Demand for retail-ready corrugated boxes is projected to increase 5.6% per year to $3.3 billion in 2020, according to “Retail Ready Packaging,” a report released by The Freedonia Group, Cleveland, Ohio.

In fact, growth will outpace the overall corrugated box average due to continued solid expansion for revenues and store units among retailers that require retail-ready packaging (RRP), specifically club stores and limited assortment deep discount grocery stores. Additionally, gains will reflect the presence of value-added features on retail-ready corrugated boxes, particularly high-quality graphics and customization of box design. 

The largest markets for retail-ready corrugated boxes in 2015 were produce; meat, poultry and seafood; canned food; non-food and beverages, which represented a combined 58% of total retail-ready corrugated box demand.

Snack food will experience the fastest growth through 2020, driven to some extent by trends such as snacks in place of complete meals and the growing prominence of nuts as a protein-rich snack.