By Alexus Medina, senior director of product management, Sabert
The changing of seasons means new opportunities for caterers, from tailgates and gameday gatherings to holiday parties and Friendsgiving celebrations. For many customers, delivering a memorable meal helps keep traditions alive and delights family and friends, so packaging needs to perform at its best. Now is the time for caterers to take stock of their fall offerings, like hot comfort foods and seasonal sides, and ensure their packaging is ready to deliver quality and customer satisfaction.
Four Key Boxes to Check Off for Fall Catering
For fall events, caterers should choose packaging options that are all treats and no tricks. Caterers need to consider three factors when evaluating packaging options. The key is to find solutions that meet quality and performance needs while also creating unforgettable seasonal moments for their customers.
1. Appearance & Transparency
Fall events often feature seasonal and nostalgic dishes like mac and cheese, roasted vegetables and charcuterie boards. Clear lids are a great option for showcasing the freshness and visual appeal of dishes, letting the food’s quality and details speak for themselves and creating an enticing first impression before the package is even opened. Clear lids also support order accuracy by letting teams confirm contents without opening each container, making transportation and setup more seamless, and saving caterers valuable time.
2. Performance & Temperature
From roasted meats to hearty sides, a lot of fall offerings require packaging that keeps food hot and can handle heavier weights. Caterers should confirm temperature parameters, weight capacity and stability to support safe transport. For items like soups or gravies, leak-proof lock designs can offer added protection. With larger holiday orders, stackable trays help organize them and limit movement during transportation.
3. Branding & Experience
Customers today are looking for packaging that fits seamlessly into their Friendsgiving tablescapes or tailgate spreads. Paper packaging gives caterers an opportunity to promote their brand and make their offerings an effortless part of the party décor. Seasonal designs on pop-up trays, paper bowls, beverage boxes and more can create a festive, shareable catering experience.
4. Recyclability & Ease of Disposal
No matter the season, every caterer should be thinking about the full lifecycle of packaging. Options that are easy to dispose of provide a less stressful experience for caterers during setup and for customers during cleanup. Innovations in recyclable packaging have created many options suitable for catering—from recyclable PET plastic stacking trays to compostable pulp trays and cutlery. Caterers and customers can feel good knowing the packaging they used can be disposed of properly and sustainably.
’Tis the Season for Innovative Packaging
As fall rolls in, now is the time for caterers to reevaluate their packaging needs for a season filled with gatherings and holiday events. An innovative packaging partner can help caterers plan and execute a packaging strategy that keeps food warm, shows off seasonal offerings and creates seamless, festive experiences for customers—all while prioritizing performance and sustainability.
About the Author
Alexus Medina is the senior director of product management at Sabert Corporation, a global leader in innovative and sustainable food packaging solutions. In her role, she works with customers to create a suite of packaging options to suit their foodservice needs.
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