Over the last few years, there have been a few noticeable trends develop in the packaged goods industry. Of these, the shift to more convenient product packaging is one of the most noticeable – and one of the most profound for many big-name food product manufacturers. Understanding how the industry is changing to facilitate consumer convenience can help you make better decisions about your own products’ packaging.

Understanding Consumer Convenience

Consumer convenience comes in many different forms. For example, today’s consumers have some specific demands, and when food companies give those consumers a variety of options from which to choose, there’s a better chance for those consumers to find products that better suit their preferences and lifestyles. For this reason, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to package food items in a functional, safe, and eye-appealing way. These items should remain fresh and easily accessible, and they should come in a variety of sizes, as well.

Variety is More Important than Quantity

The first thing to consider is that today’s consumers are not as focused on the amount of product inside a package as they are with the variety of that product. Potato chips serve as a prime example. Consumers can buy a very large bag of one style of chips to serve at a backyard barbeque, or they can purchase a very large bag containing many smaller bags of a variety of flavors. These days, when given a choice, most consumers would choose the latter option, even if it were priced higher. The ability to provide their guests with variety means more to them than quantity.

Portability is Important, Too

Something else to think about is that the average American family is constantly on the go. Between commuting to and from work or school, shuttling kids to sports practice and various lessons, and making it to doctors’ appointments on time, it’s no wonder that so many households depend on quick, easy food items to keep them satisfied. Part of creating convenient packaging for consumers involves ensuring that said packaging is lightweight, easy to pack around, and sized just right for those concerned about portion control.

Broaden Your Horizons

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to food, so if you truly want to up your convenience game, it’s important to offer a variety of different flavors in distinctive packaging. Again, this gives consumers the ability to pick and choose from products that will suit their cravings or flavor preferences rather than “settle” for a flavor they may not really want. The convenience in packaging said items involves ensuring that the flavor is very clear and that consumers can make their decisions in a matter of seconds just by looking at the outside of the product. There’s no doubt that product packaging is being revamped and made more convenient for consumers every single day. More and more companies continue to test variety packs, different size packaging, easy-to-open options, and even several unique technologies for reclosing packaging and keeping foods fresh. It’s all about understanding your audience and what they prefer, then designing a package for your products that makes purchasing, using, and resealing those products as convenient as possible.