Sourcing and Packaging Resources

Pickles can instantly improve the taste of anything. Pickles were traditionally made at home
and stored in ceramic or earthenware jars. Over the years, pickles have gradually been
manufactured and commercially marketed in the country as branded products. There are three
varieties of pickles: vinegar-based, citric-juice-based, and oil-based. Oil-based pickles, which
are packed with salts and spices that act as natural preservatives to increase shelf life and
keep the taste intact for a long period of time, are widely consumed in India. With a total
annual market valuation of 40,000 million, major players in the industry include Mother's
Recipe, Nilon's, and Priya, among others. These brands are connected to traditional stories
from war times and entered the industry with the goal of making home food available to
everyone, regardless of their financial status. Some relatively new brands with fresh
narratives entering the market are Bloom food Pickles and Goosebumps Pickles, which focus
on making pickles the main course rather than just a side dish.

Packaging
In our country, pickles are still sold in abundance. Traditionally, shopkeepers display
different types of pickles in large glass jars and weigh out the desired amount of pickle for
their customers. However, over the years, pickles packaged in glass bottles under various
brand names have gained immense popularity, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat. These
glass bottled pickles are nearly twice as expensive as traditional pickles due to the heavy
packing and transportation costs. They are perceived as being more sanitary and often appeal
to higher income customers.
Recently, cost-effective flexible pouches made of co-extruded and laminated materials have
emerged as ergonomic alternatives to glass jars. These pouches, which are called pillow
pouches or stand-up pouches, have a good display value and are sometimes preferred for their
convenience and ease of use. However, despite this development, brands are prefer using
glass jars because these flat pouches do not provide the same level of protection against
oxidation and are not as effective for heat sealing. This can lead to shrinkage during
transportation and storage.
 Glass Jars Plastic Pouches

Easy and light weight, it is cost efficient for

Delicate to transport and store, take up a lot
trasnportation, can be easily displayed in
of space
stores
Made of low density ploythene and is non-
Sustainable and can be reused
biodegradable, cannot be resued

Cost of manufacturing is high Cost of manufacturing is low

Shelf life- 2 years after opening in suitable Shelf life- 1 year after opening in suitable
temprature temprature

Better aesthetic appeal Plastic can become traslucent

Glass jars vs flat plastic pouches

Pickles can turn rancid due to microbial contamination or oxidation of the oil used in their
manufacture. Important parameters of packaging material to consider when determining shelf
life include:
1. Aroma retention
2. Excellent protection against light, moisture and oxygen
3. Excellent seal integrity for containment
4. Grease and oil resistance
5. Acid resistance
6. Good aesthetics and appearance
7. Water vapour transmission rate

NGO’s- sourcing and variety of product lines