Few of the hundreds of local small producers in the food, drink and condiments subsectors turned up at last month’s seminar on packaging and labelling, though they needed to be there if they were to become aware of just how far away they are from realizing their dreams of lucrative overseas markets.
At a basic level packaging provides a convenient way for customers to transport products while labelling helps with product identification. Beyond these functions, particular types of packaging and labelling appeal to consumers who may prefer a product brand because of its particular package features.
In metropolitan countries where food safety regulations pay close attention to packages that better prolong shelf life manufacturers are known to engage in what are often costly collaborative initiatives with researchers to produce the right types of containers. Consumer pressure is also compelling manufacturers to become more aware of allergens in