E-commerce and candy wrappers: How will online retail change confectionery packaging?

Speaking to ConfectioneryNews at PackExpo 2014 in Chicago, Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, market development at PMMI, said: “Flexible is the one that is that is taking the lead.”​

Candy packs of today​

He said the stand-up pouch had strong shelf appeal as it supported eye-catching graphics and could be resealed by consumers. He noted other packaged design to catch consumers’ eyes.

“What we are finding is more and more use of shrink wrapping; a combination of corrugated and flexible and more use of retail-ready packaging as well.”​

…And tomorrow​

But could the growth of online retail reduce the need for creating such pretty packages?

Izquierdo said that he didn’t expect much change in confectionery packaging to adapt to the online environment initially, but added that when consumers purchased online they usually already had a brand in mind and could not be drawn in by packaging with strong shelf appeal.

“Certainly convenience will still be the key factor for defining the packaging in the future.”​

Online retail and portion control​

He said that online food purchasing previously lent itself to large packages to justify shipping.

“Now different online retailers are making it possible that you buy one single piece of candy, one bottle of juice, one bag of chips and consolidate this into one shipment…”​

The PMMI VP added that he expected more confectioners to move to portion-controlled packs in response to health concerns on high calorie intakes.