers with more convenient dining options.

With the introduction of pre-packaged ingredients, this new type of takeaway model is expected to create a more flexible dining experience for consumers. It is anticipated that in the near future, as people embrace this innovative dining method, consumers may shift the process of ordering and delivering meals directly to purchasing these convenient packages themselves. This will lead to a new market trend, forming a substantial market size. Even the founder of Alibaba has announced plans to enter the pre-packaged food industry, highlighting the enormous potential in this field.

This novel dining model not only meets people's demands for delicious food but also saves their precious time. The introduction of pre-packaged ingredients means that in the fast-paced work environment, people can conveniently enjoy high-quality cuisine without spending too much time on cumbersome cooking processes. Simultaneously, this opens doors to new business opportunities, and the packaging industry will experience more vibrant growth under this trend. In the future, the demand for packaging will further strengthen, and the market will exhibit richer and more diverse characteristics. In this wave of transformation, we witness not only innovation in the food industry but also the evolution of the entire business ecosystem.

The increase in the single population and its impact on food packaging

With the surge in the number of single individuals, this phenomenon has become a significant trend in the development of modern society. The continuous prosperity of the economy has further fueled the sustained growth of the single population. This shift is not only evident on the international stage, as seen in countries such as the United States, South Korea, Japan, but is also increasingly apparent in China, a country with a massive population base. The scale of the single population has skyrocketed to over 240 million.

In the past, snack consumption in China was often closely linked to the purchasing habits of large families. To meet the demands of multi-person households, large packaging dominated the snack market and became the mainstream choice. This trend seemed to be driven by price considerations, making consumers more inclined to pursue the relatively cost-effective option of large packaging.

However, with the significant increase in the number of single individuals, the size of packaging in the snack industry is undergoing a revolutionary change. Today, small-packaged snacks have completely overturned the traditional perception of the snack market. Not only because small packaging is portable, but also because it aligns more closely with the consumption needs of the single population.

The rise of small-packaged snacks is not merely a product of compact size for easy portability; it is also a reflection of its alignment with the single lifestyle. Singles prioritize individualization and diversity, and the flexibility of small packaging perfectly caters to this consumer trend. For single consumers, small packaging not only signifies appropriately portioned food but also represents more flexible choices, less waste, as well as higher freshness and flavor.

This trend is driving the snack industry towards a more diverse and personalized direction. No longer confined to traditional large packaging habits, the single population has become a new engine for the snack market. The rise of small-packaged snacks marks the arrival of a snack era that is more flexible and aligned with individual needs. Therefore, the choice between large and small packaging not only becomes more personalized, but also brings broader market opportunities to the snack industry. In this new era, small packaging is not just a form of packaging; it symbolizes a brand-new lifestyle that meets the needs of the single population.

Requirements for Health and Nutrition

Large packaging, despite being considered a cost-effective choice in the past, is revealing implicit health risks. The act of repeatedly opening large packages of food, initially convenient to meet family needs, can lead to premature spoilage. This frequent behavior not only affects the freshness of the food but also poses the risk of unintentionally consuming excessive amounts.

It's crucial to acknowledge that the overconsumption of large-packaged foods in a single sitting directly threatens our health. Excessive calories and unhealthy food components may contribute to health issues such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, forming a negative experience within the modern lifestyle.

In contrast, small-packaged foods inject a new vitality into our dietary habits with their clever design and reasonable portions. Small packaging not only prevents food spoilage due to frequent openings but also effectively controls the quantity consumed each time. This provides us with the freedom to enjoy a variety of flavors effortlessly, promoting dietary diversity and enriching the experience of our taste buds.

Simultaneously, the rise of small-packaged foods addresses the issue of resealing large packages after incomplete consumption, which often leads to food spoilage and environmental pollution. The appropriate portioning of small-packaged foods not only reduces this waste but also lessens the adverse environmental impact, paving the way for a sustainable lifestyle.

In summary, small-packaged foods excel in preserving food freshness and offering healthy dietary choices. They not only address a range of health and environmental concerns associated with large packaging but also bring about a more flexible, diverse, and sustainable way of life. In this era that prioritizes health and environmental consciousness, small-packaged foods are becoming the preferred choice for savvy consumers, guiding us toward a future that is healthier, more delicious, and sustainable.

Small packaging offers several advantages:

• For instance, in the packaging of nuts, the compact and diverse nature of small packaging is particularly appealing. People lean towards purchasing a variety of small packages, each catering to different types of nuts. This approach ensures that individuals have access to a broad spectrum of nut varieties, meeting their desire for a more comprehensive and well-rounded nutritional intake. Small packaging allows consumers to enjoy the benefits of different nuts without committing to large quantities, promoting variety, and satisfying the evolving preferences of health-conscious individuals seeking diverse nutritional profiles
• The smaller quantity of items in small packaging shifts consumers' focus from mere satiety to savoring the flavors. This change in perspective enhances the overall enjoyment of the food, creating a more delightful impression. By encouraging individuals to appreciate and savor each bite, small packaging not only leaves a tastier impression but also contributes to a heightened culinary experience. This emphasis on savoring, combined with the smaller portion sizes, often results in increased customer satisfaction and a more positive association with the product. The delightful experience created by small packaging not only increases the likelihood of repeat purchases but also establishes a strong foundation for customer loyalty, as individuals are inclined to return for the enjoyable and flavorful moments associated with these thoughtfully packaged items.
• Small packaging comes with the assurance of a guaranteed shelf life, addressing the concern of potential expiration due to incomplete consumption from the last time. The carefully designed and portioned contents in small packages contribute to minimizing food wastage by ensuring that consumers can easily finish the product within its designated shelf life. This not only prevents the inconvenience of products going stale or expiring but also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing the likelihood of unnecessary food disposal. The guaranteed freshness in small packaging adds a layer of reliability for consumers, instilling confidence in the product's quality and encouraging responsible consumption habits
• Small packaging offers unparalleled convenience, facilitating easy portability and consumption, thereby accommodating people's evolving consumption habits. The compact size of small packaging makes it effortlessly portable, fitting into various settings without limiting the choice of consumption locations. Whether on the go, at the office, or during outdoor activities, individuals can carry these conveniently sized packages, making them an ideal choice for those leading fast-paced lifestyles.
• This adaptability to different situations not only aligns with the dynamic demands of modern life but also encourages the integration of these products into diverse daily routines. Small packaging's versatility enhances people's consumption habits by providing a convenient and flexible option that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. This adaptability to different environments contributes to the cultivation of a culture where individuals seamlessly incorporate these products into their busy schedules, fostering a new and accessible dimension to their consumption patterns.
• In certain contexts, the act of distributing small-packaged food serves as a gesture of goodwill or a means to foster friendships. Small packaging holds a unique advantage in such scenarios, as it ensures both hygiene and convenience, making it more readily accepted when shared among people. The sealed and individual portions of small-packaged food reduce concerns about contamination, guaranteeing a sanitary sharing experience. The act of offering small-packaged treats becomes a symbol of consideration and thoughtfulness, whether in social gatherings, events, or casual interactions. People are generally more inclined to accept an unopened small package, appreciating the care taken to maintain the food's freshness and integrity. This contrasts with the less practical nature of sharing from larger bags, which may be viewed as less hygienic or more challenging to distribute evenly unless within intimate relationships. The cultural and social acceptance of small-packaged food as a means of sharing contributes to its popularity in fostering connections and expressing goodwill in various settings. This sharing aspect, combined with the convenience and hygienic assurance of small packaging, underscores its suitability for social interactions and highlights its role in creating positive and memorable moments among individuals.