Market Overview

The domestic beverage contract packer (co-packer) market reached 560,000 million yen in FY2023, a 7.1% increase from the previous fiscal year, based on beverage co-packer sales. The market is projected to reach 570,000 million yen in FY2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth and representing a 1.8% increase from the previous fiscal year. Although the market once precipitated due to the pandemic, it is expected to return to the FY2019 level by FY2024.

The main growth factor in FY2023 was the increased unit prices for processing, which many beverage manufacturers (hereinafter referred to as brand owners) accepted. This increase occurred alongside increased demand for beverages stemming from heat waves. These factors led to a dramatic increase in the value of the beverage co-packer market. However, the actual market size by volume expanded only slightly, just like the beverage market size. 

Noteworthy Topics

PET Bottle Production Structure in Brand Owners and Packers

Currently, PET bottles are the standard container for the beverage market. Therefore, manufacturing PET bottles is a pivotal investment for both brand owners and beverage contract packers (or co-packers). Since many brand owners use PET bottles to package their beverages, co-packers are needed to strengthen production lines that cater to PET bottles.  

Large brand owners primarily invest in aseptic production lines aiming to reduce product volume, costs, and weight. However, many co-packers have hot-fill production lines. To receive more orders from major brand owners, co-packers need to introduce aseptic production lines. This is an expensive investment, so only a few co-packers can implement these lines.

Future Outlook

Brand owners strive to produce as much as possible in-house to minimize quality, cost, and supply risks. However, not all products can be produced in-house; therefore, co-packers are essential. Close alignment with co-packers are needed particularly for products that require flexible production systems or adaptability to changes. The growing number of private brand products also increases the opportunity for co-packers to accept orders.
In the future, the relationship between brand owners and co-packers will likely evolve into strategic partnerships because engagement and role assignment will be the key to gaining a competitive market edge.  

Research Outline