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Source: Delish National Spaghetti Day, celebrated every year on January 4, pays homage to one of the most popular dishes in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Americans consume over 19 pounds of pasta per person per year, and according to a survey by the National Pasta Association, 86% of respondents said they eat pasta at least once a week. Topping all of that pasta is a whole lot of pasta sauce. This appetite for pasta across the globe is fueling the growth of the pasta sauce market. A recent market research report projected that the pasta sauce market, which was valued at $14.8 billion in 2021, will reach $21.5 billion by 2030, expanding at a [...]

It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023. As we near the end of another year, let’s take a look at some of the important events and accomplishments that made 2022 a landmark year for CCT.    In January, CCT expanded capabilities to include packaging line assessments. Two packaging industry veterans with a combined 70+ years of experience in the industry began providing diagnostic production line tests aimed at assessing production lines and identifying the right equipment and processes to help suppliers adopt the EEASY Lid.    CCT hit the road in May to introduce the aluminum lug version of the EEASY Lid – the world’s first aluminum lug jar lid – to the European market at the Private [...]

As brands work to achieve environmental and social governance (ESG) goals and meet consumer demand for sustainable packaging, they are stepping up investment in sustainable packaging innovations. A survey by Jabil found that “the vast majority of brands are developing sustainable packaging programs.”   According to the survey, many companies are moving toward both recyclability and the use of that recycled material. Half of survey respondents said they are working to improve the recyclability of their current packaging portfolio, and 48% indicated they are adopting or evaluating the incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials into their packaging.  Companies across the globe are using recyclable material in packaging and developing a host of other innovative sustainable packaging solutions to reduce their environmental [...]

For many people the holidays are a time of family, food and festivity. The food part of the equation is likely to be a little pricier this year. With inflation driving up food prices, shoppers are focusing on managing food costs while still being able to create enjoyable, festive holiday meals.  Source: The Food Industry Association FMI – The Food Industry Association U.S. Grocery Shopping Trends 2022: Holiday Shopping report found that 71% of consumers are making some adjustment to their holiday meal shopping to adapt to the changing economic landscape. These adjustments include looking for deals (28%), choosing store brands over others (21%), making fewer dishes overall (17%) and encouraging guests to bring dishes (17%).   Commenting on [...]

Consumer trend forecaster WGSN released a Future Consumer 2024 white paper examining “key consumer sentiments and profiles, and the action points brands need to take to win minds and market share.” The four principal consumer personas for 2024 introduced in the white paper include: Regulators According to the white paper, this persona relies on consistency as a survival mechanism, wants a healthy work-life balance and desires frictionless commerce to maintain control. Connectors “Determined to rewrite the rules of entrepreneurship and fractional living,” Connectors are taking a stance against hustle culture and are quitting their jobs as they redefine the meaning of success. Memory Makers Memory Makers have a focus on decluttering lives and redefining family values. This persona “will transform [...]

The CCT team recently returned from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) trade show and new product expo held in Chicago November 13-15. The largest store brands event in North America, the trade show features the latest innovations from exhibitors around the world. One of the standout innovations on display at the show, the EEASY Lid captured attention at the event for its innovative, sustainable and accessible design.  Themed “Consumers Are Back in Charge,” a nod to the evolving attitudes and demands of post-pandemic shoppers, the show attracted approximately 5,000 buyers from major supermarkets, supercenters, wholesale clubs, drug chains, mass merchandisers, specialty chains, dollar stores, e-commerce retailers, importers, exporters, distributors and more.  Among the more than 1,400 exhibitors at the [...]

From local newspapers to trade publications, to broadcast media to social media, the debut of the EEASY Lid on the new in-house private label pasta sauce line from Pennsylvania-based Boyer’s Food Market was all the buzz last month. The October 12 announcement of the availability of the EEASY Lid lug version on Boyer’s pasta sauce line made headlines such as: Pa. supermarket chain is 1st in the country to launch new EEASY Lid jar Boyer's introduces EEASY lid on its brand of pasta sauces Supermarket chain is the first in the country to launch the new EEASY Lid Jar Boyer's new EEASY Lids: First jar lid innovation in over 75 years Boyer’s Markets first supermarket in the nation to sell [...]

The number of private label products in the grocery sector is growing. As inflation continues to rise, cost conscious consumers are increasingly purchasing more economical grocery store private label brands. While cost is one factor driving the growth of private label brands, food retailers and manufacturers are using other strategies to ensure this growth remains strong. To keep private label product market share growing, these enterprises are investing in sustainable, inclusive packaging to align with consumer preferences and provide a better consumer experience.   A Power of Private Brands 2022 report by the Food Industry Association revealed that 40% of consumers have bought more private brands since before the pandemic, and three-quarters of these shoppers plan to continue this trend.   While [...]

Since 1985, the month of October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual campaign strives to increase breast cancer awareness, show support for the many people affected by the disease, and raise funds for researching its causes, treatment and cure.   Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the most common cancer overall. In the United States, it is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with this devastating disease and, on average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes. This year, 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and approximately 43,250 women will die from breast cancer, [...]

Image via Plastics Today  Less is more. That statement is particularly true when it comes to lightweight packaging. Brands are adopting lighter weight packaging strategies to align with consumer demand for more sustainable products. Companies are replacing packaging material with lighter weight alternatives to create cost efficiencies in the supply chain and decrease the amount of packaging waste. Packaging is a significant contributor to consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies greenhouse gas emissions, making up from 10-30% of their carbon footprint. Heavier and larger packaging that takes up more space and requires more fuel for delivery drives up these emissions. The trend toward lightweight packaging is gaining momentum not only to increase sustainability but to reduce transport costs. According to a [...]