Bethan Edwards, Head of Foodservice at Go-Pak Group for the UK and Ireland, examines the developments already influencing the market and what manufacturers, packaging suppliers and foodservice operators should prepare for next.
From the resurgence of bold design to the growth of sustainable materials and changing eating habits, the foodservice packaging sector is evolving rapidly.
The UK foodservice sector is expected to reach £102.8 billion in 2026, while cafés and coffee shops have experienced an 8% year-on-year increase. The foodservice delivery market is also forecast to reach £14.8 billion, presenting significant opportunities for brands that can respond to changing consumer expectations.
So, which trends should businesses embrace to make the most of this growth?
Influence purchasing decisions with bold colours
After years of minimalist, functionality-led design, food and drink brands are rediscovering colour as a way to stand out across physical and digital marketplaces.
Often referred to as “dopamine packaging”, the trend uses bold colours and distinctive designs to create an immediate positive reaction. In a competitive market, this can make an everyday product feel more exciting and memorable.
Around a decade ago, the foodservice industry was dominated by kraft packaging. As demand for sustainable options increased, natural brown cups and containers became associated with simplicity and environmental responsibility. However, their popularity eventually resulted in “shelf sameness”, with similar-looking products struggling to attract attention or communicate a distinctive identity.
Today, many foodservice brands are moving beyond traditional kraft tones in favour of colourful packaging. Used strategically, colour can capture attention, strengthen brand recognition and create a more enjoyable customer experience.
Tap into nostalgic and retro branding
From heritage logos to retro-inspired packaging, manufacturers are using familiarity to build stronger emotional connections with consumers.
During periods of economic and social uncertainty, nostalgic design can offer a sense of comfort and reassurance. In turn, this can support trust, recognition and brand loyalty.
In a world increasingly shaped by faceless apps, self-service kiosks and automated deliveries, looking backwards can help brands move forwards. Nostalgic packaging can take many forms, including chunky typography, warm pastels, bold primary colours and the return of familiar mascots or characters.
These recognisable design cues can help products cut through crowded supermarket shelves and congested food delivery apps.
Balance sustainability with innovation
New-generation food brands are reshaping expectations around both packaging and ingredients. Businesses such as Sweetgreen and The Salad Project are championing plant-led menus while embracing fibre-based packaging materials.
As demand for plant-based products grows and new regulations place greater emphasis on sustainable packaging, brands that address both priorities are well positioned to succeed.
Sweetgreen’s supply chain model centres on sourcing unprocessed ingredients, helping to create predictable contracts for farms while delivering distinctive seasonal menus. The brand has also supported efforts to remove toxic “forever chemicals” from food packaging, using materials derived from sources such as sugar cane residue.
Similarly, The Salad Project has achieved growth by appealing to flexitarians rather than focusing exclusively on vegans. Its renewable fibre salad bowls complement its health-conscious menu and appeal to consumers looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Both businesses demonstrate what can be achieved when the menu and the packaging are developed with the same consumer values in mind.
Prepare for the chicken boom
The rapid expansion of chains including Slim Chickens, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Popeyes across the UK and Ireland is creating significant opportunities for packaging manufacturers.
Unlike traditional high-street chicken shops, which historically relied on inexpensive plastic-coated cartons, these fast-growing brands use packaging as a core part of their premium positioning.
Rising demand for folding cartons, paper cups and takeaway packaging is encouraging suppliers to expand their portfolios. However, chicken presents a familiar technical challenge. If steam can't escape, the coating becomes soggy. If too much heat escapes, the food arrives cold. Longer delivery journeys make that balance even harder to achieve.
Packaging manufacturers are responding with advanced folding cartons, micro-perforations and custom structural vents that regulate airflow while retaining heat. In this category, packaging performance can influence the eating experience as much as the recipe itself.
The new menu for manufacturers
As 2026 continues, the brands best placed to grow will be those that combine visual impact, technical performance and credible sustainability. Because in an increasingly crowded foodservice market, what is on the outside can determine whether consumers ever discover what is inside.