Huhtamaki: Sandwiches are still the nation's favourite
The British still love sandwiches.
With sales of food-to-go on the rise and an influx of choice of food; from Chinese and Mexican to American, plus pop ups and food trucks appearing, it’s amazing to think that of the 60% of adults who have bought food-to-go in the last month, a staggering 63% of them have bought a sandwich. They are the results of independent research commissioned by global packaging specialists, Huhtamaki into the Food-To-Go Market.
Lunch is still the most popular eating occasion for food-to-go purchases and 36% of consumers say they buy more food-to-go now than three years ago, so it looks as though the popularity of the sandwich is here to stay.
The convenience and overall image of sandwiches makes them a popular choice. As an easy-to-eat option, they can hold a wide range of different fillings – and can be served hot or cold, adding to their overall appeal. With the range of different breads on offer such as paninis and ciabatta, the sandwich just keeps reinventing itself.
Only the coolest looking sandwiches would make it to the social media accounts of the 41% of consumers who upload photographs of their food or interact in some way with the outlets they buy from and Facebook reigns supreme with 89% of these people posting their images on Facebook. As well as the convenience and choice available with sandwiches, it is also important to ensure the product is enjoyed by a consumer and reaches them in perfect condition.
The most popular method of serving food-to-go is in a paper sandwich box, clearly reflecting the popularity of the sandwich itself and the packaging plays a vital role in ensuring the food is consumed in optimum condition.
- Packaging protects, preserves and presents the food in an appealing and easy to access format.
- There are several considerations when selecting sandwich packaging:
- Convenience and ease of opening
- Ability to vary portion sizes
- Protecting and preserving – even keeping warm - for a toasted sandwich or panini
- Environmentally conscious – whether compostable, recyclable or made from recycled content
- Brand promotion and differentiation - custom-printing, which can incorporate specific messages, promotions and campaigns, including product information;
“Choosing to custom-print single use packaging with a particular message keeps a brand front-of-mind and customisation also means that specific messages can be sourcing disposables which are made using paperboard from sustainably managed forests, they should be telling people about it,” said Becci Eplett, UK Marketing Manager, Huhtamaki.
Sandwiches, paninis or wraps can be served in the ‘Taste’ range of packaging from Huhtamaki. Suitable for hot or cold sandwiches and wraps, the Taste packs are manufactured using fluted insulation paperboard with a PET lining; and also feature a greaseproof lining. They ensure that the contents remain hotter for longer (if applicable), whilst being cool to the touch and providing customers with a convenient on-the-go eating option. A choice of sizes is available – small, medium and large – to suit different appetites. The Taste range is also made using paperboard from sustainably managed forests and is recyclable.
