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Protein-packed, low sugar and natural, jerky continues to be one of Americans’ favorite snacks. Beef jerky and meat snacks are sold everywhere from big box stores to airports, and over a 1/3 of us (120 million+) eat jerky products, according to The Food Institute.
The jerky market has long been dominated by major players, and inflation has created challenges for some brands. But, that doesn’t mean there’s no hope for smaller brands. In fact, the opposite is true — as CEO of Righteous Felon Craft Jerky Brendan Cawley puts it, consumers are often dissatisfied with big name products, particularly when it comes to quality, consistency and value. Not to mention growing interest in novelty, plant-based, and mushroom jerky products. That leaves room for emerging brands with high-quality, flavorful products, diverse offerings and the right claims to reach a market hungry for new options.
Packaging is paramount in making a name for your brand and delivering on consumer expectations. But for jerky, packaging is all the more important — one problem with your packaging could result in an underwhelming experience at best and a spoiled product (and thus poor consumer experience) at worst.
So, how can you meet those expectations and deliver an experience that results in consumer loyalty? Here’s how to package beef jerky and other jerky products in a way that captivates consumers while ensuring product quality.
Prioritize High-Quality, Reliable Jerky Packaging
Quality engineering and packaging materials are crucial to succeeding in the beef jerky and snack markets. Packaging beef jerky and snacks is anything but straightforward, since jerky and meat snacks are highly sensitive to oxygen and moisture. Even a small leak in the packaging can lead to mold or spoilage within a week. That means you’ll want to consider features that keep oxygen out, and in the case of multi-use packages, reduce air exposure even after the package is opened.
Beef jerky packaging features like the following can safeguard your product against air and moisture:
Hermetic seals: Airtight, leak-proof seals that keep oxygen out, protecting product integrity.
Gas flushing: Replaces oxygen inside the jerky packaging with nitrogen, preventing oxidation and extending shelf quality.
Oxygen absorbers: Standard, small packets that help remove residual oxygen to provide an additional layer of protection.
Resealable features: Reclosable zippers that help preserve freshness even over multiple uses. Resealability also adds convenience to your jerky packaging, creating a better consumer experience.
Use Jerky Packaging Design to Play Up Your Brand Story and Product Attributes
In addition to functional features, it’s also critical to get visual design and messaging right, especially if you’re an emerging brand or offering novelty products. Visual design and messaging are not only responsible for capturing consumers’ attention, but also in educating them about your product — and why it’s different from (and better than) the rest.
Visual design and messaging — font choices, color scheme, tone — must fit your brand’s personality and bring it to life. However, the following features can serve as a starting point to showcase your product and its story.
Product windows: Allow consumers to see the jerky through transparent portions of the packaging to showcase product quality.
Finishes: Use matte, gloss or dual finishes to add to the visual appeal of your jerky packaging and help it stand out on the shelf.
Clear value proposition: Make compelling product attributes, such as “grass-fed,” “small batch” or local sourcing clear and noticeable.
Visual design and messaging aren’t the only elements that make beef jerky packaging memorable. Small touches, such as laser scoring for easy opening, can make all the difference in delivering a positive consumer experience. Premium features, such as soft touch, matte, or dual finishes, can create multi-sensory experiences that reinforce the product’s quality. Sustainability features, such as PCR packaging or recyclability, can also resonate with consumers by appealing to their values.
When coupled with high-quality packaging materials, a strong visual design and impactful messaging, these features create an experience that’s sure to reach consumers and stand out from other (even more well-known) brands.
Grow Your Jerky Brand With Custom Jerky Packaging from Belmark
Ultimately, all of these elements — function, design, and consumer experience — work together to reach and convert consumers (and bring them back). That makes working with a packaging partner with proven expertise in beef jerky packaging essential for your growth.
With decades of experience in both meat packaging and working with small- to medium-sized brands, Belmark has the technical expertise and industry insights you need from a packaging partner. We offer custom jerky packaging solutions and innovative packaging features that both protect your product and impress consumers, ensuring function and appeal. And, with no order minimums and fast turnaround times, you can be sure packaging won’t hinder your growth as you go to market.
