For nearly 70 years, Kurt Zuhlke & Associates has been a trusted name in produce packaging, known for its innovation in PET clamshells, liners and thermoformed solutions that keep fruits and vegetables protected, visible and retail-ready. 

Even as economic pressures, shifting customer needs and supply-chain complexities continue to reshape the industry, company President Kurt Zuhlke sees steady demand, a healthy year ahead and new opportunities to bring sustainable packaging options to growers, packers and retailers.

The Easton, PA-based company, widely recognized for its pioneering use of recycled PET (RPET), has long been committed to packaging that prevents unnecessary handling, maintains freshness and presents produce clearly on the shelf. 

Looking back on 2025, Zuhlke described it as a good, steady year despite ongoing industry challenges. 

“It had its ups and downs, in the end it rebounded back and came up pretty good,” he said. “We didn’t have a bumper year, but it was a good year, considering all the tariffs that came into play, but that’s all over now. Everybody’s adjusted to it.”

Despite headlines of economic uncertainty, Zuhlke noted many of the growers, shippers and retailers he interacts with seem to be adapting well. 

“I don’t think it’s as bad as people make it out to be,” he said. “There’s a lot of negative publicity about the economy and everything being so expensive, but I haven’t been able to find it. Everybody seems to be adjusted now.”

One of the company’s biggest priorities heading into 2026 is maintaining its presence at industry events and staying close to customers. 

“Between my son and I, we’re hitting every trade show you can find,” Zuhlke said. “The goal is to meet the people buying the product — let them see it, touch it, feel it and be comfortable with it so they’ll give us a chance to supply them.”

That personal engagement is especially important as the company introduces a promising new offering this year: a paper-based liner for 15-pound tomato boxes and Euro boxes. The liner serves as an alternative to recycled PET versions already in the company’s lineup. 

“It’s really disposable and easy,” Zuhlke said. “It can be thrown in the garbage or composted. It’s an advantage in some ways.” 

As with any new packaging format, adoption will take time. 

“People are leery,” Zuhlke said. “It’s a new item, but once they try it, nine out of 10 of them will probably go with it.”

Demand overall remains strong across his product catalog and that’s expected to bring good things in 2026.

“People want to order early because they’re afraid they won’t be able to order later,” Zuhlke said. “Some companies are running out of product or didn’t build enough inventory. That’s a corporate problem — something corporations create for consumers and farmers, and they don’t need that.”

Zuhlke also sees opportunity emerging from shifting regulatory and tariff landscapes. If the Supreme Court rules past tariffs unlawful, companies could see refunds, returning meaningful cash flow to importers and exporters. 

“That would be a cash cow for everybody who had to pay more,” he said.

At the same time, rising costs across the supply chain continue to influence business decisions for his customers. Retailers are adjusting prices, recalibrating promotions and using specials to drive traffic. 

“They’re just readjusting,” Zuhlke said. “Once they do readjust to the way it is now, it looks good. I think it’ll be good for retail.”

As the company looks toward its 70th anniversary in produce packaging, Zuhlke is focused on consistency, quality and helping retailers avoid costly mistakes — especially around packaging choices that may look sustainable but don’t perform. 

“There’s a lot of packaging out there that just won’t work,” he said. “We try to push stores to test things. Once they do, they usually realize what’s right.”