In catering, the food matters. That part’s a given. But in reality, it’s often everything around the food that catches people’s attention first. Before anyone takes a bite, they’ve already noticed the packaging, how things are laid out, how easy it is to eat on the go.
You don’t need to tear up your menu or bring in a stylist just to stand out. Most of the time, it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing small things better. Tweaks in how you serve, wrap, or label your food can change how people feel about your setup. It doesn’t take much. Just the right details, done with intention.
Here are five easy ways to freshen up your setup using products available through Café Brands.
1. Upgrade the Packaging Look
Just because it’s compostable doesn’t mean it has to look plain. In fact, eco-friendly packaging can make your brand look sharper and more up-to-date. Think strong boxes that hold their shape. Or fibre bowls that feel nice in the hand. Even clear lids that let your food speak for itself. These little choices do more than just carry your dish, they shape how your customers see you.
Good packaging should do more than hold your food. It should feel clean and deliberate. If the lid doesn’t fit right, if the box lets steam leak everywhere, if the wrap starts peeling, it all takes away from the quality of what’s inside. These small details shape how people see your business.
2. Labels That Do More Than Stick
Labels might be small, but they do a lot of heavy lifting. A well-placed sticker, logo, allergen info, a quick thank-you, can turn plain packaging into something that feels more thoughtful. And with Cafe Brands’ LabelLogic, reordering is straightforward. Handy if you’re running events or switching up your menu often. It’s not just about branding. It’s about making the whole thing feel considered.
Make your labels count. You could mention that you’re using local ingredients. Or that the tray is compostable. One small sticker can say a lot, if you let it.
3. Match the Packaging to the Occasion
Not every event feels the same, so the packaging shouldn’t all look the same either. What works for a staff lunch probably won’t suit a wedding. If it’s something more formal, like a reception or launch party, go for packaging that looks simple and neat, no shouting colours, nothing too busy. Something clean, maybe a soft texture that doesn’t try too hard but still feels considered.
Now, if you’re out at a market or serving food at a local festival, that’s a whole different setup. You need packaging that holds up, trays that can take the heat and a bit of sauce, wraps that don’t unravel halfway through, lids that stay put while people walk and eat.
There’s no perfect formula, but the better it fits the feel of the event, the more your setup blends in naturally. And whether people realise it or not, they do take note.
4. Use Serving Pieces That Simplify the Experience
Make it easier for people to carry, hold, and eat without making a mess. Café Brands supplies cutlery, napkins, and containers that aren’t just sustainable. They’re genuinely practical.
Pairing your mains with compostable cutlery that doesn’t snap under pressure? That’s memorable. So is a strong lid that doesn’t leak. Customers remember whether their food was easy to handle, and those little details make a big difference in whether they come back.
5. Talk About the Packaging, Just a Little
If your packaging is compostable, or your labels are recycled, or your trays are plant-based, say so. But keep it subtle.
You don’t need a giant banner. A line on the label or a small sign near the serving area works just fine. Something simple, like:
“This packaging is compostable and made from renewable materials.”
It’s not about making noise. It’s about showing care. People notice when you’ve made thoughtful choices. And they’re more likely to trust you for it.
Why These Details Matter
It’s the simple stuff that adds up. A better box. A label that says something. A setup that fits the mood. None of it takes away from the food. But it all adds to how people remember you. Want to improve how your service is seen, without touching the menu? Focus on the packaging. That’s where the difference is made.
Ready to refresh your setup? Explore Cafe Brands’ compostable packaging and labelling solutions and discover how small changes can make a lasting impression.
