The eCommerce industry has transformed the way consumers shop for products and changed their expectations of convenience. Although it once seemed convenient to stop in at a local store to pick up needed items, consumers now can skip the trip altogether and have items delivered to their doors. In turn, this affects how companies package, warehouse, handle and ship products, resulting in a variety of operational shifts.
Although this trend has taken a bit longer to affect the grocery market, beverages and other consumer packaged goods with longer shelf lives are a practical fit for online purchases. L.E.K. Consulting LLC forecasts that eCommerce sales will comprise 15-20 percent of total food and beverages purchases by 2025. This translates to substantial opportunities for packaging companies and package handlers who are looking ahead to prepare for the shift in sales and delivery platforms, the Boston-based global management consulting firm says.