Todd Meussling, senior manager of market development for Appleton, Wis.-based Fresh-Lock, joins Dairy Foods for Episode 42 of its “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast. During this podcast, Meussling discusses sustainability and flexible packaging.

Private-label products, sometimes known as private brands or store brands, have enjoyed steady growth since even before the COVID-19 pandemic. And dollar sales continue to grow. In 2023, total dollar sales rose 6%, while units sold grew 0.9% compared to the prior year. 

The need to keep dairy products safe and fresh while distinguishing offerings is resulting in a greater processor demand for highly functional packaging designs. 

The 2023 Board of Directors were elected by FPA voting members via ballot for a one-year term, except the Chair’s two-year term, and assumed their directorship on March 29, 2023.

Designs are becoming more functional as processors seek a competitive edge. Likewise, dairy product developers are increasingly leveraging rigid and flexible packages, while automated packaging systems, such as case palletizers, are enabling dairy processors to better cope with labor issues.

The event is designed for new hires and newcomers to the flexible packaging industry with fewer than five years of industry experience. 

A number of consumer-driven trends are wielding an impact on current rigid and flexible packaging within the dairy products arena.