Take away trends predict small moments of joy

Revenue in the Finnish restaurant-to-consumer delivery segment is projected to reach €241.50m in 2023. The habits adopted during recent years like remote work and contactless delivery are not going anywhere soon. This combined with the overarching trends of inflation, and rising food prices, means there is more pressure than ever on succeeding the takeaway services.

As consumers become more conscious of sustainability and convenience, we can expect to see a focus on eco-friendly options, the continued rise of delivery technology, and at the same time good value for the money they spend on food.

These trends will make it easier and more convenient than ever for customers to enjoy their favorite meals at home. So, the takeaway market will keep growing, and restaurants should really pay attention to their food delivery orders to provide small moments of joy and clear conscience to their customers.

One simple way of making your business eco-friendlier is to introduce e-receipts as an alternative to paper. E-receipts reduce both costs to the business and the amount of wastepaper generated.

Delivery technology will keep growing

The market for food delivery has grown, but it’s also experienced some growing pains. The explosive increase in the volume of online orders restaurants have had to handle has been challenging to say the least. However, out of this adversity, a wave of innovation has occurred. New technologies have emerged to reduce the burden placed on drivers, restaurants, and the properties that they deliver to. At first, there was a panicked scramble to set up new systems for handling delivery orders. But fortunately, over time, these DIY solutions have been refined and standardized to be more sustainable and efficient.

Restaurants can help reduce waste and reduce their own operating costs through more effective menu management. This means refining a menu to minimize ways helps protect both the business and the environment.

Go Green

Consumers are more environmentally conscious these days and look to shift to recyclable and biodegradable-PACKaging materials. On the other hand, they restrict the use of plastics. Paper will be the number one-PACKaging material of 2023, offering a variety of environmental benefits compared to plastic and aluminum alternatives. The amount of waste generated by delivery food raises the question if it is possible to order takeaway sustainably. It’s fast becoming one of the biggest considerations for business owners. As many as two-thirds of consumers are now prepared to pay more for environmentally friendly products and consider sustainability before making a purchase. K-Group grocery stores aim to reduce the amount of plastic in their take-away-PACKaging by 20 percent by the end of 2026. Kespro is also taking part and can effectively promote the circular economy it its choice of-PACKaging solutions for convenience meals.

Giving customers the choice to opt-out of receiving plastic cutlery with a takeout order can reduce your plastic waste generation.

Minimalistic and re-usable-PACKaging

The minimalist look has become an increasing trend over the years, and it is here to stay for the foreseeable future due to consumers preferring the less-is-more approach. A minimalist design often gives a high-end, luxurious look to products. Restaurants are striving for less clutter on their takeaway-PACKaging, going for more of a neutral palette and ensuring that they’re not overly branded. Having a simple design on-PACKaging can go towards emphasizing the quality of the product, but it also makes it cheaper – and greener – for restaurants. It’s a win-win! Refill and reuse-PACKaging will become commonplace as consumers gravitate towards brands that prioritize sustainable-PACKaging.

Fried chicken sandwiches and new variations on the chicken sandwich will be one of the biggest fast-food trends in 2023 due to rising beef prices.

Cost conscious convenience

Thanks to inflation, food and therefore restaurant meals have become more expensive. The current state of the market has caused people to seek out more affordable options where they can find them and cut down on impulsive spending.

Convenience is one of the main reasons to order food online. It saves time, customers can choose from a variety of restaurants and their payment details are stored. This may increase the demand for cheaper takeaway food. And with it all, expect to see more brands marketing themselves as affordable.

Value is always part of what attracts consumers to takeaway food, but it becomes even more important in an atmosphere of inflation and rising prices. People want to feel like they’re getting a good value.

Sources

Statista.com, The Food People, Eatthis.com, Kesko.fi & Sustainablereview.com