Merchandizing on World Food Day: Sunday October 16

Each of us loves food as much as the next person. What better way to celebrate this than on Sunday 16^th October, which has been designated World Food Day. Celebrate different food and cultures by spending time with family and friends to indulge in one of life’s greatest pleasures.

World Food Day was first established in 1945 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. However, it wasn’t until 1979 that the day became widely recognized, and 150 countries proceeded to celebrate it - specifically taking notice of the substantial increase in food security worldwide over recent years.

Of course, it’s not just a day to celebrate food, but to assist those who do not have access to such privilege. Although there has been much effort from charities and organizations such as the World Food Programme, Rise against Hunger and UNICEF, people around the world continue to suffer from hunger and starvation. Whilst a number of different considerations have now been attached to World Food Day, including the climate crisis, the message remains the same: Celebrate and be grateful for food, but do what you can to help those less fortunate, who don’t have any or have very little. Donating goods to a local food bank or donating money to charity is always appreciated.

Whilst there’s plenty of opportunity to do something good this World Food Day, you may also be wondering how your business can take advantage of an occasion designated solely to our love of food - especially if you operate within the industry. World Food Day can be a great way to promote your business using promotional products. Whether you’re a restaurant, café, diner, or food truck, we’re here to show you how you can get the most out of merchandising.

How to Merchandise this World Food Day

1. Customized Cutlery

Are you a food truck or fast-food restaurant that uses disposable cutlery? This option may be for you. As Americans, we get through over 100 million plastic utensils every single day, which is extremely harmful to the planet, particularly as many can be difficult or impossible to recycle. Though many businesses have taken steps to use wooden disposable cutlery, which is better for the environment, this doesn’t provide the solution from a merchandising perspective. Instead, why not distribute reusable cutlery to your customers for them to use in whilst out and about or using the services provided by your business? Perhaps you could introduce disposable cutlery as part of a customer reward scheme to get people involved not only with your business, but with helping the environment too.

2. Personalized Mugs

Mugs are one of the best promotional items for restaurants and cafes because they effectively show your business logo or message. They can also be used daily, which in turn creates great brand exposure - it’s an effective and easy way to connect with customers to ensure you make those all-important connections for long-term brand loyalty. A simple way of doing this is to sell custom mugs within your business facility itself - giving customers a tactile experience is more likely to encourage them to purchase one of your items.

Alternatively, as part of your promotional campaign for your restaurant or café, you could give away custom mugs, or reusable travel mugs for on the go. Perhaps you could also include the name of the customer after they have visited a set number of times for example. Having loyalty rewarded is a significant incentive for customers to return to your business, time and again.

Mugs are also great to use for corporate gifting. Recently had a great experience with a food supplier or business you’ve collaborated with? Send out a free mug with a memorable, food-related message to ensure they remember you and recommend your services in the future. This is restaurant branding it its finest.

3. Printed Aprons

You could also order some great promotional printed aprons for your business to sell to customers. Why not engage them by letting them pose as one of your chefs or bakers whilst cooking up a storm at home? An apron offers a large surface area to print your logo whilst remaining a highly useful item for everyday use and brand exposure. Cooking at a dinner party for several guests? That printed apron will have everyone at the dinner table intrigued by the brand their host is wearing.

4. Custom Candles

We all love things that smell nice, right? Although it’s a great idea to sell or give away items directly related to food and drink, you can also think outside the box by opting for a bolder choice which people will love just as much. Part of the enjoyment of food is the delicious mix of aromas that cooking brings, so why not try selling candles which remind customers of your business. Perhaps you sell out of those delicious cinnamon buns or spicy fruit cake every day and want to help remind customers why yours are the best? Why not choose a spiced candle to encourage customers to think of you when unwinding after a busy day.

There’s no doubt that there are so many ways that merchandising for restaurants can be effective. And there’s no better time to take the opportunity to do so than on World Food Day! Here at EverythingBranded, we have everything imaginable when it comes to custom printed items for restaurants and cafes. Ensure your business stays on everyone’s minds!