Great packaging is a fundamental aspect of any food delivery business.
It’s the first thing your customers will see – an opportunity for your virtual kitchen brand to create a positive first impression. Once opened, packaging also makes the difference between beautifully presented, piping-hot food and disappointing dishes.
Even after your customers have finished their meals, environmental concerns and disposability are still relevant…
So, packaging is important at every step of your customer’s journey. It’s a clever way of ensuring your restaurant sticks in customers minds, but one that’s often overlooked by food franchises.
Today, we present 5 inspirational food delivery packaging ideas – allowing you to capitalise on any opportunities coming your way.
Whilst design-led packaging with brilliant branding is certainly important – if the materials aren’t eco-friendly, it won’t make a great first impression.
Use packaging that represents your restaurant’s values. This is particularly important for plant-based brands, where environmental concerns are often behind many consumers’ dietary decisions.
Fully compostable materials such as recycled cardboard and paper are great options, with plenty of moisture-proof and heat conserving products on the market.
Have you heard of “seed-infused” packaging solutions? This innovative packaging allows customers to grow plants at home.
Think about ways you can use fun ideas like this to add to your brand.
For instance, if you serve spicy chicken wings – what about chilli seeds? Healthy smoothies? Could you give away strawberry seeds? You get the idea…
Building on the importance of fun, environmentally friendly containers – the best food delivery packaging is minimalist and pared-back.
This means superfluous plastic cutlery and mountains of napkins are strictly out.
Focus on using just what’s needed to communicate your brand and protect your food. This has the added benefit of saving money by reducing unnecessary components.
Reusable packaging has the potential to save money and increase repeat orders.
To implement this packaging idea, could you run a scheme with refillable containers, encouraging customers to reuse their packaging? It’s a smart way of keeping your brand at the forefront of diners’ minds, whilst simultaneously improving your environmental impact.
Remember your packaging is the first thing customers see. So what impression do you want to make? Little touches like hand-writing customer names or thank-you notes goes a long way.
If you’re targeting younger diners, bright and fun colourful designs work well. Could you also consider collectible designs printed on containers? If your brand is more high-end and health-focused, neutral tones and a minimalist approach will get this message across.
The key is communicating your core message in a personalised manner, without being too gimmicky.
To complete the package, so to speak, remember your packaging has the potential to increase customer satisfaction and reviews, heighten brand awareness as well as protect your dishes.
Great packaging will ensure your food arrives on doorsteps in perfect condition, delighting customers every time.
Peckwater Brands provide kitchen operators with fully-serviced food concepts – including advice on branding, packaging, platform listings, suppliers and technology. Get in touch today to tell us about your goals. You run the kitchen, we do the rest.