Quality catering and food to go packaging manufacturer and supplier, Herald has pledged to focus on the expansion of its greener product lines as restrictions on the use of certain materials tighten and implementation of the single-use plastic ban looms on the horizon…
Herald has been building a reputation as a supplier of quality, eco-friendly disposables in recent years however it is now further raising its game by committing to the expansion of its sustainable product range across the board, to ensure all of its many customers’ needs are met – regardless of sector.
The popular catering supplier has identified that most of its customers want more choice when it comes to eco-friendly goods and is keen to add to its offering before October this year, when changes become mandatory. The company also recognises that there is a definite appeal for its customers to be able to source all sustainable products from the same supplier.
Supported by a 35-year history of identifying where the value lies for its customers, and delivering without sacrificing quality, Herald is in constant talks with suppliers to review and expand its product offering. The company’s popular eco range currently includes a choice of compostable cups and bagasse items, comprising of square, round and rectangle plates, in varying sizes, along with bowls and hot boxes, chip trays, burger boxes, noodle boxes and other lunch boxes. It also has a complete selection of wooden and cornstarch cutlery, including individually wrapped items and meal packs.
Herald’s managing director, Yogesh Patel comments: “We have a national standing as a supplier that provides a wide range of choice and we need to make sure that this identity is apparent to all of our customers, particularly when it comes to greener products as sustainability remains a key concern. It’s our job to promote and encourage eco-friendly choices and we do that best by making sure there is a strong, green selection in all ranges so every customer product need is met.
“Most consumers are eco-conscious so it makes sense that caterers, leisure and takeaway providers are sourcing disposable plates, cutlery, cups and lunch boxes that qualify as sustainable. The expectation of the end-user should impact on any disposables selection. Added to that, the changes in the law regarding plastic, and the consistently strong media messaging, and sustainable goods are fast becoming the only feasible course of action when it comes to sourcing disposables.
“As a supplier, we need to make sure the choice is as varied as possible and affordable – and we’re committed to expanding our product offering to ensure this is the case.”
No room for compromise when it comes to quality
As café and takeaway purchases become an affordable treat, when measured against holidays and evening meals out, many café and takeaway food owners and managers are capitalising on the affordability factor and looking at ways to maximise the value of the purchase for their customers.
Any unavoidable price increases need to be justified. Yogesh believes that the use of stronger disposables implies quality, helping to validate any extra cost and supporting the overall end-user experience: “Compromising on the quality of cups and disposable packaging provides a risk for all concerned and many food to go outlets have decided to invest in more substantial cups and packaging.
“The current preferred option is to go with quality and that makes perfect sense: Flimsy hot cups are difficult and uncomfortable for the customer to carry while hot take out food, in unsubstantial packaging, risks leaks and spillages. If the packaging doesn’t hold up and the food is damaged or made harder to enjoy this has a negative impact on the experience for the customer. It also poses a threat to repeat business and future sales.
“Given that, we know that margins are tighter for everyone right now; we’re all in this together, navigating tricky waters, and we have to maintain a balance. The good packaging supplier has to play his or her part in supporting café and take out food businesses and this is where the component of choice is critical to the mix. We can best support our customers, and stay ahead ourselves, by offering as many credible options as possible.”
Making space…
Herald is in tune with its customers’ need to make the most of every inch of square footage and the push against holding too much stock. Yogesh explains what they are doing to manage this situation: “We’ve invested in extra storage facilities so we can hold more stock. The idea is that if we have the stock in storage, our customers don’t have to use up their space holding cups and takeaway boxes, plus all the supplementary items like cutlery and stirrers, for example.
“Quick and easy accessibility also means that smaller businesses don’t have to invest too much up front, which is a bonus right now for many. By selling smaller amounts of a greater range of products we can provide our customers with a one-stop shop – and we sell hard on this.
“In the last year, we’ve focused on anticipating all disposable catering product demand –cups, lids, boxes, salad containers, cutlery, plates, bowls, bio microwaveable boxes, stirrers, sugar sachets and sticks, straws and meal packs, along with all other goods mentioned above.
“After all, quick accessibility to quality stock from a single supplier with an exhaustive range of products beats any other trend hands down.
“We are happy to take any size of order, while providing the best customer support, the highest standard of service and fast delivery. It’s a case of covering all bases to ensure that we are the chosen option every time.”
Putting it out there with bespoke printing
Herald is also promoting the quality of its printing service and its ability to supply printed items in smaller quantities. The move is a bid by the supplier to reach potential hotel, leisure and food to go operators who’d like to use the disposables picked up by guests and customers, such as cups and bags, to help support and advertise their brands.
Having launched its bespoke printing arm at the start of the year, Herald has reported a rise in interest from potential customers enquiring about smaller print runs. Most of these queries are coming from restaurants, cafes, bars and boutique hotels, with limited space, that would like to use printed disposables but have issues with any sort of volume storage.
Yogesh notes that the quality of print has historically proven to be an issue for those who have experimented with printed disposables: “I’ve spoken to hoteliers, leisure operators and café bar owners who’ve stated that they’ve been disappointed to find that the print has run on products in the past, which have been ordered from different suppliers, and that this has put them off customised printed disposables.
“We want to reassure our customers that printed goods ordered from Herald are quality checked and of a high standard. As mentioned earlier, we’re also happy to hold stock so that customers aren’t overwhelmed and don’t have to give up space for storage which may have been reserved for other commercial purposes.”
Herald cites its most popular customised printed products as paper cups and paper carry bags however the supplier also provides printing services in line with a full selection of its products and welcomes all enquiries.
Commitment to the Yorkshire market
Herald has plans to open an office further north this year and is keen to infiltrate the Yorkshire market. Yogesh explains: “We want to create a strong presence and we recognise that Bradford has a bouyant takeaway retail and ‘food to go’ sector. We’re aiming to pitch ourselves to this market in particular as a reliable source of food packaging disposables, from bags and cups to boxes and containers, and let our Yorkshire customers know that we have a wide enough selection, across all price points, to meet every demand.”
Businesses of Bradford, take note. Herald has your disposable packaging needs covered, from catering supplies to janitorial items, including all auxiliary products – this one-stop shop has it all.
For further information on Herald and its products, log on to www.heraldplastic.com or call 0208 507 7900 to order a copy of the catalogue.
