Black Friday marks the start of one of the busiest trading periods of the year for many food businesses. Promotions can lead to sharp increases in online orders, takeaway demand and retail footfall, and running out of packaging during a busy trading week can quickly disrupt operations and cost sales.As a food packaging supplier, we provide wholesale packaging for food businesses across the UK and help them prepare before demand increases. Planning now means you’ll have the right containers, trays and packaging ready, so you can focus on serving customers throughout Black Friday and the busy weeks that follow.
Plan Your Packaging Volumes Early
Looking back at last year’s Black Friday and November sales is the simplest way to estimate what you’ll need this year. Consider how many containers, lids, trays and sealing materials you used, then factor in any expected growth.If you’re introducing promotional bundles, limited edition products or larger sharing portions, make sure these are included in your forecast. New product launches often require different packaging sizes, so it’s worth reviewing your full packaging range before placing an order.Smaller businesses may find combi boxes, with matching containers and lids supplied together, the most convenient option. If you’re expecting significantly higher volumes, pallet quantities of bulk food containers are the more cost-effective option.Browse our range of tamper evident containers and top seal containers to plan your requirements, or request a bulk quoteif you’re preparing for larger production runs.
Food Packaging Supplier Stock and Lead Times
Demand naturally increases as Black Friday approaches, and the wider global polymer market remains volatile. This can affect pricing and availability across some packaging lines, which is why we recommend ordering ahead of time where possible.You can read more about current market conditions in our latest polymer market update.If you’re introducing a new product or changing packaging, order samples first so you can test sizing, presentation and product fit before committing to larger quantities. Samples are free, and you only pay the postage.Businesses producing frozen meals, desserts or frozen prepared foods should also review our range of freezer grade containers before finalising their order.
Know Your Order and Delivery Cut-Off Dates
Delivery timings matter as much as product choice. Allow enough time for your packaging to arrive before your busiest trading period begins.Orders placed before midday, Monday to Thursday, are dispatched for next-day delivery. Friday morning orders placed before 12pm are dispatched for Monday delivery.During exceptionally busy periods, delivery can take up to three working days. Palletised deliveries typically require three to five working days, so larger orders should always be planned in advance. Free UK mainland delivery is available on orders over £150 excluding VAT. Saturday delivery and timed delivery services are also available, with Saturday delivery depending on location.For full details, visit our shipping information page.
When Should You Order From Your Food Packaging Supplier for Black Friday?
We reccomend allowing additional time for pallet deliveries and periods of increased demand, and avoid leaving orders until the week of Black Friday itself.
Leave Time for Branded Packaging
If you’re planning to launch branded packaging for Black Friday, start those conversations with us as early as possible.We offer printed self-adhesive labels with a minimum order quantity of 1,000, bespoke cardboard sleeves from 1,000 units, and in-mould labelling for larger production runs from 25,000 units.Branded packaging often becomes part of the customer experience, particularly for retail products, meal deliveries and gift items, so order early to have it in place when demand peaks.
Talk to Us Early
Sharing your expected order volumes, promotional plans and new product launches allows us to recommend suitable packaging and quantities before your busiest trading period begins.Our sales team is available Monday to Friday, from 8.30am until 5pm, on 01225 751898. You can also contact us through our contact form if you’d prefer us to get back to you.If you order regularly, it’s also worth exploring our credit accounts to make repeat ordering easier.
Packaging for Every Type of Food Business
Farm shops, delis and retail food businesses often see increasing customer numbers as Black Friday leads into the festive season. Our tamper evident containers are suitable for pâtés, cheeses, sauces and ready meals, while gift food businesses can also prepare for seasonal hamper demand with ideas from our guides to PatePAK Christmas containers and hamper packaging.Takeaways, caterers and dark kitchens can experience particularly busy weekends during Black Friday promotions. Our microwavable tamper evident containers and food and meal trays are designed for busy kitchens handling delivery orders and catering jobs, and we supply takeaway packaging wholesale in combi boxes or full pallets.Online food brands and meal kit companies often experience some of their highest order volumes during Black Friday. Secure tamper evident containers help demonstrate products haven’t been opened during transit, while branded packaging creates a more premium unboxing experience. Our range of meal kit containers supports businesses shipping prepared meals directly to customers.
Get Ready for Black Friday
Reviewing your packaging requirements now means the right products are in stock when customer demand increases, and puts you in a stronger position for the busy Christmas trading period that follows.Request a free sample to test new products before Black Friday.Planning pallet quantities? Get a bulk quote from our team.Speak to our sales team on 01225 751898 or get in touch online.
