Food and catering businesses have different packaging requirements depending on whether their products are being consumed on-site or packaged and then delivered to their customers.
The best type of food packaging for your products depends on which of these categories your business falls into.
On-site vs delivered food businesses
Before we explore the different packaging requirements, let’s define which kinds of food businesses we’re referring to.
On-site food businesses
On-site food businesses are usually those that prepare and serve food on-site to be eaten by customers immediately or shortly after purchase.
This could include:
- Cafes and restaurants
- Bakeries
- Food counters and food trucks
- Food courts
- Market stalls
- Quick-service restaurants
With this type of business, the food doesn’t usually have to travel far before it’s eaten, so packaging is usually designed for convenience and presentation first.
Delivered food businesses
There are two main types of food businesses that package food for delivery: those that deliver food directly to customers, and those that operate B2B, transporting their products to be sold or consumed at other locations.
This could include:
- Food manufacturers
- Suppliers
- Wholesale distributors
- Takeaways
- Restaurants on Deliveroo/Uber Eats
- Meal prep boxes
These kinds of businesses need more reliable and robust packaging that can withstand longer journeys and more handling, without compromising the quality of the food inside.
Key food packaging requirements for on-site food businesses
When selecting the right packaging for food that is being consumed on-site or shortly after purchase, you may prioritise the following features:
- Visual appeal: Customers are interacting directly with your packaging on-site, so it needs to stand out and appeal to them to encourage them to buy it
- Ease of use: When food is being eaten on-site or on-the-go, the packaging needs to be easy to open, carry, and dispose of
- Speed and efficiency: Packaging needs to support fast service to ensure customers aren’t kept waiting too long for their food
- Lightweight: Durability is often less important if food is being consumed immediately, so lighter materials can be used to reduce cost and make handling easier
Key packaging requirements for transported food products
If food is being transported, packaging usually needs to be far more durable to protect it throughout its journey.
When packaging food for transportation, important features include:
- Leak-resistance: Product containers will need to have a leak-proof seal, particularly if they contain sauces, oils, or liquids.
- Heat retention and ventilation: When transporting hot food, for example, takeaway food, the packaging will need to maintain the temperature of the food. Depending on the type of food being transported, packaging may also need to allow for airflow to prevent condensation from making your food go soggy.
- Strength and durability: Packaging must be designed to withstand stacking, movement, and handling throughout its journey without damage.
- Tamper-evident seals: If more people are going to be handling your products, your customers will want reassurance that the food has not been tampered with.
- Visual appeal: Visually appealing packaging is still very important for businesses that deliver or distribute their products. High-quality branded packaging creates a more professional image, helping to build brand recognition and customer loyalty.
Can one type of food packaging work for both types of business?
In many cases, a single type of packaging can work effectively in both environments, but it really depends on what type of food you’re packaging.
Sturdy tamper-evident tubs and containers used to package foods like popcorn, yoghurt, ice cream, and confectionery often perform well in both environments, provided temperature is controlled carefully.
If it’s possible to use multi-purpose food packaging like the tubs and containers we supply, then this can save money and help to simplify operations.
Using fewer packaging variations also helps create a more consistent and recognisable brand experience for customers.
Ultimately, though, you need to choose the packaging that makes the most sense for the type of food you’re selling and how it is going to be stored, handled, and transported.
Buy multi-purpose food packaging containers from Venturepak
At Venturepak, we sell a wide range of high-quality food packaging solutions suitable for both in-store and delivery.
Whether you need premium branded tubs for in-store customers or durable containers for transporting your food products around the country, we can help you select the right packaging solutions for your needs.
Browse our full range of food packaging tubs and containers online, or give our team a call on 01744 425111 for help choosing the right packaging for your products.
