Greetings friends,
‘Store bought is fine’ is an oft-quoted statement made by one of my cooking heroes, Ina Garten. During the COVID pandemic I cooked my way through her recipes and in doing so raised the level of my culinary skills. What had begun and ended with boiling water for pasta has now become a personal passion and near-nightly ritual that might involve roasting, sautéing, braising, steaming, or sous-viding. As we approach the food-lover’s holiday, I thought I’d try my hand at my own ‘store-bought’ approach to this month’s Simon Says… I asked AI to write it for me. Using my previous posts as reference, I asked it to craft a post of ~500 words on Thanksgiving packaging trends and traditions, and I think it did a nice job. What it may lack in my unsuccessful attempts at humor, it certainly made up for in convenience. As we look to embrace AI is various aspects of our operations at BASF, I think this might be one way to increase our speed and efficiency. I’m sure our customers and partners are looking to leverage these tools in a similar way.
sAImon says: The Thanksgiving Packaging Tradition, Trends and Innovations to Look Out For
Thanksgiving is a time of tradition, family gatherings, and, of course, indulgence in a hearty meal. It’s a holiday that celebrates gratitude, but it also celebrates food – lots of it. From turkey to cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie to mashed potatoes, the Thanksgiving spread is a sight to behold. But beyond the dinner table, there’s another important element at play: packaging.
Packaging for Thanksgiving is more than just a way to contain food. It’s a silent partner in the holiday experience, preserving freshness, providing convenience, and adding a touch of festive cheer. Over the years, as consumer preferences evolve, so too has the packaging surrounding Thanksgiving meals. From eco-friendly innovations to clever design trends, let’s explore the shifting landscape of packaging for this beloved holiday.
The Rise of Sustainability
As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, sustainability has become a central focus in packaging for all seasons – Thanksgiving included. What was once considered a niche market for eco-conscious consumers is now mainstream, with companies rolling out more sustainable packaging options.
Whether it’s biodegradable plates, reusable containers, or packaging made from recycled materials, sustainability is making its mark. Brands are embracing compostable wraps for pies, recyclable trays for turkey, and even zero-waste options for table settings. Consumers are increasingly expecting brands to consider the full lifecycle of their products, from the way they’re packaged to how easily they can be disposed of.
In fact, Thanksgiving presents a unique challenge for sustainable packaging. With so much food being prepared and transported for family gatherings, there’s a high volume of packaging waste. This has led to innovative solutions like edible packaging for individual servings or easy-to-recycle materials that still offer the necessary durability to protect food throughout the day. It’s no longer just about what the packaging is made from – it’s about how it can seamlessly fit into a circular economy.
Convenience Meets Tradition
The packaging around Thanksgiving has also seen a shift toward convenience. Let’s face it: Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming, especially when preparing a multi-course feast for a crowd. To make life easier, many consumers are turning to ready-to-eat meals or pre-packaged sides.
Packaging for these ready-made meals needs to be both functional and visually appealing. Clear plastic clamshell containers, vacuum-sealed bags, and even aluminum tins have become staples for Thanksgiving sides and main dishes. These packaging types offer both protection and a long shelf life, while also making it easy to reheat and serve without the hassle.
Another emerging trend is the “Thanksgiving-to-go” concept. With busy lifestyles and smaller family gatherings, many are opting for smaller, pre-portioned meals that still deliver the essence of the holiday. Think Thanksgiving dinner in a bowl or individual servings of turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce, all beautifully arranged and easy to transport. For these smaller meals, packaging that’s not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing is key. Labels with Thanksgiving-themed designs, such as fall foliage or rustic motifs, create an emotional connection with consumers looking to celebrate in a more low-key way.
Celebrating the Aesthetic
While convenience and sustainability are crucial, let’s not forget that Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in tradition. And tradition calls for presentation. Whether it’s for your own family dinner or as part of a larger-scale catering operation, how food is presented matters.
This year, we’re seeing an increased focus on packaging that enhances the dining experience. From custom-made packaging featuring Thanksgiving-themed graphics to premium, luxurious containers for high-end side dishes, the aesthetic of packaging is key to the holiday experience. We’re seeing rustic, farm-inspired designs in everything from pie boxes to turkey delivery boxes. These packages convey the warmth and hominess of the holiday while ensuring the food arrives safely.
Conclusion
As Thanksgiving packaging continues to evolve, the key themes of sustainability, convenience, and tradition remain central. The packaging innovations we’re seeing this year reflect not only the changing consumer expectations but also the enduring significance of the holiday. It’s about finding a balance between honoring time-honored traditions and embracing the future of packaging. After all, just as Thanksgiving brings people together, the right packaging can help bring the spirit of the season to life – one delicious, thoughtfully packaged meal at a time.
Until next time,
-Simon / sAImon