Opportunities to cater for
Apr 23, 2020, 8:30 PM
Social distancing and restrictions on gatherings have devastated catering businesses. With many events being postponed, caterers need to diversify to help ‘bridge the gap’ back to their usual trading activities. Here’s 3 opportunities for caterers during the crisis.
1. Online retail - the ready meals market has been growing rapidly in recent years. Caterers are well placed to take advantage. How?
- Design some simple, low cost ready (dinner) meals. It is important to stick with the classics and be price competitive. TIP: Get some ideas from the well-known ready-meal providers, you could also include a mixed box of fresh fruit and veg.
- Set up an online store (check out Shopify, Wix or Squarespace for a quick, easy and cheap option). Take some beautiful photos of your meals, add a mouth-watering description and post them on your store. For nutrition, check out the FREE Nutrition Panel Calculator by Food Standards.
- Offer pick up or delivery.
2. Wholesale - produce and sell products wholesale to local food businesses still operating. For example, cakes, muffins, treats, biscuits, sandwiches and wraps. Target simple takeaway products and, ideally, keep your wholesale range narrow and go for volume!
3. Delivery service - provide a delivery service for other food businesses still operating.
