Top 10 fruit packaging manufacturers

Finding the right fruit packaging manufacturer means balancing product protection, ventilation, moisture resistance, shelf life, branding, sustainability and cost.

The leading fruit packaging manufacturers in 2026 include Pakoro Packaging, Mondi, StePacPPC, Fres-co System USA, MULTIVAC, KM Packaging, Fox Packaging, International Paper/DS Smith, Produce Packaging and Coveris. These companies supply different solutions, ranging from corrugated fruit boxes and paperboard punnets to modified-atmosphere films, mesh bags and automated tray-sealing systems.

For custom printed corrugated fruit boxes and export cartons, Pakoro Packaging is a practical option. For large-scale fibre-based packaging, Mondi and International Paper/DS Smith offer broad capabilities. StePacPPC is particularly relevant to exporters that need modified-atmosphere packaging, while MULTIVAC specialises in automated packing and tray-closing systems.

Quick Comparison of the Best Fruit Packaging Manufacturers

Manufacturer	Main packaging solutions	Best suited for	Key strength
Pakoro Packaging	Corrugated fruit boxes, trays, gift boxes and retail cartons	Growers, exporters and fruit brands	Custom sizes, printing and relatively flexible order quantities
Mondi	Corrugated boxes, solid-board trays and punnets	Large produce suppliers and retailers	Fibre-based and recyclable packaging
StePacPPC	Modified-atmosphere films, liners and retail packs	Long-distance fruit exporters	Shelf-life extension
Fres-co System USA	Flexible pouches, films and filling systems	Processed fruit and fruit purées	Packaging materials and equipment from one supplier
MULTIVAC	Tray sealers, labels and automated packing systems	High-volume packing facilities	Automation and production efficiency
KM Packaging	Lidding films for trays and punnets	Berry and soft-fruit packers	Clear, anti-fog and peelable films
Fox Packaging	Mesh bags and flexible produce packaging	Citrus, onions, peppers and potatoes	Ventilation and retail visibility
International Paper/DS Smith	Corrugated produce boxes and trays	Large agricultural supply chains	Scale and transport packaging expertise
Produce Packaging	Cartonboard punnets and produce trays	Retailers and soft-fruit growers	Paper-based retail packaging
Coveris	Films, labels and paperboard punnet systems	Retail fruit and fresh-produce brands	Shelf presentation and automated packing compatibility

How We Selected These Fruit Packaging Companies

This list is based on publicly available information about each company’s fruit or fresh-produce packaging capabilities.

The evaluation considers:

• Range of fruit packaging products
• Protection against crushing, moisture and transport damage
• Ventilation and shelf-life capabilities
• Availability of recyclable or reduced-plastic materials
• Custom printing and branding options
• Suitability for manual or automated packing
• Experience with growers, exporters, food processors or retailers
• Ability to support different production volumes

This is not a laboratory performance ranking. Buyers should request technical specifications, food-contact documentation, samples and transport tests before selecting a supplier.

1. Pakoro Packaging – Your Trusted Partner for Bespoke Fruit Packaging

At Pakoro Packaging, we pride ourselves on being a leading carton manufacturer that designs innovative and eco‑friendly packaging for fruit producers. Established in 2005, Pakoro offers custom packaging solutions ranging from shipping cartons to gift boxes and promotional materials. Our robust materials ensure that your fruit arrives in pristine condition, while low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times make it easy to scale with your business. We hold multiple certifications and accreditations, so you can trust in our quality and environmental standards.

Why choose Pakoro?

• Customisable solutions: We tailor cartons, trays and gift boxes to your product dimensions and branding.
• Sustainable practices: Our commitment to environmentally friendly materials helps reduce your carbon footprint.
• Fast service: Low minimum orders and rapid production get your packaging delivered when you need it.
• Outstanding support: Our team helps design, quote and deliver packaging that makes your produce stand out. Contact us via email or call +86 15099817100 to discuss your needs.

Pro Tip: Even if you already have a supplier, ask yourself whether your current packaging truly reflects your brand’s quality and sustainability goals. A quick chat with Pakoro could reveal cost‑saving upgrades you didn’t know existed!

2. Mondi Group

Mondi Group offers corrugated and solid‑board packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables. Their solutions replace plastic with recyclable, ventilated cartons and punnets that protect produce during transit and on‑shelf. Optional covers shield fruit from sunlight, and custom die‑cut ventilation holes help maintain freshness. If you prioritise sustainability and want to reduce plastic, Mondi’s recyclable trays are a smart choice.

3. StePacPPC

StePac specialises in modified‑atmosphere and modified‑humidity packaging (MAP/MH) that extends the shelf life of fresh produce. Their Xtend® bulk liners, Xflow™ films for automated flow‑pack machines and Xgo™ retail packs maintain proper gas and humidity levels, reducing waste and preserving appearance. The company’s technology reportedly saves over 500 tons of supply‑chain waste annually, making it ideal for exporters who face long transit times.

4. Fres‑co System USA

Fres‑co provides a one‑stop shop for flexible packaging, supplying machines, materials and service for fruit products. Their aseptic, retort and hot‑fill technologies ensure safety while preserving flavour and nutrients. By switching from cans to Fres‑co’s flexible pouches, you can lower freight and storage costs and reduce material consumption, making this a versatile option for purées, sauces and ready‑to‑eat fruit.

5. MULTIVAC

MULTIVAC focuses on recyclable and minimal‑plastic packaging for fruit. Their TopSEAL system seals fruit in cellulose trays with compostable film, and integrated sensors ensure consistent output. For paper‑based or minimal‑plastic packaging, MULTIVAC also offers TopCLOSE and TopWRAP systems that deliver high output with low energy consumption. If you’re seeking technology that meets EU packaging regulations and reduces waste, MULTIVAC is worth exploring.

6. KM Packaging

KM Packaging’s K Peel® lidding films help customers move away from clamshell packs to top‑sealed trays. Pairing the film with pulp trays reduces plastic usage by more than 90 % while maintaining tamper protection. The films are clear and anti‑fog, improving shelf appeal, and they can be printed to showcase your brand. For soft fruits such as berries, this solution balances sustainability with a premium look.

7. Fox Packaging

Fox Packaging’s Fresh Mesh® bags provide a smart alternative to woven mesh. The design eliminates indentations on delicate skins and allows better airflow, extending shelf life for lemons, onions, peppers and other produce. The bags withstand misting and icing, and they come in multiple colours and printing options. If you sell produce in bags, Fox’s breathable mesh enhances appearance and freshness.

8. International Paper/DS Smith

Greencoat is a recyclable, moisture‑resistant corrugated box tailored for the produce industry. It costs less than wax boxes, saves disposal fees and is repulpable. A success story from Northampton Growers shows that Greencoat boxes protect cabbage during long‑distance transport while cutting waste. Switching to Greencoat eliminates over a ton of waste per truckload of wax boxes, making it a durable and sustainable option.

9. Produce Packaging

Produce Packaging’s EverGrow® cartons are top‑sealable punnets made from water‑resistant cartonboard. They require minimal tooling changes compared to other cartonboard options and can be sealed on existing lines. These punnets are easy to recycle and offer a plastic‑free alternative for berries and soft fruit. For retailers seeking consumer‑friendly packaging with strong sustainability credentials, EverGrow® stands out.

10. Coveris

For a plastic‑free option, Coveris developed LinerlessLid labels combined with paperboard punnets. This packaging secures fruit while providing space for branding and apertures to display the product. The solution is suitable for automated lines and delivers robust protection with strong shelf appeal. If your brand emphasises sustainability and presentation, Coveris offers an appealing alternative.

How to Choose a Fruit Packaging Manufacturer

The best manufacturer depends on the fruit, supply chain and sales channel. A package that works for local apples may not be suitable for delicate mangoes shipped internationally.

1. Identify the fruit’s protection requirements

Consider:

• Bruising sensitivity
• Fruit dimensions and shape
• Net packed weight
• Moisture and humidity
• Required airflow
• Ripening behaviour
• Storage temperature
• Transport duration

Soft fruit usually needs trays, punnets or dividers that limit movement. Heavier fruit cartons require stronger corrugated board and reliable stacking performance.

2. Match the packaging to the supply chain

Local retail distribution, refrigerated transport, air freight and sea freight create different packaging demands.

For long-distance export, evaluate:

• Compression strength
• Moisture resistance
• Pallet stability
• Ventilation alignment
• Cold-chain performance
• Container loading efficiency

The cheapest box per unit may become expensive if poor pallet efficiency increases freight costs or insufficient strength causes product damage.

3. Decide whether shelf-life technology is required

A ventilated corrugated box primarily protects fruit and supports airflow. Modified-atmosphere packaging actively controls the internal environment around the fruit.

MAP may be useful for high-value produce transported over long distances, but it should be developed for the specific fruit variety and cold-chain conditions. Using an unsuitable film can create excess condensation or an incorrect gas balance.

4. Check food-contact compliance

Ask the manufacturer for documentation relevant to the materials that come into direct contact with the fruit.

Depending on the market and packaging structure, this may include:

• Food-contact declarations
• Material safety information
• Migration testing
• Ink and adhesive documentation
• Heavy-metal compliance
• PFAS-related declarations
• FSC certification for paper materials
• Recyclability information

Requirements vary by country, so buyers should confirm applicable regulations with a qualified compliance specialist.

5. Test samples under real conditions

A visually attractive sample does not prove that a carton can survive refrigerated storage or several layers of pallet stacking.

Recommended tests include:

• Compression testing
• Drop testing
• Vibration testing
• Humidity conditioning
• Pallet-stacking trials
• Refrigerated storage trials
• Trial shipment with actual fruit

Testing is especially important for export cartons and newly developed paper-based replacements for plastic packaging.

What Information Should You Send for a Fruit Packaging Quote?

To receive an accurate quotation, prepare the following information:

Required information	Example
Fruit type	Mangoes
Net weight per box	4 kg
Box dimensions	400 × 300 × 120 mm
Packaging style	Stackable corrugated tray with lid
Board requirement	Moisture-resistant corrugated board
Ventilation	Side and top ventilation holes
Printing	Two-colour logo and handling symbols
Order quantity	10,000 pieces
Packing method	Manual packing
Destination	Thailand to Germany
Pallet requirements	Euro pallet
Required certificates	FSC and food-contact declaration

If the structure has not yet been determined, send product photos, fruit dimensions, packed weight and supply-chain details. An experienced manufacturer should be able to recommend a starting structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who manufactures custom fruit packaging?

Pakoro Packaging, Mondi, International Paper/DS Smith and other corrugated-packaging companies manufacture custom fruit boxes and trays. Specialised suppliers such as StePacPPC produce shelf-life films, while MULTIVAC provides automated tray-closing and packing systems.

What is the best packaging material for fresh fruit?

Corrugated board is commonly used for shipping because it is lightweight, printable, stackable and recyclable in established paper-recycling streams. Paperboard punnets work well for retail presentation, while breathable films or modified-atmosphere packaging may help extend shelf life for certain fruits.

There is no single best material for every product. The choice depends on fruit sensitivity, packed weight, humidity, transit time and retail requirements.

Why do fruit boxes have ventilation holes?

Ventilation holes allow air to move through the carton and help remove heat generated by fruit respiration. They can also support faster cooling. However, excessive or poorly positioned holes may reduce carton strength, so ventilation and compression performance should be designed together.

What type of box is used for exporting fruit?

Exporters commonly use moisture-resistant corrugated cartons, stackable trays, telescopic boxes or die-cut boxes with ventilation holes. The appropriate structure depends on the fruit, packed weight, cold-chain conditions, transport time and pallet pattern.

How can fruit packaging extend shelf life?

Fruit packaging can extend shelf life by protecting against physical damage, supporting cooling and airflow, controlling moisture loss and, in some cases, creating a modified atmosphere. Packaging must be combined with correct harvesting, pre-cooling and temperature management.

Are corrugated fruit boxes recyclable?

Many corrugated fruit boxes are recyclable when they are clean, dry and accepted by the local paper-recycling system. Coatings, wax, plastic laminates and food contamination can affect recyclability, so buyers should verify the complete material structure rather than relying only on a general “paper-based” claim.

Can fruit packaging be printed with a custom logo?

Yes. Corrugated fruit boxes, paperboard punnets, labels, films and mesh bags can all carry custom branding. Available processes may include flexographic printing, offset printing, digital printing and printed labels.

What is the minimum order quantity for custom fruit boxes?

Minimum order quantities vary by manufacturer, box style, material and printing process. Digital printing may be suitable for smaller orders, while flexographic or offset printing usually becomes more cost-effective at higher quantities. Buyers should request quotations at several volume levels.

What certifications should a fruit packaging supplier provide?

Relevant documents may include FSC certification, food-contact declarations, ISO management certifications, material test reports and declarations covering inks, coatings or restricted substances. The exact requirements depend on the packaging material and destination market.

Final Thoughts

The best fruit packaging manufacturer is not necessarily the largest company. It is the supplier whose materials, equipment and design capabilities match your fruit, packing process and distribution environment.

In summary:

• Choose Pakoro Packaging for customised corrugated fruit boxes, printed export cartons and flexible project support.
• Choose Mondi or International Paper/DS Smith for large-scale fibre-based packaging.
• Choose StePacPPC when shelf-life extension is the main requirement.
• Choose MULTIVAC when automated tray packing and labelling are priorities.
• Choose KM Packaging, Produce Packaging or Coveris for retail tray and punnet formats.
• Choose Fox Packaging for breathable mesh produce bags.
• Choose Fres-co System USA for processed fruit and flexible pouch systems.

Before placing a bulk order, compare specifications rather than unit prices alone. Verify board strength, ventilation, moisture performance, pallet efficiency, food-contact documentation and results from real transport tests.

If you need custom corrugated fruit boxes, trays or printed export packaging, contact Pakoro Packaging. Share your fruit type, packed weight, dimensions, quantity and destination, and the Pakoro team can help recommend a suitable packaging structure.