NCCO International The world of foodservice has continued to transform in recent years. One of the most significant and sustained changes has been the rise of takeout and delivery. Once a luxury reserved for special occasions, takeout has become a staple of everyday life for people across the globe. Whether it’s a comforting bowl of ramen, a gourmet burger, or a carefully prepared sushi platter, customers increasingly expect high-quality dining experiences to be available to-go or delivered directly to their doorsteps. This shift in dining habits presents both an opportunity and a challenge for restaurants: How do you maintain the quality of your food and the satisfaction of your customers when they aren’t dining in?
The key lies in creating a memorable takeout experience. Packaging plays a central role in this. Packaging is no longer just about keeping food hot or cold; it’s about ensuring safety, maintaining food integrity, reducing errors, and making a positive impression that customers will remember. In the following blog we’ll explore why it’s essential for restaurants to invest in the right takeout packaging and supplies, and how the right products can help elevate your takeout service.
The Rise of Takeout and Delivery: A New Era for Foodservice
The demand for takeout and delivery has skyrocketed over the past decade, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Restaurant Association, as much as 60% of adults in the U.S. now order takeout or delivery at least once a week. This trend is not expected to slow down anytime soon. In fact, a study by QSR Magazine found that 78% of consumers want restaurants to continue offering takeout and delivery even as in-person dining returns to pre-pandemic levels.
Takeout food has seen similar growth across the globe. In places like China and India, food delivery apps like Meituan and Zomato have become major players in the foodservice industry. With the rise of digital ordering and the increasing preference for convenience, restaurants must adapt to meet these evolving customer expectations. This shift has made it imperative for foodservice providers to offer high-quality, secure, and efficient takeout experiences.
Why Packaging Matters: More Than Just a Box
When customers choose to order takeout, they expect a dining experience that mirrors what they would receive in a restaurant. The way food is packaged plays a critical role in achieving this. Here are some key reasons why investing in quality packaging is essential for your takeout business:
- Food Integrity and Presentation The packaging you use must preserve the quality of the food. For hot foods, it’s important to maintain temperature, and for cold foods, the packaging should prevent wilting or melting. In addition, packaging that’s visually appealing can help enhance the perceived value of your food, turning an ordinary takeout meal into a special treat.
- Safety and Security As takeout food is transported outside the restaurant, there are potential concerns about food tampering. Customers want to feel confident that their food has not been altered or mishandled. This is where tamper-evident labels become essential.
- Efficient Order Management High-volume takeout operations can become chaotic without a system to keep orders organized. Labels and clear markings help streamline the process, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. Speed is critical, but accuracy is equally important for customer satisfaction.
- Brand Image and Customer Experience Packaging is an extension of your restaurant’s brand. Whether it’s a simple logo on the container or a carefully chosen color scheme, packaging can communicate your brand’s personality and values. A well-designed package adds to the overall experience and encourages repeat business.
Essential Packaging & Supplies for Takeout Success
To meet the demands of today’s takeout and delivery-driven world, it’s important to have the right tools and supplies in place. Here’s how NCCO’s products can help your restaurant give its takeout and delivery operations a boost:
SecureIt™ Tamper-Evident Labels
When customers place an order for delivery or takeout, one of their biggest concerns is whether their food has been tampered with during transit. Tamper-evident labels are a simple yet effective solution to this problem. NCCO’s SecureIt™ Tamper-Evident Labels feature special cut marks that break if meddled with, providing extra peace of mind for customers. These labels adhere to a variety of packaging materials, including paper, plastic, foil, and cardboard, making them versatile enough for any type of takeout container.
BPA-Free Sticky Back POS Rolls
Efficiency is key in a high-volume takeout operation. NCCO’s BPA-free Sticky Back POS Rolls are designed to help restaurants streamline their order management. These pressure-sensitive adhesive receipts adhere securely to a range of surfaces, from plastic containers to cardboard boxes. By clearly labeling each order with the necessary information – like order number, contents, and special requests – restaurants can reduce errors, improve accuracy, and increase overall efficiency.
DateCodeGenie® Automated Labeling System
When it comes to food safety, accuracy is everything. NCCO’s DateCodeGenie® automated labeling system helps restaurants meet the demanding regulatory requirements of food labeling, including nutrition and allergen information, as well as date labeling for “Made, Ready, Discard” (MRD) and expiration dates. By automating the process, your kitchen staff can easily affix the necessary labels to takeout orders, ensuring that your customers are informed, and your restaurant remains compliant. This system reduces the risk of human error, enhances efficiency, and ultimately leads to higher customer satisfaction. The added convenience of labeling also boosts back-of-house operations, making it easier for your staff to manage inventory and track product freshness.
Delivering the Ultimate Takeout Experience
In a world where convenience is king and customers are looking for quality dining experiences at home, creating a memorable takeout experience is more important than ever. By investing in high-quality packaging, secure labeling systems, and efficient tools, restaurants can ensure that their customers receive food that is safe, fresh, and delicious – every time.
We at NCCO understand the importance of packaging and labeling in the modern foodservice landscape. From SecureIt™ tamper-evident labels to BPA-free Sticky Back6 POS rolls and the DateCodeGenie labeling system, we offer products that help streamline your operations and ensure the satisfaction and security of your customers. As takeout and delivery continue to rise in popularity worldwide, it’s time for restaurants to invest in the right takeaway packaging and supplies. With the right tools and attention to detail, you can deliver not only a great meal but a memorable experience that keeps customers coming back for more.