PMMI’s Rebecca Marquez shares some of the results of the association’s Snack Food Packaging Trends report.
Washington — As consumer preferences evolve and industry advancements accelerate, the candy and snack food sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation. From cutting-edge processing and packaging innovations to the rising demand for sustainability and automation, manufacturers are investing heavily to stay competitive in a fast-changing market.
According to the Snack Foods Packaging Trends report produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, 92 percent of manufacturers expect industry growth over the next three years, with an average projected capital investment increase of 10.5 percent. This surge in spending reflects a growing need for advanced processing solutions, flexible packaging systems, and improved automation to meet shifting consumer demands.
With 88 percent of manufacturers planning to acquire new packaging or processing machinery in the near future, investment in modular and customizable equipment is surging. The ability to adapt production lines for various product sizes, shapes, and packaging formats is a key competitive advantage, especially in seasonal and limited-edition candy and snack product lines.
High-priority investments include:
- Labeling, decorating, and coding equipment — essential for compliance, traceability, and brand differentiation (40 percent of manufacturers plan to invest)
- Form/fill/seal machines, palletizing, wrapping, and bundling systems — improving efficiency and reducing labor reliance
- AI-driven automation — streamlining operations, reducing waste, and enhancing predictive maintenance capabilities.
Despite technological advancements, the industry continues to grapple with skilled labor shortages. High turnover rates among machine operators pose a challenge, prompting companies to adopt Virtual Reality-based training modules and AI-assisted troubleshooting to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
Sustainability remains a key focus in candy and snack food packaging. Many brands are embracing:
- Recyclable and compostable packaging to align with consumer expectations and regulatory requirements
- Lightweighting initiatives to reduce material usage while maintaining package integrity
- Extended Producer Responsibility policies, prompting shifts in packaging design to meet new compliance standards.
As the candy and snack food industry continues to evolve, investments in cutting-edge machinery, automation, and sustainable packaging solutions will be critical for staying competitive. With the launch of Pack Expo Southeast, candy and snack food professionals working to keep up with industry trends and meet the demands of this dynamic market have a new resource in Atlanta, a regional manufacturing hub and easily accessible destination.
