In South Africa, the food preservation card market is poised for steady expansion as rapid urbanization and shifting consumer lifestyles boost demand for packaged and convenience foods, driving reliance on preservation solutions to ensure shelf life and safety (CAGR ~3.5–4.1 %) A pivotal driver is the growth of the food processing and agricultural sectors, particularly in Gauteng (hosting over 60% of processing facilities) and KwaZulu‑Natal (accounting for ~28% of agricultural output and significant post‑harvest losses) . At the same time, rising consumer concern about synthetic ingredients and a strong preference for fresh, natural, clean‑label foods acts as a restraint, limiting acceptance of conventional preservative methods. However, this shift opens significant opportunities for innovation in natural, functional, and clean‑label preservation cards, as manufacturers launch organic acid and plant‑based solutions A prevailing trend is the increasing use of antimicrobial and antioxidant preservation techniques targeting meat, poultry and seafood applications, alongside sustainable packaging integrated with emerging smart and active solutions in the broader preservation ecosystem.