6 Ways Food and Beverage Brands Can Streamline Operations | Food and Beverage

6/4/2025

MarketsandMarkets reports that the global food and beverage industry is projected to see a 9.4% year-over-year growth in key product segments from 2024 to 2029, driven by an expansion in product variety. This surge reflects growing consumer demand for diversity, sustainability, and transparency, which, along with rapid innovation and evolving shopper preferences, are reshaping how food and beverage brands go to market.

Take packaging, for instance: Across the industry, packaging strategies are adapting to consumer expectations that vary widely by age. According to FoodBev Media, 87% of 18-24-year-olds and 80% of 25-34-year-olds are more likely to buy products that highlight health benefits. Meanwhile, Mintel reports that over 80% of older consumers (55+) “expect the usual”: clear expiration dates and detailed nutrition facts.
How can brands stay agile in a market that demands faster, smarter, and more sustainable product launches — all while controlling costs? Here are six ways to streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and drive growth:

1. Optimize packaging and labels to drive speed, savings, and compliance

In a category where speed matters and complexity is the norm, packaging and label missteps can delay launches, add costs, and jeopardize compliance. As product lines expand and consumer demands evolve, brands need more than just packaging that looks good — they need packaging that performs across different channels, climates, and SKU variations.

To move faster and reduce friction:

• Seek end-to-end label support: Working with fragmented vendors can add complexity and risk. A single-source label provider can deliver all label types — prime, cut-and-stack, warehouse, shipping, and specialty formats like instant redeemable coupons and RFID. Consolidated support streamlines production, improves compliance, and helps keep deliveries accurate and on time.
• Audit for accuracy and agility: Regularly review your packaging and labels to confirm claims, disclosures, and nutrition panels are consistent, accurate, and current — and compliant with evolving regulations.
• Use expertise to your advantage: Partner with a vendor who can guide packaging format decisions (e.g., offset vs. digital), recommend performance-boosting or cost-saving substrates, and pre-test materials to evaluate real-world application.
• Consolidate packaging design and production: Undergoing packaging program development with a single-source partner accelerates timelines — and can help eliminate costly handoffs.
• Stay retail-ready and shelf-compliant: Choose packaging strategies that meet channel-specific requirements and stand out with food and beverage consumers.

2. Streamline SKU management for operational excellence

Managing a growing array of SKUs — including new flavors and seasonal offerings — introduces complexity in packaging, labeling, and compliance. One mistake can delay launches, inflate costs, or trigger regulatory penalties. In fact, according to a new study by TraceGains, 71% of food and beverage suppliers report that outdated processes, including manual SKU management, create inefficiencies in their day-to-day operations.

To gain control, prioritize:

• Centralizing workflows: Adopt a unified platform to manage packaging and label assets, eliminating redundant approvals. Collaborate with experts who can create alignment across marketing, procurement, and compliance teams.
• Standardizing brand assets: Lock in logos, claims, and disclosures for consistent reuse across SKUs, contributing to adherence to industry standards.
• Partnering for scale: Collaborate with a full-service provider who can help adapt to fluctuating demand. RRD helped Dumpling Daughter leverage this strategy to transform their product containers into award-winning retail and e-commerce packaging.

3. Accelerate launches with integrated automation

Innova Market Insights research shows that 33% of global consumers are intrigued by new, unique flavors, while 25% are drawn to exotic global combinations. These trends create opportunities for brands to launch new product lines for receptive consumers. However, slow launches open the door to competitors. Siloed teams, manual proofing, and disconnected fulfillment processes create bottlenecks that delay market entry and drive up costs.

To launch faster without compromising quality:

• Establish a single source of truth: Centralize packaging specs, labels, and marketing assets in a cloud-based platform. Prioritize version control and traceability across multiple SKUs.
• Automate repetitive processes: Leverage automated workflows to streamline repetitive tasks like proofing and point-of-sale kit fulfillment.
• Integrate end-to-end operations: Combine design, printing, and distribution to minimize rework, as a leading cookie brand did to accelerate e-commerce growth and improve packaging durability.

4. Strengthen brand consistency across all touchpoints

A cohesive brand fosters trust. However, managing multiple SKUs, formats, and channels increases your risk of errors — a mismatched label or outdated claim can lead to compliance fines or consumer distrust. In fact, Constant Contact research found that 47% of marketers cite brand consistency as a top challenge. 
To maintain a strong and cohesive brand: 

• Implement brand-consistent design and testing processes: Collaborate with a provider who can manage color and consistency across both packaging and labels — and provide quality and regulatory compliance with in-house testing and prototyping.
• Standardize critical elements: Employ precise color management and substrate consistency.
• Conduct proactive audits: Consider partnering for label research and testing. Evaluating label materials for durability, performance, and environmental resistance can help you identify material risks and maintain packaging integrity.

5. Embrace sustainable packaging without complexity

Sustainability is now a non-negotiable. According to Deloitte, 66% of consumers prioritize eco-friendly brands, and regulations like the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the European Union (EU) are tightening their standards. Balancing green goals with cost and performance can seem challenging, but it’s attainable with the right strategies.

To strategically integrate sustainability practices:

• Optimize packaging design: Design changes, like deploying right-size folding cartons, can reduce waste and save costs. RRD helped Drake’s Brewing use this approach to cut material use by 25% — and transition to 100% recycled, Forest Stewardship Council-certified materials.
• Incorporate eco-friendly substrates: Replace existing materials with greener options like biodegradable paperboard or linerless labels.
• Leverage expert guidance: Specialized support can help with sustainable material selection — like transitioning to recycled paperboard or compostable beverage carriers — and cost-saving green initiatives.

6. Build agile logistics for dynamic market demands

Amidst complicated global market conditions, RRD research shows that 87% of packaging decision-makers report altering sourcing due to supply chain disruptions. Brands need logistics strategies that not only adapt to shifting demand but also assist with accurate product delivery.

To strengthen your logistics operations:

• Optimize warehouse, shipping, and transportation labels: Accurate, high-quality labels can improve operations, reduce errors, and advance fast and accurate e-commerce fulfillment.
• Scale efficiently: A partner with multilocation production and fulfillment can support regional demand and faster delivery — and help streamline kitting, printing, and distribution. 
• Adopt modular designs: Create adaptable kit formats for evolving SKUs to promote dynamic campaigns, like seasonal offers or new product launches.
• Enable real-time visibility: Inventory monitoring systems should provide accurate, nationwide stock tracking to support on-time, reliable delivery.

Position your brand for success

By prioritizing agility, consistency, efficiency, and sustainability, you can effectively reduce costs and achieve scalable growth — and capture market share in a complex landscape.

RRD’s solutions — including integrated marketing, packaging, labels, and supply chain support — empower you to navigate complexity while delivering exceptional brand experiences.