Co-packers can make it possible

Mr. Izquierdo identifies a growing demand for broader single-serve package size options, such as individually wrapped “mini,” for example, bite-sized popcorn balls to “mega,” for example, giant nutty granola bars, products as a major trend. The market is shifting toward more miniature single-serve and smaller-package-count presentations of multi-packs.

These smaller presentations can end up costing more in terms of manufacturing times, packaging changeover and machinery cleaning times. They also can increase the number of primary and secondary packaging materials used for production. Another significant factor is that baking and snack producers increasingly are looking to co-packers and contract packers to help them meet consumer demand for variety-pack versatility.

“Variety packs are a big trend, often based on seasonal or holiday marketing or special requests from retailers,” Mr. Izquierdo said. “The packaging line fills one flavor at a time as fast as it can. Variety packs require extra steps and equipment. Often the manufacturer will send the finished products to the co-packer or contract packer to fill the multi-packs. This outsourcing adds an extra layer of costs to the packaging equation.”