Custom Packaging Solutions for Branding and Marketing in Catering

People who own a catering company or work in the industry know how challenging it can be to compete. With custom packaging solutions, they can enhance their branding and marketing efforts, addressing this pain point. 

Types of custom catering packaging solutions

Many catering companies use custom packaging solutions for the same reasons. Product preservation is among the most common because it mitigates in-transit damage and helps keep customers satisfied.

Tailor-made solutions ensure food remains intact and at the right temperature, preserving taste and texture. Customers will associate that heightened experience with quality and trustworthiness, making them more likely to use the brand again or recommend it to others. 

Branding is another common motive for businesses to customize their containers. In addition to making their boxes’ shapes exclusive to their business, it lets them incorporate their company logo or slogan into the design.

Since people attending catered events typically only ask who the caterer is if they have an upcoming event in mind, most guests won’t catch the company’s name—that is, unless every container, napkin and box is branded. 

Some business owners offer these containers as high-end alternatives to their standard service packages. A personalized paperboard box, spot gloss coating, or window patching finishes can make their premium products feel worthy of a higher price tag. 

Seasonal designs are standard for catering companies that use seasonal ingredients or celebrate certain holidays. They often roll out unique, limited-time designs, encouraging customers to splurge or inspiring a fear of missing out.

Using custom packaging for branding and marketing

Catering companies can leverage custom packaging to build their brand identity and promote their services.  

Enables user-generated content

Around 39% of people share online content to inform others about products or brands. Using personalized finishes to attach social media handles or contact details to containers encourages the creation of user-generated content—one of the most effective marketing tools.

Generates good press  

Countries are beginning to ban single-use plastics and non-recyclable containers. Reputation damage is a common consequence of noncompliance. With custom packaging, firms can adjust their designs as new regulations are released, ensuring they remain in compliance. 

In addition to avoiding bad press, catering companies get a unique opportunity to appeal to socially conscious consumers. Transitioning to sustainable solutions enables them to reduce their waste by up to 50% on average, which is a massive selling point.  

Offers merchandising opportunities 

Catering companies can go beyond the event and into consumers’ homes. Branding reusable tote bags, to-go cups, inserts and cutlery turns their packaging into a unique merchandising opportunity—the consumer will effectively advertise the brand for free. 

Influences first impressions 

First impressions are crucial. Research shows people make up their minds about a product within 90 seconds on average. If their first experience with the brand involves professional, memorable containers, they are more likely to associate it with those characteristics. 

Anyone viewing photos of the catered event should also have good first impressions. Since they can’t eat the food or interact with the caterers, packaging and presentation are the two deciding factors for whether they will ever use the company’s service. 

Enables memorable promotions 

Plain cardboard boxes and beverage containers aren’t effective advertisements. In a 2022 survey, 62% of consumers agreed they would only remain loyal to a brand if it personalized their experience. This sentiment applies to catering businesses.

The Business benefits of custom packaging in catering

Whether business owners add window patching to their containers or opt for personalized labels, customizing their containers helps them establish themselves in the competitive market. Over time, it can expand its customer base and increase its revenue.