The demand for shipping food and beverages across cities, countries, and even continents has grown vastly. It can involve sending homemade sweets, gourmet products from a store, or exporting perishable items for business purposes. In all cases, food and beverage packaging plays a vital role for the quality, safety, and freshness of the items during transportation. Meanwhile, you can check our website to learn about the regulations, the best way to pack, and the specific needs of our couriers. 

Types of Food and Beverages Packaging Materials

However, it is a must to pack your food and beverages properly to avoid any spillage or delays. 

Primary Packaging

It means the packaging is directly on the food or beverage, such as:

• Plastic containers.
• Glass jars.
• Vacuum-sealed bags.
• Cans or tins. 

Secondary Packaging

This packaging helps in protecting the primary packaging. 

• Insulated boxes help maintain the temperature.
• Thermal liners and gel packs for cold chain logistics.
  Corrugated cardboard boxes for structure and protection.
• Bubble wrap to absorb shocks. 

Seals and Labels 

You must do packaging and labeling, as it helps in the safety of your courier. 

• Tamper-evident seals
• Customs-compliant labeling
• Ingredient and allergen declarations
• Fragile and “This Side Up” stickers

Why use Food and Beverages Packaging?

Packaging is not just about aesthetics. It is also about delivering consumable products. It is about preservation and protection. Effective packaging helps ensure that the product reaches its destination in optimal condition, maintaining both quality and hygiene. When the courier is not packed correctly, it can cause:

• Spoilage.
• Leaks and breakages
• Contamination and safety hazards
• Non-compliance with customs or health regulations

What is Temperature-Controlled Cold Packaging?

When you are delivering foods, such as frozen or perishable items, that must be kept at a specific temperature. We use temperature-controlled packaging to keep it safe during transportation. 

• Gel ice packs or dry ice help in keeping food cold or frozen
• Insulated foam containers to maintain internal temperatures
• Temperature indicators that show if the item got too warm during transit
• Refrigerated courier services are available with our shipping providers. 

Commonly Shipped Food and Beverages

Each category has its packaging requirements, determined by its temperature sensitivity, fragility, and shelf life.

Dry Foods – Chips, cereals, nuts, cookies, and powdered mixes.
Perishables – Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, and seafood.
Prepared Foods – Homemade dishes, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals.
Beverages – Bottled drinks, juices, wine, coffee, or specialty teas.
Frozen Items – Ice creams, frozen meals, and desserts.

Best Packaging Method for Beverages

Transmitting liquids includes additional tasks because of the leakage and breakage risk. It’s essential to check international shipping regulations, as many couriers and countries restrict the shipment of alcoholic beverages. Best practices include:

• Tightly seal the bottles with shrink wraps.
• Using leak-proof caps and inner liners.
• Packaging bottles separately with dividers inside boxes.
• Double-boxing fragile glass bottles.
• Avoid shipping carbonated beverages unless allowed exclusively by the courier.

What are the Legal Requirements for Food and Beverage Packaging?

When transporting food and beverages internationally, specific rules must adhere to both domestic and international food safety standards. Before booking a parcel, it is essential to be aware of the allowance and factors involved. 

Expiration and Shelf Life

You must only ship items that can survive the estimated delivery time. However, mention the expiration dates on packaging and documentation.

Restricted or Prohibited Items

Some foods, such as fresh dairy, meat, or alcohol, are prohibited or heavily restricted in certain countries due to quarantine laws or import regulations. Our agents will clarify with you the types of food and beverages that you can deliver. 

Courier-Specific Guidelines

Meanwhile, each courier provider may have specific packaging requirements. You can contact our professionals to determine if your courier can be delivered. Therefore, we offer a wide range of goods for delivery.

Customs Declarations

You must provide a complete commercial invoice that lists all ingredients and their corresponding values. Many destinations require a certificate of origin or a health certificate.

Tips for Shipping Food and Beverages 

Choose the Right Courier: You must select one with experience in food and beverage delivery for international shipping. We ship all kinds of products in a safe and temperature-controlled environment.
Use Express Shipping: When shipping perishable items, it is recommended to book express delivery services.
Track Your Shipment: With our courier services, you can use tracking-enabled services and share the tracking ID with the recipient.
Test Shipments: For businesses, send trial packages to test how your product holds up in transit.
Use Eco-Friendly Packaging: If possible, opt for biodegradable or recyclable materials to minimize your carbon footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Under what conditions should I not deliver food and beverages?

There are certain factors to consider when delivering your food items, such as whether they have been appropriately labeled, extreme weather conditions without adequate insulation, or if you have not checked courier restrictions on specific food types.

What food and beverage items cannot be shipped?

According to the country’s laws, certain items are prohibited, including fresh dairy, meat, and alcohol. For more information, you can contact our agents to learn about the allowance. 

Which food items can I deliver abroad?

You can deliver a variety of food items, including chips, cereals, nuts, cookies, fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, homemade dishes, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals. You can call our agents to book your parcel.

Can I deliver expired food?

No, before delivering, you must check the expiry of your food. Additionally, you should include expiration dates on both packaging and documentation.

Is a glass jar a primary packaging?

A glass jar is a primary packaging, which means it comes directly into contact with the food or beverage. There are other primary packages that you can use for your food couriers as well.