Dried fruit and nuts have been appreciated as healthy snacks for thousands of years, so it’s no wonder consumers continue to enjoy products like dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, almonds, and pistachios. In fact, the popularity of these snacks is growing each year, with the compound annual growth rates of the dried fruit and nut markets both on the rise.

With the healthy snack market expecting an expansion of 6.6% from 2022 to 2030, dried fruit and nut producers should consider options for differentiating their products. But how can producers “crack this nut” and solve the problem?

Since the appeal of dried fruit and nuts often lies in their simplicity, flexible packaging presents a major opportunity to stand out from the competition and adding reclosability is a key packaging advantage that dried fruit and nut producers can offer their customers.

Reclosable flexible packaging benefits a range of consumers from those who are on-the-go to those who purchase dried fruit or nuts for homemade recipes. But what they all have in common is the desire to purchase more than a single serving, and to help keep it as fresh as possible over multiple uses and servings.

Adding Value with Reclosable Packaging for Dried Fruit and Nuts

Per the Food Institute, shoppers are increasingly buying in bulk to either overcome potential product shortages or, in light of inflation, to save on the cost per unit. Whether shoppers are buying dried fruit or nuts in bulk to secure their own supply or to simply save money, consumers are faced with the challenge of proper storage—specifically, keeping out moisture and preventing oxidation.

When exposed to moisture, dried fruit and nuts will take on an undesired texture; dried fruit can also become discolored when oxidated. High-quality closures help consumers keep the moisture out of their multi-serving packages. This helps to extend and enhance consumers’ experience with your product, which is particularly valuable when they purchase a large quantity.

Sustainable Closures for Dried Fruit and Nut Packages

Another reason cited by the Food Institute for bulk purchasing is consumers’ desire to lessen their environmental impact. Purchasing in bulk means fewer individual packages, and can necessitate fewer trips to the grocery store (or fewer home deliveries).

Dried fruit and nut producers can further meet the needs of eco-conscious shoppers by providing sustainable flexible packaging options, including recyclable or compostable closures.

The Right Package vs. The Best Package for Dried Fruit and Nuts

When considering consumers’ needs, dried fruit and nut producers must strive to strike a proper balance between meeting consumer expectations and exceeding them. Excessive packaging will not only cost you more but can also be perceived as wasteful and harmful to the environment.

On the other hand, certain dried fruits—and especially nuts—need proper films and closures to maintain the proper oxygen and moisture levels in different conditions, such as bulk almonds being frozen. To meet the needs of these customers, ensure you are using freezer-capable closures on your flexible packaging.

Choosing the Right Reclosable Package

When dried fruit and nut producers add value by providing reclosable packaging, it can help to alleviate several consumer concerns while adding value and convenience. To discuss how flexible, reclosable packaging can help your product be more profitable and “fruitful,” reach out to us at [email protected] 

Tags: dried fruit, nut packaging, sustainable packaging, convenience reclosable packaging

Markets: Produce, Grains & Nuts, Snacks & Dried Fruits

Applications: Small/Light Pouches, Medium Size Pouches Consumer Preferred Sustainable Closures