Global sales of grab and go containers are valued at USD 13.9 billion in 2024 and are expected to reach a revenue of USD 18.8 billion in 2034. Revenue is set to increase at a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period, from 2024 to 2034. Acrylic airless bottle generated revenue worth USD 13.5 billion in 2023. It is expected to record a Y-o-Y growth of 3.2% in 2024.
Plastic is one of the leading materials in grab and go containers market. This is attributed to its lightness, toughness, and inexpensive properties that provides an excellent material for food packaging. There are plastic containers available in different shapes and sizes keeping the content fresh and provides visibility.
Improvements in recyclable and biodegradable plastics have been able to answer sustainability issues increasing its usage. Consumer demand for making life convenient also drives the demand for plastic packaging. This aspect makes plastics more desirable for food service providers which needs efficient and practical solutions for packaging.
Global Grab and Go Containers Industry Assessment
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 13.5 billion |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 13.9 billion |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 18.8 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.1% |
The foodservice industry is leading in the demand for grab and go containers industry. This is because consumers are turning more and more towards quick and convenient meal solutions offered by restaurants, cafes, and catering services. More and more food service companies have in their offerings ready to eat meal and snacks.
Grab and go containers are becoming must have for packaging since consumers prefer packaging that is portable, easy to use, and even attractive while at a fast pace. Increased dependence on grab and go solutions develops with the growth of food delivery services in the foodservice industry.
The grab and go containers industry could possibly see encouraging growth in the forecast period. It is estimated to present an incremental opportunity of USD 5.3 billion and is expected to surge 1.4 times the current market value through 2034.
The above table presents the expected CAGR for the global grab and go containers market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 3.3%, followed by a slightly low growth rate of 3.0% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.3% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 3.0% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 3.1% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 3.5% (2024 to 2034) |
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to increase slightly to 3.1% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 3.5% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 30 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 40 BPS.
Growing Food Delivery, Takeaway, and Quick Service Restaurants
Food delivery and takeaway services, which is gaining the popularity due to increased use of apps such as Ubereats, Doordash, Grabfood, etc. brought out higher demand for grab and go containers that ensure fresh, secure, and sealed delivery of food. Restaurants and various other food delivery business look into portable, hardy, and sustainable packaging to take care of their customers better as more people are ordering food online.
The growing conscious environmentalist also boost demand for recyclable and compostable containers. The growth of QSR which includes fast food chains is also essential driver in demand for grab and go containers. QSR are focused on delivering food quickly and efficiently mainly for customers who are probably in hurry.
Therefore, for fast paced environment, critical traits are to keep food fresh, not leak, and easy to carry. With the rise in customer preferences towards convenient dining, such restaurants are constantly pushing innovation in packaging both fictional and environmentally friendly.
Increased Focus Microwavable and Reusable Containers
Demand for microwave and oven safe grab and go containers is gaining traction as consumers increasingly look for convenience when reheating their meals. These products will withstand high temperatures, so safe to use at home or in the office. They maintain the quality of the food but save one’s times and cleaning efforts as well.
This trend caters to busy lifestyles and fees into the increasing market of ready to eat meals. Companies are adopting the reusable pack systems as a way to sustain a circular economy and minimize waste of single use plastic. Consumers will return the containers after use where they will be cleaned, sanitized, and used again by the business.
It reduces environmental impact and appeals to green consumers who are there in search of sustainable alternatives. It further influences branding to invest in durable and attractive packaging that may be used several times.
Rising Health Concerns Hamper the Sales
Increasing health concerns pertaining to food contamination in plastic-based containers are anticipated to dampen sales of grab and go containers. Food packaging containers made of plastic, styrofoam, and polystyrene inner lining to prevent leakage are considered harmful for health.
Bowls and cups made of polystyrene foam cause the leaching of styrene into food products, resulting in negative health impacts. Rising consumer awareness regarding the safety of materials used in grab and go containers will create roadblocks in market expansion over the forecast period.
The global grab and go containers industry recorded a CAGR of 1.3% during the historical period between 2019 and 2023. The growth of grab and go containers industry was positive as it reached a value of USD 13.5 billion in 2023 from USD 12.8 billion in 2019.
Sales in the global grab and go containers market are projected to increase at a steady pace on the back of surging demand for convenient storage and disposal packaging solutions from the food & beverage industry. Increasing preference for ready-to-eat and takeaway meals is anticipated to drive the demand for grand and go containers.
Companies in the foodservice industry are seeking cost-effective, leakage-proof, and more convenient food packaging solutions, which is expected to augment the growth in the market.
Grab and go containers are suitable for both hot and cold foods, and are manufactured cost-effectively as compared to conventional and non-disposable food containers. Growing interest in reusable and recyclable food packaging solutions is a chief factor expected to boost sales of grab and go containers over the forecast period.
Increasing sales of ready-to-eat and takeaway meals through online food delivery services are expected to create opportunities for growth in the market. Changing lifestyles and fast-paced schedules are compelling consumers to opt for easily accessible and convenient meals.
This has resulted in high preference for leakage-proof food containers that prevent the contents from contamination and offer effective storage for on-the-go consumption. Growing preference for home delivery of snacks and fast food across the globe will provide impetus to sales of grab and go containers in the forthcoming years.
Further, rising preference for reusable and recyclable grab and go containers is compelling manufacturers to use eco-friendly materials in the manufacturing process. Stringent regulations pertaining to effective disposal of single-use containers and plastic products are driving demand for eco-friendlier food packaging solutions, thereby augmenting the growth in the market.
Grab and go containers are recyclable, single-use, and easy to dispose. Manufacturers are launching paper-based and bamboo-based grab and go containers to capitalize on the growing trend of sustainability, which is expected to boost sales in the forthcoming years.
Tier 1 companies include market leaders that correspond to a market revenue above USD 500 million capturing significant market share between 10% and 25% of the global market. These market leading firms are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio.
These players are characterized by substantial manufacturing experience concerning a range of products for different applications and geographic penetration, backed by a strong consumer base.
These companies manufacturing the products have products on offer with a wide range and with state-of-the-art technological innovations, coupled with adherence to regulatory imperatives that offer nothing but the best quality. Tier 1 prominent companies include Amcor, Huhtamaki, Berry Global, Sealed Air, Berry Global, and Pactive Evergreen.
The companies in Tier 2 include mid-size players with revenues of USD 100 million to USD 500 million, present in specific regions, and highly influencing the regional market. Such players are characterized by a limited international presence and well-maintained market knowledge.
In the case of such market players, the technology is good, and the regulatory compliance is ensured, though advanced technology with wide global reach may not be there. While other prominent companies in tier 2 include Westrock, Dart Container Corporation, Genpak, Georgia Pacific, Sabert Corp, Smurfit Kappa, and others.
The rest are very small companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets having revenue below USD 100 million. These companies are notably oriented to the fulfillment of local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.
They are players on a very small scale, and have very limited geographical reach. Within this context, Tier 3 can be described as an unorganized market-a generic term applied to that part of the industry which has less structure and formalization compared to the organized competitors.
The section below covers the industry analysis of the grab and go containers market for different countries.
Increasing sales of packaged food products and ready-to-eat meals through online food delivery services in the USA and Canada are expected to place North America as a lucrative pocket in the global grab and go containers market.
The presence of various food delivery online platforms such as Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash, and GrubHub is expected to create a conducive environment for grab and go containers market players.
Further, rising awareness and demand for eco-friendly food packaging solutions among consumers and foodservice enterprises will continue pushing sales of grab and go containers over the forecast period.
Sales in the Asia Pacific grab and go containers market are projected to gain traction on the back of surging demand for leakage-proof packaging solutions from the food & beverage sector. Consumers are seeking sustainable and eco-friendly food containers for easy disposal and to reduce plastic wastage, which in turn is driving the market.
In addition to this, the proliferation of online food delivery applications in countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, and India is anticipated to fuel sales in the market. Easy availability of sustainable raw material for the manufacturing of grab and go containers in Asia Pacific is expected to augment the growth in the market over the assessment period.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| USA | 2.1% |
| Germany | 1.8% |
| UK | 1.5% |
| Brazil | 3.6% |
| India | 4.7% |
| China | 4.2% |
| Japan | 3.4% |
| GCC Countries | 4.0% |
The United States is expected to grow at 2.1% CAGR and contribute highest revenue in North America. As per the Economic Research Service (USA Department of Agriculture), the total food spending by USA consumers was around USD 2.4 trillion in 2022 which is increased to USD 2.6 trillion in 2023.
Food away from home accounted for 58.5% of total expenditure in 2023. Growth in total expenditures hints at rising demand for restaurants food that is increasingly focused on convenience through takeout and deliveries.
In itself, this would contribute to high market growth in USA grab and growth containers since more consumers will demand portable and ready to eat meals. This would propel the growth in USA gran and go containers market.
India is anticipated to grow at 4.7% in the South Asia region by the end of 2034. As per the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the total milk production in India was around 930 million tons in 2022 and it is the world’s largest milk produces with 22% of global production followed by USA, Pakistan, China, and Brazil.
Being the world’s largest milk produces indicates how effectively the country can run its dairy segment. This strong production supports the increasingly emerging demand for dairy based grab and go products like mill, yogurt, and ready to drink beverage. This going to rise the demand for grab an go containers in India.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry.
| Material | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2034) | 45% |
Plastic captures the maximum share of the grab and go container market because of its lightweight, durable, and low cost features. It can package various food products, be it beverage or snack products, and is thus preferably for its preserving freshness and portability properties.
In addition, the convenience of one time use of plastic can easily get aligned with consumer demand for on the go consumption. Apart from this, the development of recyclable and biodegradable plastics helps minimize environmental concerns and maintain the dominance of plastic in the market. Plastic capture around 45% of market share in the assessment period.
| End Use | Foodservice |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2034) | 62% |
Foodservice is the largest segment by far in the grab and go containers as demand is rising because people are in search of takeout, delivery, and fast casual dining. More and more consumers rely in restaurants, cafes, and fast food stores for ready to eat food products with foodservice operators making extensive use of convenient and portable packaging.
Online food delivery services are one of the greatest drivers to demand now that consumers lifestyles have changed. Grab and go containers are very important for meeting such needs because efficiency and convenience for consumers are increasingly significant in foodservice operations. The target segment is anticipated to reach 62% of market share in the forecast years.
The market of grab and go container are becoming extremely competitive with the aid of innovation in materials, sustainability trends, and demand for convenience. Major producers develop an ecofriendly packaging solution for biodegradable and recyclable materials to meet consumer preferences and the demand of regulations.
Companies compete through development of customized products, strategic, partnership, and an efficient supply chain, which enhance market presence while reducing costs.
Recent Industry Developments in Grab and Go Containers Market
In terms of material type, the industry is divided into plastic, glass, paperboard/cardboard, and metal.
In terms of capacity, the industry is segregated as up to 250 ml, 250 to 500 ml, and 500 ml and above.
The industry is classified by product type as clamshells, bowls, cups, trays, and other containers.
The industry is classified by end use as retail, foodservice, institutional, and others.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South Asia & Pacific, East Asia, and Middle East and Africa (MEA), have been covered in the report.
The global grab and go containers industry is projected to witness CAGR of 3.1% between 2024 and 2034.
The global grab and go containers industry stood at USD 13.5 billion in 2023.
The global grab and go containers industry is anticipated to reach USD 18.8 billion by 2034 end.
South Asia and Pacific is set to record the highest CAGR of 5.2% in the assessment period.
The key players operating in the global grab and go containers industry include A Amcor, Huhtamaki, Berry Global, Sealed Air, Berry Global, and Pactive Evergreen.
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Grab and Go Containers Market
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