We all love a delicious, refreshing beverage when the sun is shining. So if you own a smoothie bar or you’re considering opening one, the next few months should be exciting times as peak season will be upon us.
Having said that, you’ll be by no means the only gig in town, with these establishments now more popular than ever. That’s why you’ll need to make yourself stand out among the competition, and one way to do that is with branded cups.
Here we’ll go over the main benefits of having your business’ branding on your cups.
Importance Of Brand Recognition
Before we go over the benefits of branded cups, let’s first remind ourselves why brand recognition is crucial.
In the competitive arena of juice and smoothie bars, where customers are increasingly opting for healthier alternatives, it’s vital to make your brand stand out from the crowd.
With competition on the rise, finding effective ways to promote your business is paramount. Branded smoothie cups offer a simple yet effective solution, acting as mini advertising boards that showcase your logo wherever your customer takes them.
In today’s world, free advertising is hard to come by. But by investing in branded cups, you’re essentially turning your customers into walking promoters, showcasing your brand wherever they go.
So this increased brand visibility is one of the biggest reasons why branded cups are a real no-brainer, but thankfully there are many other benefits to be had.
Professional Image
Branded cups not only serve as an invaluable marketing tool but also contribute to enhancing the overall customer experience.
When customers receive their mouth-watering smoothies in branded cups, it sends a message that you care about every detail of their experience, from the taste of the drink to the presentation of the packaging.
Reusable
If your cups are professional enough, they may act as a keepsakes for your customers, which they can use at home or the office.
This positive association can lead to repeat visits and customer loyalty, while the cup will also promote your brand to anyone who sees it!
Social Media Benefits
In today’s age of social media dominance where people love to share snaps of their delicious purchases, the visual appeal of your products plays a significant role in attracting customers.
Branded cups make your smoothies not only delicious but also Instagram-worthy. Encouraging customers to share photos of their drinks on social media platforms not only spreads brand awareness but also lands you free online content.
Customisable
Our branded cups offer endless customisation options, allowing you to create a unique and memorable look that aligns with your brand’s aesthetic and helps you set your drinks out from the competition.
Whether it’s choosing different sizes, colours or bespoke designs, you have the freedom to create a packaging solution that matches your brand’s aesthetic.
Environmentally Friendly
For businesses looking to make a sustainable choice, eco-friendly cup options made from biodegradable materials are available. These cups not only reduce environmental impact but also appeal to environmentally-conscious customers, enhancing your brand’s image in the process.
So if you’re in search of an eco-friendly option such as paper cups, these can be customised with your branding as easily as any other material. And with customers now more likely to shop with businesses taking their environmental commitments seriously, this is a great chance to show off your green credentials!
Changes In The Law
Before we go into the specifics every dessert shop will need to serve their food, let’s first touch on the new rules that were put in place by the UK government in late 2023.
Since October 1st, the use of single-use plastic items for food and beverages by takeaways and food outlets has been prohibited. The wide-ranging list of items the government banned includes single-use plastic cutlery, plastic packaging and polystyrene containers and cups.
The ban covers all online and over-the-counter sales and it includes items from new and existing stock. So it doesn’t matter how or where you’re selling your desserts – you won’t be permitted to use these items unless they’re biodegradable.
Likewise, if you’ve got stock left over from last year, sadly you’ll be unable to use it without breaking the rules.
The new rules state that anyone found still using single-use plastic by local authorities or Trading Standards departments will face a fine and prosecution, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
Items You’ll Need
If you’re yet to get started, you may be wondering what items you need to make your juice and smoothie bar a roaring success. In addition to the aforementioned cups, here’s what we’d recommend:
Napkins
Another way to boost your customers’ enjoyment is by offering them napkins. While these simple pieces of folded paper may seem insignificant, they can make a massive difference.
That’s because after drinking their smoothie, customers may be left with sticky lips. Thankfully you can help your customers avoid this by offering them some napkins.
And sticking with the branded theme, we offer a range of customisable napkins that will ensure your business is on show while your customers are cleaning up!
Drinks Holders
If you offer drinks then you’ll want your customers to purchase as many as possible! But don’t forget to provide drink holders, otherwise they may struggle to get them home in one piece!
Nothing will infuriate a customer quite like a spilled smoothie or juice all over their car and the clean-up job may be significant! So help them avoid this nightmare scenario and improve the chances of them coming back to your shop with this simple but effective packaging item.
Spoons Or Spatulas
In some cases, your smoothies may be thick or settle at the bottom of the cup which can take away some of the flavour. To counter this, you may want to serve spoons or spatulas, so your customers can stir their drink and get maximum enjoyment.
Obviously, plastic cutlery is out, so you’ll need to purchase an eco-friendly alternative. Thankfully these aren’t difficult to find. In fact you’ll find some biodegradable alternatives right here on our website!
So those are the main benefits of branded smoothie cups, as well as the packaging items you’ll need for your business. As we’ve already discussed, this is a competitive market and you’re going to need to stand out if you want to be successful. A great place to start is with some customisable cups displaying your branding.
If you would like to find out more about how Elpack Packaging Solutions can assist your business, or discuss your bespoke packaging needs, get in touch with our expert team today! Call us on 01425 524021 or drop us an email at info@elpack.co.uk
