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Demand for cups, lids to increase more than 5% per year through 2019

Worldwide demand for cups and lids will increase more than 5 percent per year through 2019.

November 18, 2015

Worldwide demand for cups and lids will increase more than 5 percent per year through 2019, according to a press release from Reportbuyer. Foodservice and food processing account for more than 90 percent of overall demand. North America dominates the market due to the diverse uses of disposables in the region. In foodservice, demand will be driven primarily by the quick serve restaurant segment, which accounts for the largest share of demand.

The United States is the largest market for disposable foodservice cups, as most quick serve establishments in the country serve all beverages in disposable cups for take-out and dine-in customers alike. Outside of North America, demand has been limited by the fact that in many regions beverages are served in disposable cups only for take-out patrons. In developing countries, demand has been held down by the popularity of street food vendors, which typically only offer packaged beverages, the release stated.

In the food processing market, advances for cups and lids will result from the increased popularity of single-serve entrees and soups. At present, such products are far more popular in the U.S. based on the variety of foods packaged in this format, including prepared meals, soups, cereal, pasta and baby food. In Canada and the U.S., single-cup coffee brewing machines have created growth for the small cups that fit these appliances (although sales growth is slowing and environmental concerns and higher costs may impede broad adoption in other regions). Outside of North America, yogurt is a key market in Europe and instant noodles are important in Asia, according to Reportbuyer.