The Irish food & hospitality industry has experienced continued hardship throughout the first quarter of 2021 due to extended lockdown restrictions. At present, bars & restaurants are grasping at whatever business they can get their hands on. After what has been one of the worst years in recent history for bar and restaurant sales in Ireland, there has been an outcry to provide a clear roadmap to recovery for the foodservice sector.
Pubs, restaurants and suppliers had all been hopeful that the easing of restrictions that followed the November 2021 lockdown would provide a lifeline in the form of Christmas revenue. Unfortunately, this was curtailed within 3 weeks due to the massive rise in COVID19 cases throughout Ireland.
Now, nearly half way through 2021, foodservice businesses that may have previously overlooked food delivery as a main revenue source are flocking to takeaway packaging suppliers in an effort to maximum their revenue streams. In light of this, we have spoken to Colm O'Siochain, Purchasing Manager of Takeaway Packaging at Conaty Food and Catering Supplies, to get his tips and insights into Takeaway Packaging for 2021.
Tell me about your role at Conaty Food and Catering Supplies.
'As Purchasing Manager of Disposable/Takeaway Packaging my role involves sourcing products and securing supply and pricing. We have several suppliers and an ever-growing range. I maintain and update our offering, sharing new product and pricing information with the sales team.'
COVID19 presented the food and hospitality industry with a variety of difficulties in 2020. How did the demand for takeaway packaging products compare to previous years for Conaty Food and Catering Supplies?
'The challenges to the hospitality industry caused by COVID19, created an unprecedented demand for disposable packaging in 2020. This was true for both our business and that of our suppliers and customers. The work that been put into the disposable section of our showrooms, gave us the foundation to guide our customers as the industry pivoted to takeaway offerings throughout the year.'
What were some of the most popular categories/products from your Takeaway Packaging ranges in 2020?
'A range of meal containers and a selection of coffee cups and disposable glasses were the most popular products during 2020. Many of our customers looked to offer takeaway menus using Kraft pizza, burger and meal boxes and a selection of microwavable containers. Takeaway pints and cocktails were a huge part of the industry during extended restrictions and the demand for compostable coffee cups increased dramatically as more people were working from home.'
Conaty Food and Catering Supplies is making a strong push to further embrace eco-friendly packaging and disposable products. What influenced this decision?
'Firstly, as a company we are environmentally aware and are committed to reducing our waste and carbon footprint. Secondly, there are industry changes coming in 2021 with EU bans on most single-use plastic and polystyrene products. Finally, many of our customers offer health-conscious menus and they wish to use products made from biodegradable and renewal materials.'
With the rolling out of legislation to ban single-use plastic disposables this year, what is the future for some of your disposables ranges in 2021?
'The traditional single-use plastic and polystyrene takeaway products will shortly be obsolete. We have already seen price increases in many of the products as suppliers look to switch users from those lines that will be subject to the ban. The good news for customers is that we have alternatives in place and samples are available from our showrooms and their sales rep.'
What Takeaway Packaging products are customers surprised to see that you stock?
'The following are three examples of products that customers always get excited about when they visit our Showrooms and see the samples.
1. Compostable premium Burger and Meal boxes which look fantastic and fold out into practical eating trays.
2. Biodegradable Bepulp and Bagasse bowls that can be disposed of with food waste.
3. Our selection of Sandwich platters and boxes for catering to corporate clients and events.'
What recommendations can you give to businesses within the food and hospitality industry to ensure they can continue to operate uninterrupted for the rest of 2021?
'I would advise patience for the rest of of 2021 and recommend being open to alternative products throughout the year. The single plastic ban has been well publicised, and the public are supportive of such moves as seen by the success of keep cups pre COVID. We have prepared a wide range of alternative lines to replace those that will no longer be available and through our dedicated disposables brochure, website and sales team are confident we can support businesses through 2021.'
What makes Conaty Food and Catering Supplies the best choice provider for disposable/Takeaway Packaging products in 2021?
'As a family run, Irish-owned business with 50 years of experience supplying the hospitality industry, we offer great value and unrivalled service. We are also the home of Ireland’s largest hospitality showrooms with a floor dedicated to disposable and takeaway packaging where customers can see and feel these products for themselves.'
Many thanks to Colm from Conaty Food and Catering Supplies for the interview. For more information about the takeaway food packaging ranges referred to in this article, you can visit https://www.conatycatering.com/takeaway-packaging to view a variety of ranges for all types of restaurants. Alternatively, you can call (01) 860 5600 and ask to speak to an Area Sales Manager.