Packaging Considerations for Nuts and Dried Fruit

Dried fruit and nuts have been appreciated as healthy snacks for thousands of years, so it’s no wonder consumers continue to enjoy products like dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, almonds, and pistachios. In fact, the popularity of these snacks is growing each year, with the compound annual growth rates of the dried fruit and nut markets both on the rise.

Dried Fruit and Nut Market Growth

With the healthy snack market expecting an expansion of 6.6% from 2022 to 2030, dried fruit and nut producers should consider options for differentiating their products. But how can producers “crack this nut” and solve the problem?

Since the appeal of dried fruit and nuts often lies in their simplicity, flexible packaging presents a major opportunity to stand out from the competition. Furthermore, adding reclosability is a key packaging advantage that dried fruit and nut producers can offer their customers for extra convenience.

Reclosable flexible packaging for nuts and dried fruit can benefit a range of consumers from those who are constantly on-the-go to those who purchase dried fruit or nuts for home cooking. Regardless of their purchase reasons, they share a desire to purchase more than a single serving of dried fruit and nuts, and we know they want to keep these products as fresh as possible through multiple uses.

How to Package Dried Fruit and Nuts

As grocery prices continue to rise, shoppers are finding they can buy in bulk to save on the cost per unit. Whether shoppers are buying dried fruit and nuts in bulk to feed a large family or to simply save money, consumers are faced with the challenge of proper storage—specifically, keeping moisture out of the package and preventing oxidation.

When exposed to moisture, dried fruit and nuts can take on an undesired texture; dried fruit can also become discolored when oxidated. This is why proper dried fruit packaging or nut packaging is paramount in providing a positive consumer experience. By adding a high-quality closure, dried fruit and nut brands can help keep excess air and moisture out of multi-serving packages. This helps to extend and enhance consumers’ experience with your product, which is particularly valuable when they purchase a large quantity. 

Sustainable Packaging for Dried Fruit and Nuts

Another reason for bulk purchasing is consumers’ desire to lessen their environmental impact. Purchasing in bulk means fewer individual packages and can necessitate fewer trips to the grocery store (or fewer home deliveries). As consumers prioritize environmentally friendly solutions, sustainable packaging materials for dried fruit and nuts emerge as a powerful choice for combatting waste and incentivizing consumers’ buying decisions. 

Thanks to advancements in packaging film, closures, and printing techniques, producers of dried fruit and nuts can further cater to eco-conscious shoppers by offering sustainable flexible packaging options. Whether you focus on bio-based materials, waste reduction, or something else entirely, nut and dried fruit brands can take advantage of recyclable or compostable closures to enhance both the sustainability and consumer experience of their product packaging. 

The Right Package vs. The Best Package for Dried Fruit and Nuts

When considering consumers’ needs, dried fruit and nut producers must strive to strike a proper balance between meeting consumer expectations and exceeding them. Excessive packaging will not only cost you more but can also be perceived as wasteful and harmful to the environment.

On the other hand, certain dried fruits—and especially nuts—need proper films and closures to maintain the proper oxygen and moisture levels in different conditions, such as bulk almonds being frozen. To meet the needs of customers that want to lengthen the use of their bulk dried fruit and nuts even further, ensure you are using freezer-capable closures on your flexible packaging.

Choosing the Right Dried Fruit and Nut Packaging 

When dried fruit and nut producers add value by providing reclosable packaging, it can help to alleviate several consumer concerns while also adding value and convenience. To discuss how flexible, reclosable packaging can help your product be more profitable and “fruitful,” reach out to the Fresh-Lock team to collaborate today.

This blog was originally published on 5/24/2022 but updated and republished on 3/1/2024.