A new examining the cost implications of reducing plastic packaging for fresh produce sold in Canada provides insight into how the produce sector approaches packaging decisions. While the study focuses on economic and functional considerations, reviewing its findings through an environmental lens raises questions about how sustainable packaging decisions are made in practice.

This blog provides an environmental perspective on selected aspects of the study, including the example of switching apples from plastic packaging to paper and the recommendation to further examine reusable plastic crates (RPCs).

Packaging serves important functions, including protecting products, supporting transportation and logistics, and helping to reduce food waste. However, packaging decisions cannot be viewed in isolation.

As the study itself acknowledges, today’s retail environment – shaped by larger grocery stores, multiple retailers, global supply chains, and growing demand for consumer convenience – means the same product can now be packaged, or not packaged, in multiple ways. These real-world factors increasingly influence how food is packaged and sold.

At the same time, plastic packaging remains pervasive. In 2024 alone, an estimated  were generated, and without major changes, , reaching around 1.2 billion tonnes by 2060. When it comes to plastic packaging for produce, the report shares the following data (see Tables 3-2a and 3-2b):

That seems like a substantial amount of plastic associated with just one segment of the food system. For additional context, a found that 45% of plastic food packaging could be replaced either by transitioning to alternative packaging or by selling products loose.

PPEC’s commentary does not question the importance or function of packaging for fresh produce; rather, it questions whether all packaging currently used is required for product protection.

With that context in mind, the following sections examine aspects of the federal study to illustrate how packaging decisions are shaped by retail practices, consumer behaviour, as well as broader system-level and policy considerations.

Apples and Material Substitution

Using apples as an example, the report notes that Canadian retail store audits showed loose apples were priced 39% higher by weight than packaged apples, and further estimates that switching apples from plastic packaging to paper packaging could increase retail prices by approximately 42 per cent.

This example raises a question that extends beyond pricing alone: why are apples packaged in the first place? Apples have historically been sold loose and generally do not require primary (consumer-facing) packaging for protection. Yet the report’s cost comparison reflects a retail environment in which plastic-packaged apples are priced lower than their loose counterparts.

PPEC is not commenting on retail pricing strategies. Rather, this example illustrates how efforts to reduce plastic packaging can be complicated by existing market and consumer practices. If the objective is to reduce unnecessary packaging, it becomes important to distinguish between packaging required for product protection and packaging that exists for other reasons within retail systems.

PPEC is not looking to debate packaging decisions for every individual fruit or vegetable. However, we are observing an increase in pre-packaged produce. These formats appear to be driven by downstream retail practices and consumer expectations. This is not a critique of business decisions, but a reminder that packaging choices can sometimes run counter to environmental objectives.

This example reinforces the need to look beyond material substitution and consider how packaging decisions are shaped by modern retail practices and consumer behaviour.

Reusable Plastic Crates (RPCs)

Corrugated packaging has played a role in the fresh produce sector for decades. In Canada, corrugated cartons are part of a well-established recycling system, with strong end markets, including PPEC members that purchase and recycle used corrugated packaging from grocery and retail sectors.

Against this backdrop, it may seem counterintuitive that a study examining the implications of measures to address plastic packaging waste also explores replacing corrugated cartons with reusable plastic crates (RPCs). While RPCs may be presented as a circular option, they remain plastic, , whereas corrugated packaging is already part of a mature circular system. Although referred to as “single-use” in the study, corrugated containers are typically recycled and reused multiple times.

In practice, many packaging materials are used once by consumers, but they differ significantly in how effectively they are recovered and recycled. Paper packaging is a clear example of a material with established recycling systems and strong end markets that enable repeated reuse of fibres.

This raises a broader question about how plastic packaging reduction is being defined: does replacing recyclable fibre packaging with RPCs meaningfully advance efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and plastics?

Further, while some RPC providers cite environmental benefits such as high reuse rates and recyclability, these outcomes are dependent on system design and performance. Claims of recyclability often reflect technical recyclability within controlled or closed-loop systems, rather than real-world recycling systems across jurisdictions.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the federal study serves as a reminder that produce packaging decisions are complex and cannot be viewed in isolation. As governments consider policy and regulatory changes, and businesses make packaging decisions, asking questions that reflect real world considerations – including whether packaging is necessary for product protection or has developed in response to changes in how food is purchased and consumed – is critical to advancing meaningful and scalable plastic reduction efforts.

Calgary, Alberta — Feb 2, 2026 — Coke Canada Bottling marked the official unveiling of its new high-density, technology-enabled warehouse at its Calgary facility, representing a $75 million investment and the largest made by the company since becoming an independent, family-owned Canadian bottler in 2018.

The 60,000-square-foot warehouse features Coke Canada Bottling’s first-ever Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) and strengthens Calgary’s role as a key hub for the company’s Western Canadian operations. The investment enhances efficiency and supports long-term growth while improving service for customers across the region.

“We’re proud to add a new, red beacon to the iconic Calgary skyline representing our ongoing commitment to investing in how we make, move and sell Canadians’ favourite beverages right here in Alberta,” said Tony Chow, President of Coke Canada Bottling. “This state-of-the-art warehouse features our first high-density, technology-enabled system which will improve our speed and agility, helping us to grow and better meet the evolving needs of our customers in Western Canada.”

Rising nearly 12 storeys high and capable of storing close to 20,000 pallets, the warehouse is now a prominent landmark in Calgary’s northeast, visible to those arriving at Calgary International Airport. To put its footprint into perspective, when at capacity, the warehouse could store more than 65.5 million 355ml cans.

“This $75 million, high-tech investment is a strong vote of confidence in Alberta, our economy, and in the skilled workers, trades, and partners who helped bring this facility to life,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. “We are proud that Coke Canada Bottling has chosen Calgary as home for this project, reinforcing Alberta’s role as a hub for innovation, manufacturing, and economic growth. Our government looks forward to keeping Alberta the best place to invest, attracting the confidence of major companies like Coke Canada Bottling for decades to come.”

“This major investment by Coke Canada Bottling reinforces Calgary’s reputation as a city that means business,” said Jeromy Farkas, Mayor of Calgary. “We continue to deliver the right atmosphere for world-class companies to operate, grow and succeed. We’re proud to see this high-tech facility to not only call Calgary home - but to thrive and expand here. We are encouraged by their continued confidence in our city and look forward to supporting continued investment and job creation right here in Calgary.”

The ASRS centralizes storage within Coke Canada Bottling’s local Calgary operations. Delivered in partnership with System Logistics, CANA Construction, and 30 Canadian trade partners, the project injected approximately $29 million into the local economy.

Coke Canada Bottling employs more than 400 people in Calgary, where it operates a Combo Centre that includes manufacturing, sales and distribution, and now the new automated warehouse. As Calgary’s Local Bottler, and a family-owned business, the company makes, moves, and sells many of the brands Canadians know and love, including Coca-Cola®, Coke Zero Sugar®, Diet Coke®, FUZE® Iced Tea, Sprite®, Fanta®, Dasani®, Monster®, Canada Dry®, A&W® products, and more.

HOERSHOLM, Denmark, Jan. 29, 2025 — Consumers increasingly expect food and beverages to deliver both purpose and emotion and natural colors play a critical role in bringing these expectations to life, according to .

Based on a global survey of 2,600 consumers across 13 countries, the trends report explores how people emotionally connect food, color, and functional benefits, revealing that color is no longer just seen, but experienced.

“The message from consumers is clear. Color is no longer just seen, it is also felt,” says Stella Munhoz, Marketing Manager at Oterra. “Color has become part of the experience, signaling feelings of wellbeing and trust.”

Food with a purpose

Functional foods made with recognizable, natural ingredients and naturally vibrant colors are leading a shift from fixing what’s wrong, to strengthening what’s right.

“Consumers are embracing a ‘maxxing’ mindset, choosing foods that deliver maximum benefit with minimal compromise prioritizing protein, fiber, and vitamins, while reducing sugar, artificial ingredients, and unnecessary complexity,” adds Stella Munhoz.

The survey found that 70% of consumers were very interested in functional benefits such as supporting immunity, heart health, digestion, mental wellbeing, sleep, and healthy aging.

When asked what they expect from food and beverage colors in 2026, natural ingredients ranked highest, cited by 43% of consumers, ahead of specific functional benefits such as improved immunity (40%), better sleep (39%), heart health (39%), and digestive health (38%).

Color associations strongly reinforce these expectations. Warm, reassuring tones like orange are instinctively linked to vitality and overall wellbeing, the survey found. Blue tones (including turquoise) are linked with relaxation and mental health, while red is strongly associated with heart health and vitality.

Mood-led food and drink

Food is also increasingly viewed as a form of emotional self-care. Consumers are looking for comfort, joy, balance, and small moments of uplift, with color acting as a powerful emotional cue.

Globally, 61% of consumers say they are very interested or interested in emotional experiences through food and beverages, rising to 74% among Generation Z and Millennials.

The research highlights strong emotional associations with specific colors. Green is linked to health, naturalness, and positive mood, while yellow is associated with fun and playfulness, reinforcing its role as an energizing and uplifting color.

Mood-boosting food and drinks really shine when emotion meets unexpected color. Among adventurous consumers, interest climbs to 50%. Pink remains underexplored despite its strong potential and broad acceptance in food and beverages. It is closely linked to fun, inspiration, and creativity.

The shift toward emotion-led, functional products also brings clear implications for manufacturers and brands. The survey shows that 66% of consumers globally actively avoid artificial colors, making natural color solutions a baseline expectation rather than a differentiator.

“Natural colors are no longer optional,” says Munhoz. “They are essential for brands looking to remain relevant, credible, and future-ready in an increasingly ingredient conscious, yet emotionally driven market.”

*Source:

DENVER (January 23, 2026)—Consumer demand for foods and beverages with high protein levels continues to surge as a growing percentage of Americans focus on increasing their dietary protein. The sharp rise in demand is shifting buying habits and could ultimately transform the retail grocery space. Food and beverage manufacturers representing a host of product categories are moving quickly to respond with new product offerings and position themselves for success with protein-hungry consumers.

According to a , this strong consumer demand for protein bodes well for the U.S. dairy industry, given the high protein levels and nutritional qualities in traditional dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese. But for dairy processors, the opportunity extends well beyond staple products in the retail dairy case. Dairy-based ingredients are increasingly being used to boost protein content in a wide variety of products including baked goods, protein bars, ready-to-drink protein shakes and whey powders.

“The dairy industry is in a great position to help consumers meet their protein intake goals,” said , lead dairy economist with CoBank. “Dairy products have a unique advantage because they contain all nine essential amino acids required in a human diet, making it a complete protein source. We expect more food and beverage manufacturers will take a cue from formulators that have already incorporated dairy-based ingredients into protein-centric product areas outside of the retail dairy case.”

Consumers of virtually all ages associate protein with an expanding array of health benefits, and the momentum behind protein has been building in recent years. In 2022, 59% of American consumers reported trying to consume more protein in their diet, according to the International Food Information Council. By 2023, the percentage had grown to 67% and in 2025, seven in 10 American consumers wanted their diets to include more protein content.

“Protein is top of mind for consumers in making a better-for-you purchase,” said , senior food and beverage analyst with CoBank. “And dairy products’ inherent benefits position them well to resonate with consumers, particularly those adjusting their diets for weight loss or to abide by the recently announced Dietary Guidelines.”

Opportunities abound as tailwinds fuel momentum

The new U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans announced on Jan. 7 increases the recommended daily allowance of dietary protein for adults from 0.8 grams to 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Increased usage of GLP-1 medications for weight loss is also sparking more widespread consumer interest in dietary protein. According to KFF, at least 12% of adults indicated they were taking GLP-1 medications in November 2025. That percentage is expected to climb even higher as less expensive pill forms of the weight-loss medication are set to debut this year.

A study by Cornell University found that GLP-1 users are increasing their spending in a handful of categories, including yogurt, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat snacks and protein bars. Echoing those findings, Danone, maker of Oikos Greek yogurt, has reported double-digit growth in its high-protein offerings, a trend it says has accelerated with the adoption of GLP-1 medications.

Beyond meeting consumer demand, food and beverage makers have an added incentive for offering more high protein products – price. According to estimates from Circana and other market research firms, food and beverage products with a high-protein label claim can command a price premium of as much as 12%.

Snacks, nutritional drinks among key growth opportunities for dairy

While the snacking category has been growing for decades, protein claims remain somewhat of an afterthought. Only 17% of consumers indicate they prioritize protein when selecting a snack, according to IFIC. That creates an opportunity for snack makers to leverage protein as a product attribute and protein-rich dairy products could play a role in shifting consumers’ criteria for snacks. Building on that opportunity, the role of a healthier, more satiating snack with high protein content could solve multiple consumer demands, including health and convenience.

Ready-to-drink protein shakes also represent a key growth opportunity for the dairy industry. While traditional fluid milk sales have been sluggish, data from Circana indicates sales in the protein shake category climbed 71% over the last four years. That represents a jump from $4.7 billion to $8.1 billion in dollar sales, with continued growth expected in the category.

“The amino acids in dairy products will create even more opportunities for dairy as stand-alone products and ingredients as food manufacturers look to boost protein content, reduce sugar levels and create more streamlined, clean-labeled products,” said Geiger. “Ultimately, this transformation in the retail space represents a significant, long-term opportunity for dairy processors and food manufacturers alike.”

Watch a video synopsis and read the report, .