Title
Wholesale Packaging 101
Ever wonder what kind of package to use for your products?
Designed for farmers new to wholesale markets, this resource covers the basics of wholesale packaging, including:
- An introduction to common wholesale packaging options
- Industry standards for different produce items, including standard specs, types of packaging, and quantities
- Packaging companies recommended by other farmers in IL-EATS
Packaging is the first line of defense against product damage, potential contaminants, and moisture or temperature control, making it an essential step in the journey from farm to consumer.
Packaging food products properly is a critical step in selling to wholesale markets. Packaging should contain, protect, and identify the produce. While each aggregator, distributor, or IL-EATS lead agency may have different packaging requirements, there are generally recognized standards for packaging that will be outlined in this guide. These guidelines are meant to serve as a starting point for wholesale markets. It is always recommended that you communicate directly with your buyer.
Packaging Specifications
Always buy high-quality white waxed boxes. Cheap boxes will collapse during shipment and cost you more money. Be sure you have the correct packaging before making purchases. Packaging must be safe and adequate for the intended food product. It is recommended to avoid reusing packages designed for single use. Reference the Wholesale Packaging 101 Printable PDF for recommendations by product.
Common Wholesale Packaging Options
Common options for wholesale packaging include bags, crates, baskets, boxes, flats, and bulk bins.
Common Codes
- 1-1/9 Bushel Box: KD-332
- ½ Bushel Box: KD-369
- ¾ Bushel Box: KD-020
- 1-7/8 Cabbage Box: KD-38
Labeling
Each case or box must include a basic label or sticker that can be handwritten, printed, or pre-printed with the following information:
- Name of farm/business
- Farm address (optional)
- Product name
- Quantity in box/case
- Date packed
For more information on labeling, review the Farmer Welcome Packet.
Recommended Packaging Companies
Belmark
Belmark provides custom, eco-friendly labels and packaging—whether you're selling at a farmers market or scaling up for wholesale. Fast, flexible, and ready to grow with your farm.
- Address: 600 Heritage Road, De Pere, WI 54115
- Phone: 920-280-3524
- Email: getstarted@belmark.com
- Website: https://www.belmark.com/sustainability/eco-friendly-product-packaging/
Glacier Valley Enterprise
Glacier Valley Enterprises supplies farmers with harvest tools, produce containers, jars, scales, and market signs—everything you need to pack, weigh, and sell your products.
- Address: 600 South Blvd., Baraboo, WI 53913
- Phone: 608-356-2244
- Email: sales@glacierv.com
- Website: https://www.glacierv.com/
Good Start Packaging
Good Start Packaging is a certified B corporation that provides eco-friendly, compostable packaging solutions—like clamshells, produce bags, and labels—tailored for farms. With wholesale pricing and no case minimums, they support both small-scale and wholesale needs.
- Address: 10 Corporate Drive, Suite 201, Bedford, NH 03110
- Phone: 866-971-9251
- Website: https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/produce-containers/
Monte Package Company
Monte Package Company is a family-owned business that has been serving the agricultural community since 1925. They offer a wide range of packaging solutions, including labels, clamshells, corrugated boxes, wooden baskets, and produce containers, and combine decades of industry experience with modern logistics to provide reliable, high-quality packaging solutions.
- Address: 3752 Riverside Road, Riverside, MI 49084
- Phone: 800-653-2807
- Website: www.montepkg.com
Rockford Package Supply
Rockford Package Supply is a family-owned company offering produce packaging like clamshells, bags, boxes, and labels. They serve farms, markets, and agritainment businesses with eco-friendly and custom options.
- Address: 1080 Vitality Drive, Comstock Park, MI 49321
- Phone: 800-444-7225
- Email: onlinesupport@rockfordpack.com
- Website: https://rockfordpack.com/
Uline
Uline offers a comprehensive range of packaging solutions suitable for farmers, including produce boxes, mesh bags, berry baskets, egg cartons, and produce bags. Their extensive inventory and efficient delivery system make them a convenient choice for agricultural packaging needs.
- Address: 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
- Phone: 1-800-295-5510
- Email: customer.service@uline.com
- Website: https://www.wunderlichbox.com/
- Note: Uline offers a durable bag (ID S-1257) that works well for up to 50 pounds of bagged root vegetables or 5-10 pounds of greens.
Wunderlich Fibre Box Co.
Wunderlich Fibre Box Co., a family-owned business since 1860, offers custom corrugated boxes and display packaging solutions. Serving farmers and food producers, they provide durable, eco-friendly packaging to protect and showcase fresh produce from harvest to market.
- Address: 821 Clinton Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
- Phone: 314-231-1488
- Website: https://www.wunderlichbox.com/
Learn More
Special thanks to Marbleseed for the use of their Produce Specifications included in the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Direct to Farmer Grant Guide, and to the farmers in Illinois who provided insight on packaging companies.
Chicago Food Policy Action Council. (2021). Pt. IV: Requirements for Institutional Markets. Chicago Food Policy Action Council. https://www.chicagofoodpolicy.com/producer-manual-requirements
Marbleseed (2024). Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Direct to Farmer Grant Guide. Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. (p. 11 & quick reference 1-5) https://www.wilocalfood.org/
Sykes, L. (2010). Wholesale Packing Resource Guide (p. 8). New Entry Sustainable Farming Project. https://www.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/Wholesale-Packing-Resource-Guide.pdf