Food and drink festival: Must-bring products

At a food and drink festival, comfort and the care taken in food presentation are very important. It’s not just about having an attractive presentation for the food, but also about ensuring that it can be consumed cleanly and in an environmentally friendly way.

It’s essential to ensure that the food can be eaten without any accidents. It’s important that one hand can hold the container while the other uses the cutlery. The design of the packaging and utensils plays a crucial role in this.

What is a food and drink festival?

Food and drink festivals are events aimed at showcasing the gastronomy of one or several countries in a dynamic way. They are usually held in cities, either in a hall or outdoors. The idea is for visitors to taste the dishes on display in a more accessible manner than in restaurants.

Importance of Food markets

Food festivals are an excellent way to highlight the significance of each dish from a particular region. They allow visitors to try lesser-known foods from their areas while learning about their history. It is a great opportunity for each country to showcase its most famous dishes in a pleasant atmosphere.

The Most Famous Food Festivals in the World

In various parts of the world, there are food festivals that have become some of the most important and well-attended. Here are a few of the best:

1. Oktoberfest

This celebration, held in October, is an icon of Germany, specifically in Munich. In addition to the traditional beer served in enormous glass mugs, visitors can also sample sausages and other roasted meats accompanied by regionally typical mustards. To finish, there are pretzels dusted with sea salt.

2. Pizza Village

Pizza is always a favourite in many parts of the world. In Naples, you can enjoy everything from the most traditional pizzas to the most innovative ones. The event also features related activities such as courses and lectures by some of the most renowned pizzaiolos in the world.

3. Tamale Festival

Tamales are among the most cherished dishes in Mexico. In Oaxaca, the birthplace of this dish, they can be sampled in a variety of forms, and visitors can learn about the history and origins of tamales.

4. The New York Wine & Food Festival

This gastronomic event, featuring famous chefs, wine companies, and artists, is one of the most recognised. Here you can taste some of the finest wines and try cutting-edge dishes. The funds raised at the event are donated to organisations fighting hunger.

5. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Walt Disney World also joins the celebration of food festivals. With more than 30 food stands, it offers delicacies from various parts of the world, such as Mexico and the Middle East, as well as a range of wines to perfectly complement the dishes.

Tips for Serving Food at Your Stall

If you are part of a food and drink festival, you need to be very careful with every detail so that visitors have the best possible impression. These tips can help you achieve that:

Appealing Aromas

The sense of smell is one of the first to be stimulated by food. Therefore, you must ensure that each dish has a unique aroma, but without overusing spices. Avoid scents such as garlic, onion, or fried food. For desserts, aromas like cinnamon or citrus work very well.

Brand Image

The visual presentation makes products more attractive, as everything starts with what you see. Choose an original logo that matches what you offer. It should appear on labels placed in a visible spot on the packaging and on the napkins. You can also add decorations such as ribbons or embossed versions of your logo.

Attention to Detail

Every detail matters when choosing packaging for your food. Among the most important factors are the design, accessibility, and sustainability. It is also crucial that the packaging fits the characteristics of the product it contains, so size and shape play a fundamental role.

Convenience

At a food market, it is normal for visitors to be constantly on the move, so the packaging must be easy to hold, open, and use. This helps prevent accidents while consuming the food. In addition, the packaging should be convenient to carry in bags for later recycling.

What do I need to take to a food festival?

At an event of this nature, it is very important to offer food that is both enjoyable and easy to consume, as well as to have the necessary tools to hold and eat it without spills or splashes. Here are the most important items:

Appetisers

The most suitable appetisers for a food expo are those that are easy to eat. For example, snacks, sandwiches, and hot dogs. For liquid foods or those that contain a lot of sauces, durable reusable mini containers are ideal to prevent mess.

Monouso’s catering appetiser spoons provide ample space for soups with solids, desserts, and yoghurts. They also feature an ergonomic and attractive design that adds elegance and style, and are made from biodegradable plastic, bamboo, or sugarcane.

Liquids

Soups and stews are among the most popular foods at these events, so they require an ideal container with enough capacity to prevent spills. Monouso’s disposable plastic tasting bowls are designed to comfortably contain liquids and are appropriately sized.

Cutlery

When it comes to cutlery, it is essential that, in addition to being easy to handle, they are also robust. The main items are forks and spoons. Spoons are multipurpose, suitable for both liquids and desserts, while forks are better for solid foods like salads or pasta.

Monouso offers a range of ergonomic cutlery that, besides being very comfortable to use, also contributes to sustainability thanks to its 100% biodegradable materials.

Trends in Packaging for Catering and Festivals

For catering events, having the right packaging is essential to enhance the guests’ experience. At a food festival, Monouso’s packaging is on trend due to its design and its positive impact on the environment.

Biodegradable Products

The tasting miniatures are made from environmentally friendly materials such as wood and palm leaf. Their size is perfect for serving bite-sized portions at catering events, and they also feature a rustic and pleasing design.

The biodegradable cutlery is crafted from wood and eco-friendly cornstarch to ensure zero pollution. They are robust and can be used several times without breaking. The wooden cutlery has an attractive design, making it ideal for catering events.

Reusable Products

The hard, reusable Monouso bowls boast a design that makes them suitable for various types of liquid dishes, as they are sufficiently wide and deep. Their transparent or coloured designs add elegance, and they can be used up to 20 times.

The trays are ideal for serving solid foods such as sushi, canapés, and small sweets. Their black colour makes them very eye-catching, and they can also be fitted with a lid to keep the food fresh. Additionally, they have the advantage of being able to withstand up to 20 uses.