Retort Pouch Market Expected to Reach $11.6 Billion by 2031—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Retort Pouch Market," The retort pouch market size was valued at $6.7 billion in 2021, and retort pouch industry is estimated to reach $11.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2022 to 2031.

In the retorting process, the prepared food—which may be either semi-cooked or raw—is sealed in a retort pouch. Then, in an autoclave or retort machine, this retort pouch is heated to a temperature that typically ranges from 116 °C to 121 °C under high pressure for a couple of minutes. As a result, the bacteria are killed, preventing food from spoiling and extending its shelf life.

Retort pouches combine the benefits of the frozen boil-in-the-bag and the metal can. Flexible container features are advantageous for consumers, retailers, and manufacturers. The thin profile of the pouch or container provides rapid heat transfer for both preparation and for sterilization during processing. A 30–40% reduction in processing time is possible, with energy savings. Taste, color, and flavor are improved when food is exposed to less heat, and nutrient losses are reduced.

Also, by soaking the pouch in boiling water or heating the plastic container in the microwave, products that need to be prepared to serving temperature can be done in 3-5 minutes. Retort pouches that are empty and nesting containers save storage space and are lighter for processors. Equal quantities of retort pouches take up 85% less room than empty cans and weigh much less. A flat carton used as an overwrap to carry one or two pouches makes a product easier to identify on the shelf than a can. The pouch also gives marketers the chance to promote multipacks, such as cereal and side dishes like rice in separate pouches.

The demand for packaged food is anticipated to increase as a result of factors such shifting consumer lifestyles and preferences, a growing middle class, and an increase in the working population, which will also serve as major drivers for the expansion of the retort pouch market. Over the forecast period, the demand for retort packaging is also expected to increase due to the growing demand for packaging solutions that may increase the shelf-life of a variety of food products, including meat, fish, poultry, baby food, and pet food. Additionally, increasing demand for pouches since they are more portable, convenient, and lightweight than rigid packaging products is anticipated to positively affect market growth.

The retort pouch market is segmented on the basis of material type, packaging type, closure type, end use and region. On the basis of material type, the market is divided into polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, PET, aluminum foil, and others. Polyamide is further segmented into aliphatic and aromatic. Depending on packaging type, the retort pouch market is divided into stand-up pouches and flat pouches. Depending on closure type, the retort pouch market is divided into tear notch, zipper, and spout. By end use, the market is segmented into food, beverages, and others.

Key findings of the study

• On the basis of material type, the polypropylene segment emerged as the global leader by acquiring around 31.4% of the global market share in 2021, and is anticipated to be the largest markets during the forecast period.
• On the basis of packaging type, the flat pouches segment emerged as the global leader by acquiring around 73.1% of the global market share in 2021, while stand-up pouches segment is anticipated to be the largest markets during the forecast period.
• On the basis of closure type, the tear notch segment emerged as the global leader by acquiring around 45.8% of the global market share in 2021, while zipper segment is anticipated to be the largest markets during the forecast period.
• On the basis of end use, food segment registered the highest market share of around 56.8% and is projected to maintain the same during the forecast period.
• Asia-Pacific is the major consumer of retort pouch among other regions. It accounted for around 43.8% of the global market share in 2021.

Impact of Covid-19 on Global Retort Pouch Market

Retort pouch is primarily used in food & beverages, cosmetics, industrial, and personal care. During and after the lockdown, a large number of people switched to online food shopping, a trend that will surely continue.

The companies are incorporating various techniques to increase production volume and are attempting to develop innovative solutions at an affordable price that can meet customer requirements at a lower cost and support the overall breakthrough required for increased fragrance product penetration sustainability.

The rise in public awareness about health issues is one of the factors propelling the retort pouch market throughout the forecast period. Increase in use of sterilizing solutions as a result of the coronavirus epidemic is also driving the demand for the overall industry.

Competitive Landscape

The key players operating in the global retort pouch market are Amcor plc, ProAmpac LLC, Sonoco Products Company, Mondi, Coveris Holdings S.A., Clondalkin Group Holdings BV, Sealed Air Corporation, Huhtamaki Group, Constantia Flexibles, Flair Retort pouch Corporation, Winpak Ltd., Berry Global Inc., Tredegar Corporation, Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd, Sonic Packaging Industries, Inc., IMPAK Corporation.