The right packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of a restaurant’s takeout and delivery operation.
It goes far beyond just protecting the food during transit. As we work with our Imperial Dade customers across the US and Canada every day, we see how important packaging has become to the overall customer experience.
We know that the right packaging should be practical, keeping the food fresh and secure, while also being visually appealing and branded with the restaurant’s logo or design. Quality packaging adds a serving of care and helps build customer loyalty. So, when it comes to takeout, delivery, and grab-n-go sales, choosing the right packaging is a key ingredient for a successful operation.
As we prepare for our annual Coast to Coast Innovations Expo this month in New Jersey, we want to help our restaurant and foodservice customers establish an efficient and successful takeout and delivery operation by helping them find the right packaging solutions.
We’ve created a show floor at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus on Wednesday, September 20th that will bring together a wide range of suppliers specializing in foodservice and grocery packaging materials and innovations.
One goal of our Coast to Coast Innovations Expo is for restaurant owners and operators to explore numerous options, compare products, and assess the quality, durability, and sustainability of different packaging materials. Our show will enable restaurants to ensure they identify the most suitable packaging solutions that align with their brand image, maintain food quality, and enhance customer satisfaction in their takeout and delivery operations.
One of the big changes from the Pandemic experience was that products that were never before packaged for takeout and delivery found their way onto outbound menus for the first time. With that in mind, my advice is that you come with an open mind to this year’s show.
As you walk the Expo aisles, you are going to see new packaging configurations, alternative raw materials, and options with innovative attributes. You may spot something as simple as a box for a single slice of pizza to-go or a container that is microwavable and reusable.
If you merchandise grab-n-go items, look for square packages that are stackable and maximize shelf space. Boxes with windows and clear containers allow customers to look inside and see what they are purchasing. People eat with their eyes first, so displaying your menu items in an attractive way will increase sales and satisfaction.
For over a decade, many operators have asked questions about the importance of environmental factors related to packaging. As more manufacturers have developed eco-friendly solutions, we see more options including sizes, shapes, and price points. Compostable, recyclable, and reusable products are all available.
When considering if you want to change your packaging and use more sustainable options, consider the core values of your target customers. Many consumer research studies report that customers like to do business with companies whose values are in line with their own.
There has been recent concern about PFAS coatings, and some states have passed legislation banning the use of intentionally added PFAS in food packaging. Imperial Dade’s supplier partners offer many PFAS free options, and you can find those products at the Expo.
Our show will give you the opportunity to ask many of the nation’s leading manufacturers the tough questions that define your customer’s experience. You can find out the best options to eliminate leaks, prevent soggy French fries, and how to maintain temperature and texture. You can also discuss cost-saving strategies ranging from right-sizing to SKU consolidation.
The Expo will also feature new solutions for customization and branding. Today, logos and other company information can be printed, embossed, debossed, or added with cost effective labels to your packaging. QR codes on containers, napkins, and bags that link to your restaurant’s menu are a great way to increase exposure.
All foodservice operators are welcome to attend the Imperial Dade Coast to Coast Innovations Expo. Register for a complimentary badge at the website and walk ins are also welcome the day of the Expo!
