When it comes to making your brand stand out from the competition, it's essential to consider all aspects of food presentation, including how it is packaged up and presented to the customer.

 

Packaging is an integral part of marketing your brand. Opting for custom packaging that aligns with your brand image will help to attract and retain customers, encourage them to post pictures of your food online, and spread the word about your business to their friends and family. 

 

When done well, packaging will embody your brand identity and demonstrate the value of your product. However, getting it right requires some careful consideration. Here are some tips for designing custom packaging that will have your customers queuing up, time after time.

 

1. Remember, functionality is paramount 

When choosing your packaging, the most important thing to consider is that it serves its purpose and makes consuming your food a pleasure for your customers.

 

Food items such as burgers should be packaged in greaseproof paper to allow customers to eat them without generating too much mess.

 

Even greaseproof paper can be customised by adding your logo and branding. Browse our printed greaseproof paper options here.

 

1. Keep your brand image at the forefront  

 

One of the main goals of your packaging is to ensure that your brand is recognisable, so whether you've just started out or your business is well established, make sure your custom packaging stays true to your brand image. Make use of your logo and use your brand's colour scheme.

 

A strong brand image can help grow your credibility within the industry, as it demonstrates quality and consistency, and consumers are more likely to return to credible brands.

 

This is particularly important to consider if you're selling food at a festival or event where there will be multiple competitors present. You'll want others to see your branding, which will encourage them to buy your product rather than your competitor's offerings.

 

1. Creativity is key

 

Colourful, exciting designs will make your packaging memorable and help to attract potential customers. 

 

You'll need to get creative to ensure that your packaging stands out from competitors. Consider playing around with unique fonts, bold patterns, and bright colours. But remember, your brand image should always be front and centre. 

 

1. Consider branded stamps

 

Custom-branded stamps are an easy way to add a small detail that instantly makes your packaging look unique. 

 

If you're selling pizzas, you can easily make your pizza boxes stand out from the rest by stamping your logo on the top of the box. 

 

Similarly, plain burger boxes can be personalised with a simple stamp on the lid – and our customisable, branded rubber stamps make light work of adding a professional finishing touch. 

 

 

1. Branded stickers

 

If you're on a tight budget, custom printed stickers can be used to jazz up standard packaging. 

 

For example, if you're selling burgers, don't just whack the food in a bog standard box, as it won't make your product stand out from other burger vans. Instead, add a branded sticker so that any on-looker knows where your customer's delicious-looking lunch came from.

 

Stickers can also be displayed alongside your till for customers to take to stick on things like their laptops or notebooks. This is a cost-effective way to secure extra advertising.

 

1. Use flags to indicate dietary requirements

 

During a busy service, it's common for those serving to lose track of specific dietary requirements.

 

Using printed food flags to mark portions that adhere to particular dietary requirements, such as vegan or gluten-free options, is one way to keep on top of any alterations. Additionally, it will help your staff to keep track of what's what during service.

 

 

1. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important 

 

More and more consumers are considering a brand's green credentials when choosing who to buy from. With this in mind, you'll want to ensure that your packaging has as low an environmental impact as possible.

 

For example, if you're a coffee company, you might consider opting for cups made from recycled paper. 

 

Above all, ensure you partner with a packaging brand committed to reducing its carbon footprint. 

 

Head over to our website to read more about our sustainability pact.

 

1. Themed packaging 

Make your packaging relevant to the time with limited edition designs that nod to different seasons or events. 

 

If you're selling your food at a Christmas fete, consider incorporating Christmas imagery into your packaging, such as Christmas trees or elves. This can help to generate a buzz around your brand and encourage your customers to share images on their social media.

 

Similarly, if you're selling your food at a company event, consider adding their logo to your packaging (with their permission). This will make them more likely to share images of your food on their own channels, as it includes a direct nod to their event.

 

1. Motivate your customers to share images on social media 

 

Nowadays, social media is a key tool for brands to generate traction and encourage new clients to try their products. 

 

User-generated content (UGC) is one of the ways that businesses can spread the word about their brand with very little leg work.

 

Interesting and colourful packaging for your food will motivate your customers to share aesthetically appealing images of your product on their social media accounts. 

 

Consider including your social media handles on your packaging to make it easier for customers to share photos of your food with their followers.

 

1. Printed bags for take outs

 

The bag that your food is delivered in will be the first thing your customer sees when they receive their order.

 

If you're selling your food to customers via a delivery service such as Uber Eats or Deliveroo, give the end customer a great first impression of their meal with custom-printed paper bags.

 

Look at our custom paper bag options here.

 

Bespoke food packaging with Pack Genie

If you are on the hunt for high-quality custom food packaging, we can provide a range of packaging options to cover your every requirement. 

 

Get in touch to discuss your packaging needs. We're more than happy to help.

 

Tags: packaging, packaging design, packaging tips, custom packaging, food business