Wherever you go to eat out, there will be a selection of condiments, sauces, and seasoning on the table. Think about the last time you went out for dinner. What was on the table before receiving your meal?
Condiments are common in all major restaurants all over the world. Not only do condiments enhance the flavour of a dish, but they also add textural interest and colour to whatever is served by the restaurant. However, not enough thought is given to the importance of having condiments on your dinner table or including sachets in your takeaway bag for clients.
Whether you’re a thriving restauranteur, own your food truck, or starting in the catering business, condiments are serious business, literally, and you should ensure you are offering your clients the best.
Why are Condiments Such a Common Feature on Dining Tables All Over the World?
Well, one answer would be salt and umami (monosodium glutamate). As bizarre as it sounds, both these elements form part of the five basic tastes, and your clients, through their taste receptors, identify these elements and umami as the “essence of deliciousness” without even being aware of it. Although these elements are essential, textural colours should not be neglected either. A condiment must be able to add visual interest to a dish. For example, condiments like tomato sauce play a vital role in helping young children eat their vegetables.
Another essential factor to consider is that people have different taste buds. For example, some people have a sweet tooth while others differ. In this sense, condiments help your clients to personalise their dishes. By providing condiments, you leave the power in the hands of your customer (literally). They can adjust their dishes according to their taste buds/pallets.
Retain Your Customers Attention & Use it As an Opportunity for Branding
Remember that condiments are an experience of the senses for your customer. Not only touching on taste but smell, sight, sound and touch (texture). Think about the packaging. It would be best if you captured your customer’s attention while ensuring the customer can distinguish what flavour and type your condiment is.
Research has shown that 90% of food and beverage brands in supermarket stores use colour when providing product information. The above is a good tip for when you are deciding on how to package your products.
Choosing the Right Condiments
Choosing the right condiments is not as complicated as it seems. There are two routes you can use when tackling this. You can either choose sauces from a well-known brand trusted in the industry, such as Quinns or develop your very own condiments through a professional company experienced in product development. Both routes are viable and can assist in enhancing your brand and reputation.
Developing your own branded condiments can help you position your brand and bring in further revenue in the long run. Who knows, you might just be selling your favourite sauce in chain supermarkets. You can do something different.
Speaking of different, Catercorp has recently launched a brand new range of Breakfast Sauces by Sauce-a-licious. This range is designed to be the perfect condiments for any breakfast table. Breakfast Brown Sauce, Creamy Peri-Peri, Sriracha Sauce, Worcester Sauce, and your breakfast tables are set!
