Disposable fast food utensils have long since ceased to be just containers for transporting delicious and hot food. Packaging is a powerful marketing tool that entices visitors as much as the aroma of a freshly cooked burger.
The market of disposable tableware for fast food in Ukraine has changed over 2016-2017. Many companies estimate market volume growth at 10-15% annually. According to various expert estimates, the disposable tableware market is as high as $45 million. The main buyers of fast food utensils are bars, coffee shops, restaurants, pastry shops, catering companies and other establishments.
Companies that deliver food to homes are contributing to the increase in demand. The fast food market in Ukraine amounted to $230 mln in 2016. Airlines and gas station chains, which have developed the product segment well over 2014-2017, are actively using disposable containers. In total, Ukraine produces disposable tableware worth 45 million dollars.
Disposable tableware can be made from:
- paper (cardboard);
- plastic;
- polystyrene foam (PPS);
- foil;
- parchment;
- Kraft.
Branding agency KOLORO will develop the design of disposable tableware in the corporate style of the institution.
If we compare the volume of use of such utensils in Ukraine, Kiev is the leader. This is due to the large number of catering outlets in the capital. According to the company “Restaurant Consulting”, there are over 1.5 thousand restaurants in the capital.
Fast food packaging: varieties
Fast food packaging is constantly being improved, with new types of containers being developed for the original dishes that come on the market.
- box for pizza, pies and other foods. Today, pizza boxes aren’t just square and brown in color. They are made in the shape of the product itself, painted in the establishment’s signature colors.
- cups for cold and hot drinks: plastic, cardboard. Modern glasses are decorated with colorful drawings and company logos. The corrugated layer protects your hands from the hot walls and retains the heat of your beverage longer.
- plates: plastic, cardboard. Plates are now more often made of food-grade cardboard. The range of colors has expanded. It is not uncommon to find plates with colorful prints or images from popular cartoons.
- cup lids. They are indispensable for food outlets that offer coffee and other takeaway drinks. Usually the lids are monochromatic, with no patterns, but the cups themselves come in a wide variety.
- paper packaging for fast food. It is used extensively for popcorn, burgers and sandwiches. It keeps grease out and allows you to keep your hands free from getting your hands dirty. Colors of all colors are found. Most often the packaging is made in the corporate colors of the institution, contains the name of the product and the company logo.
- containers for takeaway food: for salads, sushi, etc. Dishes are made of plastic or cardboard. Can be transparent or covered with an appetizing pattern.
Requirements for disposable fast food tableware
Fast food packaging does not involve further heat treatment. It is manufactured in accordance with sanitary standards and basic requirements:
- ease of use. The packaging should be comfortable to use, including transportation. The materials used are moisture resistant and durable so that the properties of the food do not deteriorate.
- keep food warm. The takeaway food packaging keeps the temperature of the food for a long time.
- attractiveness. Disposable tableware serves as a marketing tool. Unusual packaging can cause appetite, because it is worth looking at the picture of a cheeseburger in the cut, as there is a desire to buy it. Unkempt and unassuming packaging can raise doubts about the quality of the food.
Branding agency KOLORO will conduct a qualitative analysis of the plastic tableware market in Ukraine.
Import and export of disposable tableware
Production of paper tableware in Ukraine has been growing since 2014. The market increase in 2015 was – 47%, in 2016. – 7%, and in the first half of 2017-. – 18%. There are many small-scale industries in the domestic market, which rarely grow into large-scale enterprises. According to Pro-Consulting, imported disposable paper tableware accounts for an appreciable share of the market – up to 70%. In the first half of 2017, the volume of imports – 1.3 thousand tons in physical terms. This is twice higher than the scale of Ukrainian production (0.6 thousand tons).
Packaging design for fast food
Gone are the days when disposable tableware was made of boring, monochrome plastic. Today, you can find creative options that not only whet your appetite and make you want to buy food, but are also recyclable. It seems many manufacturers are creating fast food cartons that will look appealing on instagram.
Interesting is the disposable tableware that was designed for Ucão, a Brazilian restaurant that specializes in healthy and wholesome foods. The challenge was to develop creative and inexpensive tableware. All the food is freshly prepared and this was emphasized in the design. Bright colors and abstract patterns are used here. There were specially created 15 colorful packs for sandwiches, freshly squeezed juices and takeaway containers. Bright colors help to quickly differentiate between sandwiches and drinks. The packaging is transparent in places and emphasizes the freshness of the food. At checkout, they put everything in a brown paper bag.
The disposable tableware designed for Cocoro Rooster features a creative idea that emphasizes the specifics of the establishment. The tableware is predominantly in warm colors. Through the translucent packaging, the customer can see the finished sandwich. The different colors of the packaging help the customer to quickly navigate through the flavors.
The design of disposable tableware used illustration to create patterns and mimic handwritten script. The juice caps have vinyl stickers that confirm the bottle is airtight and continue the overall design concept.
Marketing research of disposable tableware market: trends
- Double-layer glasses. There has been an increase in demand for double-layer paper cups – Ripple, which feature an additional layer of corrugated cardboard. Such glasses are convenient, because they allow you to hold a hot drink in your hands and not burn your hands. There is an increasing demand for disposable boxes and food paper. This is due to the increase in home confectioneries.
- Ecomaterials. Ukrainian manufacturers offer disposable tableware made of biodegradable materials. However, it has not become a mass trend because of plastic goods that are sold at a lower price.
- Demand all year round. The Ukrainian market of disposable tableware has ceased to depend on seasonality. This is due to the increase in the number of street coffee shops and the popularity of takeaway services. Ukrainians used to buy more disposable tableware in the spring season, when it was time for picnics. Today, 39% of disposable tableware consumers are food service outlets.
Market development forecasts
Given the trend toward eco-friendly materials that are recyclable, we should expect to see manufacturers making disposable tableware to new standards in the coming years. According to a director at Kvadra Invest, the paper tableware market is expected to witness a prolonged growth of 8-10% per annum. For example, a Ukrainian manufacturer introduced disposable tableware made from recycled straw and starch. There are vivid examples of disposable Ukrainian tableware, which decorates and complements any holiday. Children’s birthday plates made of food-grade cardboard are widely available. Parents can easily find tableware featuring their favorite children’s characters from books and cartoons. It is worth expecting that there will be new incentives for eco-materials producers at the state level.
KOLORO branding agency will develop creative and unique tableware for your establishment.
