The impact of food delivery apps on the restaurant industry - Online Delivery Creating a New Sector Focusing on Food Packaging

"Delivering Fine Dining: A Challenge to the Traditional Luxury Experience"

Vikas Suri

Vice President - Operations & Development,

Lords Hotels & Resorts

Food delivery apps have completely transformed the way the restaurant industry operates. Cloud kitchens and mid-segment hotels have been game-changers, allowing them to reach customers without the costs of running a physical dining space. Casual dining places have also found an advantage, using delivery as an extra source of income, especially during quieter times. But for fine dining, it’s a different story. The magic of fine dining lies in the ambiance, service, and overall experience—things that can’t be packed into a delivery box.

" Revolutionizing Food Delivery: The Rise of Innovative Packaging"

Akash Bansal, 

Director of Operations,

Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences

Food delivery apps have not only revolutionized how people enjoy restaurant meals but have also given rise to an entirely new sector dedicated to innovative food packaging. With the surge in online delivery, the demand for sustainable, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing packaging has skyrocketed. Restaurants now understand that packaging plays a pivotal role in maintaining food quality, enhancing customer experience, and ensuring brand recognition.

The focus on food packaging has led to significant advancements, such as tamper-proof seals, insulated containers to retain temperature, and eco-friendly materials to cater to environmentally conscious consumers. This shift has encouraged collaboration between restaurants, packaging manufacturers, and design specialists to create solutions that align with both functional and branding requirements.

Additionally, thoughtful packaging acts as an extension of the restaurant’s identity. From logos and taglines to personalized messages, packaging allows brands to leave a lasting impression even in a delivery-first experience. While the investment in packaging might initially seem high, the value it adds in terms of customer satisfaction, repeat business, and environmental responsibility is immeasurable.

In essence, the rise of food delivery apps has reshaped the restaurant industry, introducing a critical focus on packaging, which is now an indispensable part of the dining experience.

"Wrapping Up Sustainability: The Rise of Eco-Friendly Food Packaging"

Reggie Fernandes

Head Revenue Management
Niraamaya Wellness Retreats

The rise of food delivery apps has not only reshaped the dining experience but has also introduced a new sector focused on food packaging. As online food delivery becomes the preferred option for many, packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring that meals remain hot, fresh, and visually appealing during transit. Restaurants have responded by investing in packaging solutions that are not only functional but also sustainable. A growing emphasis on eco-friendly packaging materials aims to reduce environmental harm, with many brands prioritizing recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable options. This shift is in response to customer demand for greener alternatives, with many consumers willing to support businesses that prioritize sustainability. The food delivery industry is now driving innovation in packaging design, with a focus on functionality, quality, and eco-consciousness. In this way, food delivery apps are contributing to a positive change in the food industry by promoting sustainable packaging practices that benefit both the environment and the consumer experience.

"Food for Thought: The Rise of Specialized Food Packaging in the Digital Age"

Ambuj Kumar 

Food & Beverage Manager,

Balaji Sarovar Premiere, Solapur

The rapid growth of online food delivery has not only transformed how meals reach customers but has also given rise to an entirely new sector focused on food packaging. At Balaji Sarovar Premiere, Solapur, we recognize the significance of this shift and the opportunities it presents, even though we prioritize on-site dining experiences.

 Packaging has evolved beyond simple containment to become a critical factor in preserving food quality, ensuring safety, and enhancing presentation during delivery. For restaurants venturing into this space, the choice of materials—eco-friendly, temperature-resistant, and leak-proof—plays a pivotal role in meeting customer expectations.

 While we do not currently operate through delivery platforms, this growing trend highlights the importance of innovation in how food is presented and consumed. With packaging becoming an extension of the dining experience, it reflects a restaurant's commitment to quality and sustainability.

 The rise of food packaging as a specialized sector underscores the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry, inspiring new ideas and practices that continue to shape the guest experience, whether at home or in our restaurant spaces.

 "Reinventing Food Delivery: The Evolution of Restaurant Packaging"

Syamjith Venugopal,

Assistant Director of Food & Beverage.

Kochi Marriott Hotel

The practice now is for restaurants to look for modern packaging customization that successfully seals and maintains the food's internal temperature and protects it during transport. The aim is to recreate the restaurant experience as closely as possible, with the knowledge that the food will be delivered as if the customer was dining. This has made possible the creation of leakage-proof boxes, insulated delivery bags, and their green alternatives. Efficient packaging helps to improve the overall experience of consumers while dining and contributes to the brand image of the business. As people started becoming socially conscious, packaging has become a key element in highlighting the environmentally friendly nature of the business, with most restaurants opting for bamboo cutleries or wrappers to target these customers.

Sealing the Deal: The Rise of Premium Food Packaging"

 Chef Kiran

( Chef and partner) at Moglu,

Bengaluru

Customer experience for delivered food products is a huge focus area thanks to the wave of premi-umisation across industries. There is a big gap in the food packaging industry with regards to tightly sealed and well-finished packaging products which also allow brand customisations. This is a new sector that is set to boom.

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