Demand for fresh-cut fruit is one of the main factors behind expected for increased demand for fresh fruit packaging in the next three years, according to a new report from The Freedonia Group, an international business research firm.

Fruit packaging is projected to increase 2.3% per year to $2.8 billion in 2028, with units surpassing 22 billion.

“The growing popularity of sliced and other fresh-cut fruit, either as a snack food or as a more convenient cooking ingredient” is one of the three major reasons cited by Freedonia for the expected increase in fruit packaging.

“Faster growth is generally expected for retail and foodservice packaging of convenience-oriented products, such as cut melon and apple slices.”

And going forward, fruit production is expected to stabilize and support packaging sales, particularly apples, which are increasingly bagged rather than sold loose, according to Freedonia.

Other factors spurring growth include the increased share of fresh fruit being packaged for retail sale, rather than being sold in bulk displays; and the greater presence of limited selection grocery chains that emphasize packaged produce to increase stores’ operational efficiency.

Fruit packaging options expected to remain dominant in the coming years include:

Plastic containers — mostly clamshells — are the leading packaging type in unit terms and commonly used for smaller and more fragile fruits, such as berries, as well as for pre-cut and pre-sliced RTE fruits (e.g., apple slices, melon spears).

The fastest gains are projected for pouches, as handled and resealable varieties are increasingly favored for their convenience and reduced plastic use compared to clamshell packs.

Corrugated boxes see widespread use as primary packaging for larger, sturdier fruits (such as citrus, melons, and apples) and as secondary packaging for containers of berries and grapes.