FSSAI enforces quality parameters for millets
As you know (and as Pack-Man has been saying), the United Nations General Assembly and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has declared 2023 as the International Year of the Millets. Lots of action on the millet front (Thankfully Pack-Man loves millet). Currently, individual standards for a few millets like Sorghum, Whole and decorticated Pearl millet grain, Finger millet, and Amaranth are prescribed in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.

Now, Pack-Man has learnt that our very own FSSAI has framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets specifying eight quality parameters. These parameters include; maximum limits for moisture content, uric acid content, extraneous matter, other edible grains, defects, weevilled grains, and immature and shrivelled grains. The quality parameters ensure availability of good quality (standardised) millets in domestic and global markets.

Consumer goods’ prices to rise
Pack-Man has some grim news to report.

Prices of consumer goods such as packaged foods, dairy products, liquor, refrigerators, air conditioners and personal care products are to be increased up to 10%. This is because of rupee depreciation and companies that are increasing their input prices. When Pack-Man attended the Drinktec panel discussions in 2022, the writing was on the wall. The price of milk has gone twice as high in October and November, 2022, and also earlier this month by a cumulative 8.9%. The rise in milk prices will boost the rise in prices of dairy products like butter, ghee and cheese. Pack-Man says, Yuvvvvvrything is so costly-yyyyy!

US celebrates National Snack Food Month
The global snacks market is huge, it was valued at USD 1,450.4 bn in 2021 and is expected to expand at an annual yearly rate of 2.7% from 2022 to 2030, according to a Mordor Research report.

In a tribute to February as National Snack Food Month, companies have put a packaging twist on the festivities with nine examples in a slideshow gallery. PackMan spotted brands like Cheez-It, Frito-Lay, Post Consumer Brands, Mars M&Ms, Ben & Jerry’s and more.

Yum!

Nestle develops 25% PCR collation film 
Pack-Man has learnt that Nestlé is promoting packaging-sustainability America, using shrink film with 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content developed along with its resin and film suppliers.

The new film is the result of Nestlé’s collaboration with resin producer ExxonMobil; film producer Ternova Group; and Channel Prime Alliance International (CPAI), an ExxonMobil-branded distributor and resin supplier in Central America.

Tetra Pak’s facility conferred as India’s first certified world-class TPM factory
As per an update on the company website, Ashutosh Manohar, managing director, Tetra Pak South Asia said “We are proud that Tetra Pak is the first company across industries in India to be declared World Class by none other than JIPM, and are confident that this will further boost the confidence of our customers who have been our partners on our 35 year journey in India.”

The recognition highlights the outstanding levels of production quality, reliability, efficiency and sustainability of this facility, and is arguably the most coveted award for the manufacturing industry.

Pack-Man is excited. He has learnt that the WhatPackaging? Team will travel to the Tetra Pak facility soon.

FMCG companies battle out inflation with small packs
Pack-Man has always believed that small is beautiful.

Nowadays, consumers are trying to get the best value for their money, which often means buying smaller quantities more often. Restructuring the package is being considered by brand owners currently, in order to promote affordability for consumers.

With retail inflation on the rise again, packaged good companies are pushing small packages even in urban markets across varied sectors. Sachetisation which is used for packaging of products in smaller packs, has gained momentum in recent years. Small sachets of Rs 1, 5 and 10 are booming in the rural markets.

Makes sense, says Pack-Man “With food inflation rising consistently since the start of the year, retailers and consumers have been optimising for what they can afford''.