US Beverage Packaging Trends Report 2023

This US Beverage Packaging Trends Market Report explores the latest developments in the beverage packaging market. With a focus on the consumer, this report provides brands with the facts and statistics that will shape beverage packaging strategy going forward.

Below, we summarize the key topics covered, and offer handpicked insights from the report.

Key Topics Covered

• Impact of price versus sustainability in food/drink product choice.
• Beverage packaging attributes that are most important to consumers.
• Sustainability attitudes and behaviours.
• Appeal of food/drink sustainability claims.
• Use of single-serve plastic, including consumer statistics.
• Packaging attitudes, e.g. what consumers want and don’t want to see from packaging.

Food and Drink Industry Overview

Following tangible inflation, consumers will remain attentive to prices, even as they stabilise. Prices for food and drink are likely to eclipse the 20-year average, with non-alcoholic beverage prices potentially jumping 9% in 2023. As inflation continues to affect food and drink, consumers are feeling the impact more so than other industries. Interestingly, three-quarters of US adults are committed to shopping in a way that does not harm the environment, despite price impacts. When it comes to beverages, however, consumers still consider price before sustainability or environmental claims.

Beverage Packaging Consumer Trends

Price trumps sustainability, for now

Two-thirds of food/drink shoppers prioritise price over sustainability, up since 2022. While rising prices have made it harder for many to purchase sustainable beverages, younger adults (under 45) with healthy finances and who are parents are more likely to opt for sustainable options despite economic pressures. For a broader view of how sustainability impacts your business, check our Global Outlook on Sustainability Consumer Study.

Consumer beverage packaging features of interest

While two-thirds of shoppers prioritise price, sustainability-related attributes still do lead beverage packaging features of interest. Notably, recyclability of packaging is much more important to consumers than ‘inexpensive packaging’. Following sustainability claims, convenience is an area vital to establishing value, such as being easy to open, which 48% of consumers like to see.

Opportunity for Brands

Brands in the beverage packaging industry have a strong market opportunity to utilise packaging strategically in order to communicate good value, excitement, tastiness, fun, and refreshment. 38% of US adults say appealing packaging encourages them to try a new drink, rising to 50% among Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. Exciting appearance, label description, and trial-size packaging are also key for encouraging new product trial.

Find a comprehensive breakdown of the latest market opportunities and strategies for brands in the full report. If you were looking for something else, try exploring our drinks market research.

Products and Brands Discussed

Products: For the purposes of this Report, Mintel will cover trends in beverage package labelling, material and design in the shelf-stable and refrigerated non-alcoholic US beverage industry.

Brands: IHOP, Simply Lemonade, Swiss Miss, Tropicana, Dasani, Trader Joe’s, and more are discussed.

Additional Features Included in Your Report

Different Digital Formats: PDF for conveniently sharing with your team, PowerPoint for quickly including in your presentation, as well as an Infographic and an Excel Databook.

Mintel’s Clients Portal: Our portal offers instant access to actionable analysis and trends pieces relevant to your industry that are published almost daily. You can also browse for more market research reports.

Expert Analysis from a Technology Specialist

This report, written by Jenni Nelson, a leading technology analyst, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends in the smart home market and add expert context to the numbers.

Economic uncertainty is a prime time for packaging to shine. Beverage packaging provides a platform for brands to communicate product benefits and introduce enticing excitement to the shopping experience. As consumers balance their desires for fiscal and environmental sustainability, they’ll look for brands to assure them they’re making smart choices.

 

Mimi Bonnett
Senior Director – US Food and Drink