Any foodservice establishment knows that many ingredients go into making their business the best possible: the food, the environment, the convenience, the level of service, and the cost. One other ingredient helps support all the rest – foodservice packaging and finding the right packaging supplier.
In this article we will dive into how to choose the right packaging supplier for your foodservice business by considering nine major factors. Let’s start with one of the big ones – Selection.
Choose a Packaging Supplier with a Wide Selection
QSRs, deli counters, and other foodservice establishments that offer takeout, grab-and-go, and delivery require many different types of foodservice packaging and supplies to run their business. Included in that list are disposable cups, straws, plates, bowls, trays, lidded containers, clamshell containers, zipped bags, and takeaway tote bags.
Some foodservice businesses also require packaging that enables them to ship products directly to consumers.
Working with a packaging supplier that is able to offer choice amongst all of the items you need, and through a single source, will make your ongoing purchasing process much smoother than juggling multiple suppliers.
Choose a Packaging Supplier with Innovative Options
The foodservice industry is growing rapidly due to consumer demand and their gravitation towards a preference for delivery and to-go ordering. This has resulted in a major emphasis on foodservice packaging with rapid innovations in sustainability, form, function, and cost savings.
Major packaging innovations have included using more renewable materials in manufacturing and the development of compostable straws.
Choosing a supplier that is keeping up with foodservice packaging trends and provides options among the leading innovations, will ensure that your business can adapt quickly when needed or desired.
Choose a Packaging Supplier with Product Availability
Challenges for foodservice businesses arise when there is not enough packaging in the store or when restocking will not happen quickly enough. Working with a packaging supplier with a strong track record of product availability and on time delivery is important to running a smooth business.
Suppliers that have alternatives on hand are a good fail safe in the event you have misjudged your ordering cadence and have to place an emergency order.
Once you are in a purchasing rhythm with your foodservice packaging supplier, it will become easier for both parties. Your supplier will ensure having stock on hand, and you will be confident knowing that you can get what you need, when you need it.
Choose a Responsive Packaging Supplier
Once you have identified a packaging supplier that has great product options and availability, consider how quickly you can receive your orders. In some cases, you can set up recurring orders that ship in a predetermined schedule, ensuring that you will have all the supplies you need on time.
In other cases, you may find yourself in an emergency order situation in which case you need assurance that your supplier can ship products to you quickly – even overnight. Good suppliers are able to ship for quick delivery and help you determine the right amounts to purchase and a recurring purchasing schedule that will ensure timely delivery.
Choose a Packaging Supplier Who is Established & Experienced
Working with a packaging supplier that has successfully been in business for a number of years is an indicator that they will be equipped to serve your needs. Suppliers that are established have created long-standing relationships with manufacturers to ensure that their product lines are built on quality, are innovative, and are desirable.
These long-standing relationships with manufacturers also provide the added benefit of a strengthened supply chain limiting your risk of exposure that inherently comes with newly established suppliers.
Experienced packaging suppliers are equipped to make solid product recommendations and work with you on special requests.
Choose a Packaging Supplier Who is Proven
Proven packaging suppliers are willing to share whom else they work with. Suppliers who work with other well-known brands as well as local independent retailers, show that they are trusted to provide excellent products and service to many different types of clients.
A track record of success is a key indicator that the packaging supplier will serve your business well, too.
Choose a Cost-Effective Packaging Supplier
Packaging is one of the major costs associated with running a foodservice business. Working with a supplier that can help you reduce costs through a great selection of packaging options combined with economies of scale pricing, is highly beneficial.
By choosing a packaging supplier that works with other known brands, even the smallest foodservice business can take advantage of the supplier’s purchasing power.
Choose a Packaging Supplier that Offers Eco-Friendly Products
It is no surprise that consumers are favoring sustainable packaging made from renewable materials, is biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable.
As demand shifts in this direction, it is important to work with a supplier that can provide packaging that meets this demand.
Most packaging now has options that match eco-friendly goals. Working with a supplier that has these options on hand will help you completely shift or move towards eco-friendly packaging over time.
Choose a Packaging Supplier that Offers Branding
For many foodservice businesses, the form and function of packaging needs to be married with their store branding. This can be in the form of colored packaging or the addition of logos or slogans to single-use cups, for example.
Branding is an integral part of the consumer experience whether it be opening a container or carrying a to-go bag. Foodservice packaging suppliers who offer customized branding services along with a great selection of products will ensure that you have the most flexibility.
Let Servous Be Your Foodservice Packaging Supplier of Choice
At Servous, our proven packaging product specialists work with many foodservice providers such as Sysco, Popeyes, US Foods, Arby’s, Darden, and many more.
It is our pleasure to help our customers choose the right foodservice packaging for their business while also providing cost savings.
Our wide array of foodservice packaging options covers use cases for grocery stores, QSRs, delis, grab-and-go, takeout, and even catering.
Let our specialists at Servous walk you through our different offerings as well as tell you about our many customizing options. We can help you find just the right solutions for your store or restaurant to match your budget.
Contact us today to speak with our sustainable packaging experts.
