THE trend towards more sustainable packaging is expected to shape product innovations as German consumers’ demand for healthier and more convenient products remains a major driver for sales of processed fruit and vegetables over the next few years.

The Euromonitor Digest cited Frosta which launched the first paper-based packaging for frozen processed vegetables and has a longer-term goal to replace all plastic bags with paper-based alternatives.

“Innovations in terms of recipes could see the emergence of hemp as a naturally healthy and protein-rich ingredient,” said the monthly online publication of the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau.

The report said premiumization and innovative ingredients are set to feature further.

It said price pressure is expected to continue impacting shelf-stable fruit and vegetables until 2025, especially as discounters represent by far the largest channel.

“Therefore, manufacturers are likely to continue focusing on a positioning based on natural ingredients and premium recipes,” it added, citing as examples organic ranges including sweet potatoes as well as organic vegetables.

Home cooking

Processed fruits, vegetables