The majority of segments in the United States’ core economy expanded in 2017, but the growth isn’t expected to stop this year. Anirban Basu, Chief Economist of the Associated Builders and Contractors, indicates that the U.S. economy is set up for continued growth in 2018. The agriculture and food production sector is specifically growing due to rising real wages, low unemployment, low inflation, low interest rates, a rising stock market, and low commodity prices. With surging demand for food, these manufacturers are faced with substantial opportunity to carve out greater market share. Sticking with the status quo won’t propel your business further, however. The majority of food production companies stand to better engage consumers with revamped packaging. Especially if your food packaging is lagging behind the latest trends, the time is now to redesign your product presentation and make the most out of this ripe economy.

Food labeling is a highly scrutinized, crucial part of food product manufacturing. However, it also can be an easily rushed and/or overlooked part of bringing a product to market. It's easy to make simple mistakes no matter how large or small your operation may be. It's also easy to steer clear of any issues when you are well-prepared with a plan and process and when you are working with a supplier that will assist you along the way to launch.

When it comes to Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), knowing the wants and needs of your target market is imperative to have a successful product and brand. Consumer shopping trends are constantly changing, and these changes can impact your shelf presence, online presence and ultimately your sales. It's never a bad time to brush up on the latest developments in your market and what motivates your consumer to purchase your products or your competition. 2018 is geared up to be a pivotal year for packaging and the consumer goods market, and here's why:

Product packaging is important! You've heard this before, and it's still true. If your product packaging isn't the best it can be, it's probably costing you more money than it could be. In honor of helping your brand shine on and off the shelf, here are 6 packaging mistakes that are costing you money and how to remedy them!

Gaining market share in any one of the consumer goods and fast-moving consumer goods markets takes serious effort for marketing departments and packaging engineers. Catching the attention of your target market over competition on the shelves or on the web is challenging, and its also very important! Brands with heavy competition may need to try something out of the ordinary, or outside of the box to get noticed.

It's true, new packaging machinery does involve some investment. It's not true, however, that you must face a major capital investment decision in order to acquire said machinery. The option to lease packaging machinery may get overlooked, and it's worth giving additional attention when you are planning for growth with your manufacturing or distribution business. Take some care to vet if leasing is an option that will provide you the best return on investment and room to grow beyond your production floor. Here are some considerations to review when you are making your plans for machinery upgrades for your packaging line.