Whether you’ve started your food company right in your own kitchen, or work closely with outside bakers, chefs, or brewers, you can learn key lessons from others in the edible business. This year, the inaugural Edible Business Conference took place in Southampton, NY, bringing together leading thinkers and experts from all facets of the food industry. Attendees gained insights on the business of food tech and media, farming, drinking, and creating a socially responsible food company, among other hot industry topics. Experts don’t just gather in one place, however, and many important takeaways can be gleaned from the entire food industry.
In the food packaging business, it’s important for suppliers to view manufacturers of snacks, mixes, and other goods as partners. This partnership will create a strong working relationship where results happen quickly and efficiently. There are many important lessons to be learned from all parties involved in food packaging, from the farmers harvesting crops, to the chefs perfecting the recipes, to the retailers, suppliers, and domestic freight companies.
SpecialtyFood.com shared 5 key insights from the Edible Business Conference, which are great we think are excellent talking points everyone involved with packaging can learn from and expand upon.
- “A brand is a promise; a good brand is a promise well kept.”
Your food packaging should serve as a spokesperson of sorts for your brand. Think of it as a megaphone with the ability to relay the amazing qualities of your product to those who come in contact with it. As more companies shift to more sustainable practices and organic food products, they, too, are choosing environmentally friendly packaging to communicate their new initiatives to consumers. Your brand promises to deliver superior goods to its customers, and your packaging should reflect this promise. If you have a product or packaging that doesn’t fit your company’s vision, scrap it and move on. (Image Source: http://attitudes4innovation.com/)
- “The next big thing isn’t one thing.”
We all wish we could predict which products and packaging will really resonate with each of our customers individually, but there is an aspect or trial and error involved no matter what industry you’re in. Keeping apprised of news and trends can be extremely beneficial for understanding the changing needs of consumers. Alternative recyclable packaging could be one “next big thing,” according to experts at the Edible Business Conference. We’re also seeing a large demand for this type of food packaging, as consumers become increasingly eco and budget-conscious.
- “Education is key to a better future for our food and planet.”
Concern about the environment isn’t a fad or movement – it’s real, and it’s happening all around us among producers and consumers from all walks of life. Learning about environmentally friendly packaging is essential for food manufacturers. As more companies revamp their product recipes to reduce and remove potentially harmful inorganic ingredients, they must also consider the sustainability of the packaging it comes in. Example: Kraft stand up pouches are a product we learned about from our supplier and instantly saw the value in because of their natural feel and recyclable materials. We knew this would be perfect for clients concerned about their planet and needing to package their product in a way that reflects their mission.
- “Investment is getting slower, and possibly easier. And when you spell it right, ROI has an S in it.”
Not only are customers seeking out socially conscious businesses, investors are as well. Companies must consider their “impact investment,” meaning they should make sure their funds support the principles their leadership believes in. Choosing environmentally friendly packaging is a way eco-minded manufacturers can show investors they care about their principles from all aspects of production.
- “People make the difference.”
Businesses aspiring to create “specialty” food must focus on people and what they want. Human capital within a brand may be key to distinguishing specialty from industrial food, and companies must take care of the needs of others from inside the company and out. In the packaging industry, we know how important it is to work effectively and efficiently with all parties involved in the process of getting food packaged and delivered. Whether you’re a producer, supplier, or customer, building solid working relationships is key to a great experience and quality products.
Share this Image On Your Site
