Food Packaging Suppliers UK: How to Choose One for Your Takeaway or Cafe
Most cafes, takeaways and caterers end up buying from one or two packaging suppliers. Changing later is a nuisance, so it is worth asking the right questions before the first order. Here is a plain checklist.
1. Is the range wide enough?
Buying boxes from one place, cups from another and bin bags from a third means three deliveries and three accounts. A supplier that covers boxes, cups, bags, containers, cutlery and kitchen supplies saves time. At Mega Packaging you can browse kraft food boxes, coffee cups and lids, foil containers, pizza boxes and more in one basket.
2. Are sizes and case quantities clear?
You should be able to see the size and the number in a case before you order, not after. Look for sizes in both inches and centimetres, and check that lids are listed for each container, because lids are often sold separately. Our guides go through the main ones: coffee cup sizes and lids, pizza box sizes and foil container sizes.
3. What is the minimum order?
Some wholesalers ask for a minimum spend or a pallet. For a new business that is a problem. Mega Packaging has no minimum order, so you can start with one case of each size and reorder what sells. See buying takeaway packaging by the case.
4. How does delivery work, and what does it cost?
Check the cut-off time, the courier and whether delivery is tracked. Our terms: free UK next-day delivery, no minimum. Orders placed by 4pm Monday to Friday leave the same day with Evri, fully tracked. Delivery is next-day where Evri offers it to the address, otherwise standard, usually 2 to 5 days.
5. Can you try before you buy?
Packaging has to fit your food. A sample tells you more than a photo. You can ask for samples before ordering a full case.
6. Is VAT shown clearly?
Business buyers need to compare like with like. Prices on our site are shown excluding VAT under each product, and the basket shows goods excluding VAT, VAT and the total.
7. Can your logo go on it?
Printed packaging helps customers remember you. If you may want it later, check that the supplier offers it. We offer bespoke printing, with a sample first and approval before the full order.
8. Who will answer when something goes wrong?
Look for a UK company with a real address and a phone number that is answered. Mega Packaging is based in Enfield, North London: email sales@megapackaging.co.uk or call 020 3972 7741, Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 17:00. Faulty or wrong items are on us, as set out on our returns page.
A quick scorecard
- Wide range in one place
- Size and case quantity shown on every product
- No minimum order, or one you can meet
- Clear delivery terms with a cut-off time
- Samples available
- Prices shown excluding VAT
- Printing available if you want it later
- A UK address and a number you can ring
New to all this? Start with our starting a takeaway packaging checklist or how to choose takeaway food boxes.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order?
No. There is no minimum order at Mega Packaging.
Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes. Delivery is free across the UK, with the 4pm Monday to Friday cut-off and the Evri conditions described above.
Can I get samples?
Yes, use the samples page.
Do you sell to individuals as well as businesses?
Our trade accounts are open to everyone.