MUNICH, GERMANY - IFCO has released its 2026 packaging outlook, outlining the key trends set to shape the fresh grocery supply chain in the year ahead. From anti-waste design and tightening global regulations to reuse at scale, smart traceability, and AI-powered automation, the report highlights how packaging is evolving from a logistics tool into a strategic driver of performance, compliance, and sustainability.

The report reads as follows:

In 2026, sustainable packaging trends can lead to a competitive advantage for growers and retailers. Driven increasingly by regulatory pressure and digital innovations, these are the trends that really matter.

What is the future of sustainable packaging?

2026 has only just begun, but sustainable packaging is already entering a new phase. Today, the conversation goes much deeper than the usual debates around "paper versus plastic" or "recyclable versus reusable."

Sustainability remains the central driver of change. What matters just as much now, however, is performance: protecting fresh food, cutting waste, proving regulatory compliance – and running operations more efficiently at the same time.

There are several drivers behind this shift:

• Globally, households waste 1.05 billion tonnes of food, notes the most recent UNEP Food Waste Index Report.
• Food waste accounts for an estimated 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) each year.
• The EU alone generates 79.7 million tonnes of packaging waste with over 40% made up of paper and cardboard.

Against this backdrop, the following top six trends are shaping the future of sustainable packaging in 2026 – and defining how growers and retailers create competitive advantage next.

1. The greatest challenge: anti-waste packaging

2026 is the year that anti-waste packaging moves into overdrive. In the fresh food supply chain, anti-waste packaging increasingly needs to play a dual role: protecting fresh food to extend shelf life, while also preventing solid waste throughout its lifecycle.

Why does anti-waste packaging matter?

From a business perspective, the impact is clear. As retailers move closer to their short-term reduction of emissions target year, with most set at 2030, eliminating packaging and food waste has become a top trend. Food waste and solid waste translate directly into lost product, lost revenue, and higher operational costs. Reducing both has a rapid and measurable effect on the bottom line.

A new study by Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics shows that switching from single-use cardboard to reusable food packaging reduces product damage in certain categories by up to 98%.

The study highlights an added benefit to using IFCO reusable crates. As the carbon footprint of food can be up to 30 times higher than that of packaging, preventing food damage, spoilage, and shrink is a powerful tool to reduce carbon emissions.

2. Game-changing regulations: PPWR and EPR push to implementation phase

2026 marks the year that packaging regulation moves from discussion to delivery. The first ambitious requirement under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) comes into force this year, while other milestones are getting closer – including transport packaging reuse targets of at least 40% by 2030.

For Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, the situation remains complex, particularly in the US, where timelines and eco-modulated fees vary across regions. Even so, as highlighted in the Market Outlook Panel at the PACK EXPO Las Vegas in 2025, the direction of travel is clear: regulation will continue to tighten, not ease. Businesses need to prioritize a packaging roadmap now for the challenge ahead.

Why does regulatory compliance matter?

Non-compliance with EPR or PPWR creates operational risk. Poor packaging choices increase exposure to:

• Financial penalties
• Supply chain disruptions
• Market access restrictions
• Reputational damage

In contrast, PPWR and EPR compliance is increasingly cost-effective. Businesses that adopt packaging solutions that already embed regulation into their designs and usage can futureproof their operations even as regulations continue to evolve.

See the rest of these top trends here.

VALENCIA, CA - Mandarins are not just a citrus category; they are a behavior. From how we design our produce displays at home to where we allocate our share of wallet, mandarins—at least in my house—remain the choice around which other choices are made. As we move quickly toward spring, companies like Sunkist Growers are bringing the results of snackable citrus momentum to retail partners across North America.

“Snackable citrus continues to be one of the most dynamic segments of the citrus category,” said Cassie Howard, Senior Director of Category Management and Marketing. “Our Sunkist Cali™ mandarin program remains a key growth driver, while varieties like Minneolas and Ojai Pixie tangerines bring bold flavor, unique nutritional benefits, and seasonal excitement. Together, these varieties help keep citrus top of mind for consumers seeking simple, wholesome snacks all winter and into spring.”

Let’s take a look at the numbers to bring this value home:

1. Sustained year-over-year growth: Volume up 4% vs. year ago, 13% vs. two years ago, and 22% vs. three years ago (Circana FY25, 11/10/2024–11/02/2025).
2. Everyday staple: Mandarins are primarily purchased as an everyday snack and are a regular fixture on shoppers’ grocery lists.
3. Pack-size preferences: Households with kids purchase more frequently and favor 5-pound packs, while 2- and 3-pound bags remain the most preferred formats overall.

This scaling demand has extended beyond the category’s traditional demographic reach.

“The Sunkist Cali™ Mandarins program continues to grow beyond families to Millennial and Gen Z shoppers, reinforcing mandarins’ role as a healthy, handheld snack across generations and life stages,” Cassie explains.

In addition to mandarins, Sunkist Minneolas, or tangelos, offer a distinctive sweet-tart flavor profile and are a good source of folate, an essential nutrient that supports overall health. As an alternate bearing crop, Minneola volume can fluctuate year to year; however, this season is showing strong momentum, with tangelos up 45 percent versus the same time period a year ago, highlighting continued consumer interest in flavorful, nutrient-forward snackable citrus options.

Building on an already robust lineup of snackable citrus, Sunkist is also entering the heart of the season for Ojai Pixie tangerines, a highly anticipated specialty variety known for its exceptional sweetness, small size, and easy-to-peel nature.

“Ojai Pixie tangerines’ limited, seasonal availability creates urgency at retail and encourages shoppers to purchase while supplies last. Pixies experienced double-digit volume growth versus the same period a year ago during the peak March–April selling window (Circana WE 03/09/25–05/04/25),” Cassie reveals. “In addition, snackable citrus is benefiting from broader snacking and wellness trends. Snacking occasions continue to grow, particularly among younger consumers, and fruits are among the categories best positioned to benefit as shoppers seek simple, better-for-you options, according to Euromonitor. Citrus aligns naturally with increasing preference for unprocessed and minimally processed foods that deliver real nutrition without additives.”

Through its snackable citrus portfolio, Sunkist continues to support retailers with a full spectrum of in-season easy-peel varieties, strong brand recognition, and merchandising solutions designed to drive engagement and incremental sales.

In a retail landscape defined by shifting snack habits and wellness priorities, snackable citrus is proving that long-term growth often comes from the simplest, most portable solutions.

FRESNO, CA - Supply and logistics challenges are easier to tackle when you have the right supply-side partner in your corner. Guided by its market positioning, Rooted in Resilience, Ready for Tomorrow, Baloian Farms continues to invest in integrated vegetable programs designed to simplify procurement and support long-term customer planning.

“Our focus is on building programs that hold together across regions and seasons,” shared Jeremy Lane, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “When customers can rely on a single partner for multiple core items, it reduces complexity and allows everyone to plan with more confidence.”

The core of the business is a year-round vegetable program serviced out of Arizona and California. The integrated lineup includes green bell peppers, red peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, beans, zucchini, yellow squash, and hard squash. These items form the pillars of retail, foodservice, wholesale, and processing demand.

“By approaching these products as a single, coordinated program, customers benefit from streamlined sourcing, improved load efficiency, and more predictable supply,” Jeremy added. “Baloian Farms is also preparing for the spring season with California transition districts planted and developing nicely, ensuring continuity as growing regions shift.”

Baloian’s year-round offerings are complemented by a seasonal wet veg program from California’s San Joaquin and Coachella Valley. This program features Romaine lettuce, Romaine hearts, red and green leaf, spinach, cauliflower, celery, and Brussels sprouts. Designed as a cohesive collection, the program allows customers to capture peak quality while consolidating supply across high-volume categories.

“Together, the year-round and seasonal programs reflect a long-term approach centered on resilience, planning, and partnerships designed to support customers today while staying ready for tomorrow,” concluded Jeremy.

From Nogales to Coachella, the provider’s bundled programs deliver a year-round supply.

Stick with ANUK as we continue to cover all aspects of fresh produce!

NEW ZEALAND - The kiwifruit industry’s Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal - which recognises outstanding contribution and leadership - has been awarded to Peter Ombler for his significant and lasting contribution to the kiwifruit industry over four decades.

Established in 2012, the Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal honours individuals from across the industry - including growers, post-harvest professionals and researchers.

Kiwifruit Industry Advisory Committee Chair and Zespri Director Craig Thompson presented the medal to Peter Ombler at the industry’s Momentum 2026 Conference dinner last night, and provided the following comments on Peter's recognition.

“The judging panel unanimously awarded Peter Ombler this year’s Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal. Peter’s association with the kiwifruit industry spans more than 40 years, with his contribution playing a key role in shaping the success of our industry.

“As a grower, consultant and industry leader, Peter has consistently demonstrated innovation, strong leadership and a commitment to sharing knowledge for the benefit of others.”

“Peter was an early leader in both organic and conventional kiwifruit production systems, driven by a passion for trying new approaches and a willingness to share learnings with fellow growers to support delivering high-quality kiwifruit to customers and consumers around the world.

“He has also long been a strong supporter of innovation and made a significant contribution to the development and implementation of the KiwiGreen Programme in the 1990s.”

Developed in response to export restrictions into Italy, KiwiGreen required close collaboration between growers, scientists and consultants and delivered a fundamental shift in how pests and diseases were managed across the industry within a short timeframe. Peter continued this focus through his involvement in initiatives aimed at improving spraying practices and lifting industry standards.

In addition to his commitment to innovation, Peter has demonstrated strong leadership across the kiwifruit industry, including holding critical governance roles.

“During the 2010 Psa incursion, Peter was a founding member and the second Chair of Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH), providing strategic leadership and hands on support during a critical period for the industry. He also helped shape the future direction of KVH by recognising the need for a broader focus on biosecurity risks beyond Psa.

“Peter is also known as a strong supporter of the Single Point of Entry (SPE) structure, which was particularly evident during his leadership in his role as President of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI).”

Peter Ombler’s achievements as an industry leader were formally recognised in 2017 when he received the Horticulture Bledisloe Cup, awarded annually by Horticulture New Zealand for outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry.

“Peter is also widely respected for his work behind the scenes, strong relationship building skills, and ability to bring people together during challenging times,” Mr Thompson says.

“His passion, dedication, and service have helped make a lasting difference and we acknowledge the significant time commitment Peter has made for the benefit of the industry.

“We were delighted to receive such a great range of nominations for this year’s Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal and congratulate Peter on the outstanding contribution he has made to strengthen our industry.”

Previous recipients of the Hayward Medal include Ian Greaves in 2020 in recognition of the pastoral care he provided the industry during the Psa outbreak, with the 2012 inaugural award going to Plant & Food Research plant breeder Dr Russell Lowe for developing and helping commercialise the gold variety Hort16A.