The new boxes, from Australia-based Presentation Packaging, is made of corrugated cardboard, is both stackable and reusable, and can hold up to 24 cakes. According to marketing director Samantha Lewis, packaging such as this has been needed for some time. "We realised there were no purpose built boxes for transporting cupcakes and muffins, and we sought to fill this gap in the market," she said. To accompany the transportable box, companies can also purchase a presentation box for muffins and cupcakes, Lewis said. These trays feature a clear window face as well as the structured insert tray, and so are marketed at retailers who want to display bakery products as well as protect them from transportational damage. According to Mintel, innovative packaging is indeed necessary in the bakery industry, as health concerns are causing a lull in the market. In the US alone, the market has increased by only one per cent in constant terms since 2001, the market analysts said, despite the growing popularity of low carb and low fat products. Possible packaging solutions for manufacturers could include crush-proof or reinforced plastic containers, or special portion-control and 100 calorie pack products, Mintel said. As well as new packaging for cakes and bakery products, companies must look towards trends such as health and organic, indulgence and fair-trade, the analysts added.
