A packaging format commonly found on supermarket shelves across Europe and North America for blueberries, cherry tomatoes, cherries, snack fruits, and other specialty produce categories is being produced in India. “This opens new packaging variants for growers, exporters, and retailers looking for premium presentation without relying on imported packaging,” says Rahul Gupta, Chairman of Mumbai-based Globe Print n Pack Industries Pvt. Ltd.
The project originated from a request by a Spanish blueberry importer looking for a custom-manufactured tube packaging solution that could be supplied flat-shipped. “While tube packaging is already widely used internationally for premium produce programmes, we saw an opportunity to localize production and offer a format that reduces storage and logistics costs before assembly. We’re now making the format more accessible to both domestic and export-oriented customers.”
Since its first commercialization in February 2025, additional container shipments have followed, and the response has been encouraging, says Gupta. “Interest has since expanded beyond Europe. We have received enquiries from berry-producing countries such as Peru and Chile, which reflects broader international interest in the tube format.”
The thermoformed tube is designed to hold approximately 250g of blueberries and consists of a clear recycled PET sleeve with thermoformed top and bottom caps. “The format combines premium presentation with practical logistics advantages, as it provides strong product visibility and protection while the flat-shipped design helps reduce storage and freight costs throughout the supply chain,” Gupta explains.
On the technical specifications, Gupta notes that the pack incorporates six ventilation holes to promote airflow and maintain freshness throughout the supply chain. “Manufactured using food-safe RPET containing 70% recycled content, it offers high clarity for product visibility while remaining lightweight at approximately 11g. Custom printed sleeves & transparent or custom-coloured caps can be incorporated to support branding requirements.”
“The tube provides sufficient rigidity to protect delicate fruit during transport and display, while the packaging is manufactured using BRC-certified RPET and produced in a facility powered entirely by solar energy.”
Gupta believes local manufacturing offers several advantages compared with imported alternatives, including shorter lead times, lower freight costs, greater flexibility in customization, and faster development cycles. “Indian growers and exporters can now access an internationally recognised packaging format without many of the costs and delays associated with importing packaging,” he says.
While the format was initially developed for blueberries, the company sees applications across a much broader range of fresh produce categories like cherry tomatoes, cherries, premium berries, apples, exotic fruits, and snack fruits. “Any category where visibility, product protection, and presentation influence purchasing decisions is a potential fit for this format,” Gupta notes.
He also sees growing opportunities within India as organized retail, modern trade, and quick-commerce channels continue to expand. “Retailers and produce brands are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate themselves and improve product presentation. Packaging is becoming an important part of that value proposition, particularly in premium fresh produce categories.”
The company has already begun production of the format for Indian customers, although details remain confidential while projects are still in the production phase. “Fresh produce packaging is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. Our focus will remain on developing packaging that solves practical logistics and presentation challenges while helping growers, exporters, and retailers add value to their produce,” Gupta concludes
Publication date:
