Grab a bite

Food to go is a channel with huge opportunities so it’s important to stay ahead of the game to maximise sales

The value of the UK food to go sector is expected to reach £23bn by 2025, according to Lumina Intelligence, with coffee shops and cafes set to lead that growth. If you’re not already maximising on this opportunity, take this as your sign to explore the untapped potential.

While the category is largely aimed at the hustle and bustle of life and office workers picking up something quick to eat on their lunch break, don’t let this stereotype limit you when planning your offering.

Picture this: it’s a warm spring day and a family is enjoying a day out. Rather than bundle the children into a café for lunch, they want to make the most of the sunshine in the local park so that the children can play in between mouthfuls. Customers like these may be happy with a quick and easy sandwich, but they may well enjoy something just a little more special.

SANDWICH HEAVEN

There are so many ways you can put a twist on a classic sandwich. Start by swapping standard bread for a tasy sourdough or ciabatta. Instead of cheddar, how about brie or camembert for something a little different? Don’t forget to top your filling with a chutney or relish to make it a real showstopper, and offer your customers the option to have their sandwich served toasted. Don't be afraid to try sandwich options that stray away from the traditional. Brie and chilli jam is a delicious combination that is becoming more and more popular. Try brie with ham and fig chutney on toasted ciabatta for a mouth-watering dish.

A twist on a classic...

PIZZA SLICES

Pizza slices are always a firm favourite, but have you thought about serving mini pizza pockets? An easy food to eat on the go and delicious at the same time, it’s a win win!

THAT’S A WRAP

When planning your food to go offering, don’t forget the popularity of wraps. Southern fried chicken and chicken caesar are classic combinations, but don’t be afraid to try something a little more adventurous such as a chicken tikka masala wrap. If you serve breakfast, why not try a breakfast wrap with egg, sausage, bacon and ketchup?

THINK BIG

Food to go doesn’t just need to stop at sandwiches. Sausage rolls, pork pies pizza slices, pasties and jacket potatoes make great food-to-go options. Warm items come into their own as the weather dips. When it comes to baked potatoes, be daring with your toppings. Everyone loves butter and cheddar cheese on their jacket potatoes, but what about jalapenos, guacamole or beef chilli? Remember the extras such as sour cream and you’ll deliver the wow factor every time.

A great meal option that you can easily switch up to provide variety throughout the year is pasta dishes served in cardboard tubs with wooden forks.

Arrabbiata, pesto, four-cheese sauce and bolognese are all simple low-cost ideas that will make your menu that little bit different.

A twist on a classic... TUNA MELT

With a crusty baguette, make diagonal slices and brush with oil. Bake for 15 minutes on 170°C, flipping half way. Mix tuna with sliced red peppers, red onion and Spanish olives. Stir in some lemon zest and lemon juice and top with Manchego cheese. Spread over the top of the bread. Serve with rocket.

THE WHOLE PACKAGE

When planning your food to go offering, it’s worth including a whole range of sides at different price points to match what your customers are looking for. Simple single-serve bags of crisps from well-known brands are a must, as well as larger packs of premium branded crisps for customers looking to spend a little more. Chocolate in a variety of formats and single portions of baked goods such as flapjacks will undoubtedly fly off your shelves too.

A variety of hot and cold drinks will help create the complete package for your customers looking for food to go.

Meal deals are a great way to encourage spend. According to Lumina Intelligence, the majority of meal deals sit close to the £4 mark, so stick close to this price point if you can to stay competitive. Offer upgrades to increase spend such as more premium options or sizing up.

ALL DAY LONG

Don’t just think of sandwiches as a lunch only option. Why not offer a hot bacon sandwich or roll at breakfast or brunch time, and make it a meal deal with a steaming cup of coffee too?

Snacks are a great item to include in your food to go offering too. Carrots and hummus, or a little tub of olives are popular choices for customers wanting a little something to tide them over until lunchtime.

Top tip

OFFER LARGER PLATTERS OF SANDWICHES AND WRAPS, AND LARGE BOWLS OF PASTA SALAD FOR CUSTOMERS HOSTING A PARTY. MAKE SURE TO OFFER A GOOD RANGE OF VEGETARIAN, VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

PROTECT YOUR MARGINS

Every successful caterer knows the importance of balancing the books while purchasing top-quality ingredients. With CORE’s range of essential day-to-day ingredients, you can create mouth-watering dishes at an affordable price. A great example is CORE’s tortilla wraps and a new selection of cheeses such as sliced mozzarella and mature white cheddar.