Spare the Spills! Tips for Optimal Packaging
While operators everywhere have noticed the drop in dine-in patrons since the beginning of the pandemic, takeout and delivery orders have increased. According to Technomic, consumers place off-premises orders four to five times per month on average, and their decision to carry or order out rather than dining in is based on three main factors:
- Food tasting as good as when dining in
- Food tasting as fresh as when dining in, and
- Food and beverages maintaining the right temperature by the time they arrive at their destination.
Since packaging can have a significant impact in these three areas, operators should consider their packaging options carefully. Consumers say these packaging attributes are the most important:
- 72% - Does not leak or spill
- 60% - Maintains the food and beverage temperature
- 52% - Easy to use
- 51% - Has separate compartments so that foods do not mix
- 49% - Is sealed with a tamper-proof sticker
- 47% - Is aesthetically pleasing
- 43% - Food can be reheated in its original packaging
- 42% - Food can be eaten directly from the container
By giving attention to the quality of off-premises food packaging, operators can ensure the integrity of customers’ food until it reaches them. In turn, customers will be more likely to repeat their patronage of a restaurant that takes these steps to optimize the off-premises dining experience.
How will you optimize packaging for takeout? Share your thoughts on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages. Or visit our Resource Center for more tips and trends.
Source: Technomic Delivery & Takeout Consumer Trend Report, 2022
