Different Types Of Food Packaging.docx

Different Types of Food Packaging By Garrison Pence, 2017

Food manufacturers package products with consideration for a number of factors: protection, freshness, containment, serving size, marketability, and FDA compliance. Most food maufacturers will outsource their packaging needs to other companies to complete the multi-step process. Packaging Materials The most common packaging materials used by food manufacturers are plastic, aluminum and cardboard. Plastic is the material of choice for most frozen foods, perishable food items, snack foods like chips and pretzels, and a variety of bakery items. Aluminum is best for beverages like juices, soft drinks and beer, for canned perishable foods, and some baked goods. Cardboard packaging is used for both frozen and fresh foods along with dry goods like cereals, mixes and rices. Plastic, cardboard and aluminum are all customizable to display logos, photos, ingredient lists, nutrition facts, and any other information the manufacturer wishes to convey. While some food types allow for flexibilty in packaging material, the material used is usually determined by the nature of the food itself. Plastic is a versatile food-packaging material. Often in the form of bags or containers, such as tupperware, plastic is used to hold dry good, frozen foods, snacks and dairy products, such as cheese. In bottle form, plastics are used for drinks, marinades, cooking oils, and condiments. Plastic trays are used for fresh or frozen meats and fish. Aluminum is a common metal that is: easily made, inexpensive and environment friendly; it's made of recycled materials and can be recycled over and over. Aluminum food packaging stores food safely for extended periods. It is perfect for storing canned goods, such as meats, vegetables, beans and even fruit It can be used to insulate plastic bags, as well as cover food for refrigeration.

Cardboard comes in many shapes and sizes. It can be used to house most food items, including: seasonings, nuts, snack products, candies, cocoa powders, spices, some cooking fats, dairy products, and frozen foods. Cardboard is light in weight, reasonably sturdy, and ecologically favorable; as cardboard is composed of wood pulp, a renewable resource.

Models of Consumer Choice by Jim Tischler, January 16, 2015

An Economic Model Under this model, consumers make very rational, economic choices, rigidly adhering to the five-step process. They allocate their limited resources to achieve the best utility for their purchases. The consumer reviews all of the choices available, compares features and benefits and makes a logical decision. The small businessman looking to appeal to this consumer will make as much information as possible readily available. Comparison charts might be posted at the store. Additional information might be available through a web site and from a staff well-educated about the products for sale. A Passive Model Here, consumers are more irrational and make impulsive decisions. They can be easily manipulated by promotion and advertising. Their buying decisions are based more on wanting a product than needing a product. Businessmen should focus on creating that want with exciting advertising that appeals to the emotions of the buyer. Extensive use should be made of in-store materials that call attention to special deals and increase impulse buying. Large displays and signage also help create that want. The staff should be very outgoing and positive. A Cognitive Model These consumers are thinking problem-solvers, a blend of the economic consumers and passive consumers. They will work through the 5 step process, but not as rigidly as the economic consumers. For example, their information search might not include all the information available, but will conclude when they feel they have a comfortable understanding of the features and benefits of products that meet their needs. These consumers will respond to promotions based upon the consumer receiving good value for their money. As long as they are convinced they are getting a good deal, they can be motivated by promotion and advertising to make the purchase. An Emotional Model According to Consumer Behavior expert Leon Schiffman, some consumers make purchases based on emotions like joy, love, fear or hope. Many hope to preserve a sense of the past. Anheuser-Busch, for example, taps into this appeal around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, when it rolls out commercials with the famous Budweiser Clydesdales pulling a sleigh down a snow filled lane. The ads feature fireplaces and show an entire family sitting down for a holiday dinner. They don’t talk about price or the features of their beer, they just tie it to the emotions consumers have of wonderful holidays from the past. Small businesses need to determine what emotional connection their target market has to their products and build their promotional programs around it.

How Product Packaging Affects Consumer Buying Decisions By: Verónica Maria Jarski, September 12, 2013

Using traditional brown boxes for shipping purposes causes businesses to miss out on a perfect marketing opportunity. Consumers often develop an emotional attachment to specific brands. Utilizing every opportunity to address this bond can ensure returning customers. Happy customers spread the news to friends and family, growing a business’s consumer pool. Product packaging experts are familiar with the many ways plain packaging can be transformed and boost brand awareness (and ROI).

Influence Buying Decisions According to Verónica Maria Jarski of Marketingprofs.com, one-third of consumer purchase choices are based on packaging. It is important to provide an eye-catching design. A customer’s first impression of a product, before they ever pick it up, is vital. Not only should designs inspire purchases, they should also cause a ripple effect, attracting new customers.