North America Food Service Disposable Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Plastic, Fiber-based), By Product, By Application, By Distribution Channel, By Country,- Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2024-2033

North America Food Service Disposable Market Size and Growth

The North America food service disposable market size was exhibited at USD 27.55 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around USD 38.12 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.

North America Food Service Disposable Market Key Takeaways:

• The plastics segment dominated the overall market with a revenue share of over 52.0% in 2023.
• The fiber-based material segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.
• The food service application segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 50.0% in 2023.
• The online application segment is projected to progress at the fastest CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period.
• The trays & containers product segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 30.0% in 2023.
• On the other hand, the cups & lids product segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period.
• The direct distributors segment dominated the overall market with a revenue share of over 45.0% in 2023.
• The GPO segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period.

Report Scope of North America Food Service Disposable Market

The rising penetration of online food delivery services, coupled with the growing popularity of food trucks in the U.S., is fueling the demand for food service disposable in North America. An increasing demand for convenience and on-the-go dining has been a significant driving factor for the market. Fast-paced lifestyles in North America have led consumers to seek efficient and convenient food options, which often involve the use of disposable packaging and utensils. This trend has been particularly prominent in urban areas, where people have less time to prepare meals at home and rely more heavily on takeout and delivery services.

The advent of online food delivery platforms and the growing popularity of food delivery services fueled the demand for food service disposables. Restaurants and food establishments adapted their packaging solutions to ensure the safe and hygienic transportation of food. This adaptation increased the demand for disposable containers, boxes, cutlery, and utensils designed specifically for delivery purposes. Hence, the rise of the food delivery industry played a crucial role in driving this demand. Furthermore, the expansion of the food service industry, including the growth of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), cafeterias, and catering services, has contributed to the increased product demand. As these establishments seek efficient and cost-effective solutions for serving and packaging food, the use of disposable products has become increasingly prevalent across the world.

Moreover, the growing trend towards sustainability and eco-friendliness has influenced the market growth. Many manufacturers have started producing disposable products from biodegradable or compostable materials, such as plant-based plastics or paper products. This has appealed to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses alike, as it helps reduce the environmental impact of disposable products. For instance, in November 2023, SOFi Products introduced a 100% plastic-free, biodegradable cup for hot beverages which features three flaps that can be folded together to create fill-proof lid. This eliminates the requirement of a separate lid to seal the cups, which would help counter the packaging waste problem.

North America Food Service Disposable Market By Material Insights

On the basis of materials, the market is further segmented into plastics, paper & paperboard, metal, fiber-based, and other materials. The plastics segment dominated the overall market with a revenue share of over 52.0% in 2023. Plastic disposables, such as plates, cups, and utensils, are sturdy, lightweight, and resistant to moisture and leaks. They can hold hot and cold foods/beverages without compromising their integrity, making them ideal for takeout and delivery services.

The fiber-based material segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. There is a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable disposable products in the food service industry. Fiber-based materials, like paper and molded fiber, are biodegradable and compostable, making them more environmentally friendly than plastic-based alternatives.

North America Food Service Disposable Market By Application Insights

Based on the applications, the market has been further divided into food service, online, and institutional. The food service application segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 50.0% in 2023. The food service industry, which includes restaurants, cafes, fast-food chains, and catering services, is a major consumer of disposable products, such as plates, cups, utensils, and containers. Hence, the growing food service sector, driven by factors like convenience, changing lifestyles, and urbanization, is augmenting the product demand.

The online application segment is projected to progress at the fastest CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period. Online ordering and delivery platforms offer a convenient way for consumers to access food service disposables, such as takeout containers, cups, utensils, and packaging materials, without physically visiting stores or restaurants. Moreover, the growth of food delivery services, such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and GrubHub, has increased the demand for disposable food packaging materials to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of food items to customers.

North America Food Service Disposable Market By Product Insights

Based on products, the market is further categorized into plates, cups & lids, trays & containers, bowls, bags, boxes & cartons, cutlery, and other products. The trays & containers product segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 30.0% in 2023. Disposable trays and containers offer immense convenience for food service establishments and consumers. They allow easy transportation, distribution, and consumption of meals, especially in the growing takeout and delivery segments.

On the other hand, the cups & lids product segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period. Cups and lids are used across various food service channels, including QSRs, cafes, convenience stores, and other retail outlets. The ubiquitous nature of beverages consumed on the go drives the demand for disposable cups and lids.

North America Food Service Disposable Market By Distribution Channel Insights

On the basis of materials, the market has been further segmented into corporate distributors, direct distributors, individual distributors, GPO, and other distribution channels. The direct distributors segment dominated the overall market with a revenue share of over 45.0% in 2023. Direct distributors can offer more cost-effective solutions by eliminating mediators and purchasing directly from manufacturers.

This allows them to pass on the cost savings to food service establishments, making their products more attractive, especially for businesses operating on tight margins. The GPO segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. GPOs act as centralized purchasing entities, simplifying the procurement process for their members. Instead of each individual organization negotiating with multiple suppliers, the GPO handles contracting, ordering, and distribution logistics.

Country Insights

U.S. Food Service Disposable Market Trends

The food service disposable market in U.S. accounted for the largest revenue share of over 84.0% in 2023 due to increased meat production, high per capita consumption of all dairy products, and the presence of prominent producers of dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt. The U.S. has a large population pool and consumer market, which translates into a high product demand from restaurants, cafeterias, catering services, and other food service establishments. In addition, the U.S. has a well-developed and extensive food service industry, including numerous fast-food chains, casual dining restaurants, and institutional food services, all of which rely heavily on disposable products for food serving and packaging.

Canada Food Service Disposable Market Trends

The food service disposable market in Canada is expected to witness significant growth from 2024 to 2033. Several leading manufacturers of food service disposables, such as Dart Container Corp., Huhtamaki, and Cascades, have substantial operations and production facilities in Canada. This local presence allows for efficient distribution and better catering to the domestic market, thus positively influencing the country’s market growth.

Mexico Food Service Disposable Market Trends

The food service disposable market in Mexico is expected to witness significant growth owing to the presence of a well-established food service industry and rise in the number of QSRs. In addition, Mexico’s geographic proximity to the U.S. market gives Mexican manufacturers easier access to export their products to the U.S., which is a major product consumer.

Some of the prominent players in the North America food service disposable market include:

• Graphic Packaging International LLC
• Sonoco Products Company
• Sabert Corporation
• Genpak LLC
• Pactiv LLC
• Inteplast Group
• Anchor Packaging Inc.
• Carlisle FoodService Products
• GreenGood USA
• Georgia-Pacific LLC
• Amhil
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Printpack
• Dart Container Corporation
• Mondi
• Airlite Plastics
• Reynolds Consumer Products
• Material Motion, Inc.
• CMG Plastics
• Berry Global Inc.

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the North America food service disposable market

Material

• Plastic

• • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
  • Others

• Paper & Paperboard
• Metal
• Fiber-based
• Others

Product

• Platers
• Cups & Lids
• Trays & Containers
• Bowls
• Bags
• Boxes & Cartons
• Cutlery
• Others

Application

• Food Service

• • Full Service
  • Quick Service
  • Others

• Online
• Institutional

Distribution Channel

• Corporate Distributors
• Direct Distributors
• Individual Distributors
• GPO
• Others

Country

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico