When the weather heats up, business usually does too. Iced coffees, bubble tea, fresh juices, ice cream, picnic food and takeaway meals all start flying out the door. Along with the extra orders comes one big challenge: packaging.
Leaky drink cups, soggy food boxes and broken bags can quickly turn a great customer experience into a frustrating one. That’s why having the right packaging for summer isn’t just “nice to have” – it’s part of how you protect your brand, your reviews and your repeat business.
The good news? With a reliable online packaging store, you can sort out everything you need for the whole season in one place – from cold drink cups to barbecue trays and party supplies.
Coffee Shops and Bubble Tea Stores: Keeping Cold Drinks Under Control
Iced coffees, iced lattes, smoothies and fruit teas are summer best-sellers. But cold drinks are also where things most often go wrong:
- Lids popping off mid-delivery
- Cups sweating and softening paper bags
- Straws poking through weak lids
To keep your drinks looking good all the way to the customer’s hand, it helps to focus on:
Cold drink cups and tight-fitting lids
Choose sturdy plastic or coated paper cups with matching lids. Domed lids are great for cream and toppings, while flat lids with straw holes suit iced long blacks and simple bubble teas. A good lid fit means fewer spills and less mess in delivery bags.
Cup sleeves and carry trays
Cold drinks might not burn hands, but condensation can make them slippery. Cup sleeves and 2- or 4-cup carry trays make it easier for staff to handle multiple drinks and for customers to carry them away comfortably.
Takeaway bags that don’t collapse
Look for takeaway bags that can stand upright on the counter, with a base wide enough to hold 2–4 drinks. Strong handles are a must, especially when you’re packing drinks together with snacks or pastries.
Takeaway Restaurants and Food Stalls: Hot, Crispy and Neat
Burgers, fried chicken, chips, salads and rice bowls are all summer favourites. But hot, oily food and warm weather can be a tough combination for packaging.
When you’re choosing takeaway packaging, think about:
Grease-resistant burger and snack boxes
A good burger box or chip box should resist oil and hold its shape, even with hot food inside. Grease-resistant paper and well-designed vents help keep fried foods crisp instead of soggy.
Sturdy meal containers and lids
For rice bowls, noodle dishes, curries or salads, leak-resistant containers are essential. Clip-lock lids or snug-fitting clear lids stop sauces from escaping during delivery and keep the food presentation neat.
Sauce cups and portion containers
Small sauce cups are perfect for dips, dressings and condiments. Keeping sauces separate prevents spills and avoids turning crispy food into a soggy mess.
Cutlery, napkins and takeaway bags
Pre-packing sets – container + cutlery + napkins + bag – can help your staff move quickly during busy service. Strong takeaway bags with reinforced handles are especially important when packing multiple meals per order.
Barbecues, Picnics and Outdoor Parties: Easy to Pack, Easy to Clean Up
Summer is the season for picnics in the park, backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings. For these occasions, people want packaging that’s lightweight, convenient and easy to throw away when the fun is over.
Some practical options include:
Disposable plates, bowls and cutlery
Sturdy disposable plates and bowls that don’t bend under a full serving make eating more comfortable. Matching knives, forks and spoons keep things simple for hosts and guests.
Aluminium trays and barbecue pans
Foil trays are ideal for marinating meat, grilling vegetables and serving large sharing portions. They can go straight from the barbecue to the table, and they make clean-up much faster.
Cooler bags and ice packs
Insulated bags and ice packs help keep drinks, salads and desserts chilled on the way to the park or beach. They’re especially handy for catering orders or party platters.
Garbage bags and bin liners
Outdoor events always create waste. Having strong rubbish bags on hand makes it easy to keep picnic areas tidy and leave a good impression on everyone sharing the space.
Ice Cream and Dessert Shops: Cute, Clean and Instagram-Ready
Ice cream, gelato, frozen yoghurt and desserts are at their peak in summer. The right packaging does more than protect the product – it can also make it look more appealing in photos.
Consider using:
Ice cream cups and dessert bowls
Paper or plastic cups with matching lids help keep servings neat for takeaway and delivery. This is especially important for busy weekend nights when orders pile up.
Mini spoons and dessert forks
Small spoons and forks are perfect for ice cream, puddings and cake slices. They’re also a simple way to make dessert orders feel more “complete”.
Clear dessert boxes and gift packaging
Transparent boxes are great for showing off layered desserts, cakes, fruit cups and dessert jars. Add a ribbon or a simple sticker, and it’s easy to turn a standard dessert into a “giftable” treat.
What to Look For in Summer Packaging
No matter what type of business you run, a few key packaging features are especially important during the warmer months.
Leak-Resistant and Grease-Resistant
Cold drinks, oily food and sauces can quickly damage weak packaging. Look for:
- Leak-resistant drink lids and secure meal container lids
- Grease-resistant paper for burgers, chips and fried snacks
- Takeaway bags that can handle moisture without tearing
This helps your orders arrive looking professional rather than messy.
Heat-Tolerant and Durable
High temperatures and condensation can warp flimsy packaging. Sturdy materials that don’t soften or collapse make it easier for staff to pack and for deliveries to arrive safely.
Eco-Friendly Options
Many customers now pay attention to whether packaging is recyclable or compostable. Choosing more sustainable options can:
- Improve how people feel about your brand
- Make your business more “shareable” on social media
- Help you stand out from competitors that still use very basic packaging
Easy to Use in a Busy Service
In summer, every second counts. Packaging that stacks neatly, opens smoothly and closes securely can save precious time during the rush. Simple details like pre-bundled sets or clearly labelled sizes can make your whole operation feel more organised.
Using Packaging to Create a “Summer Feel” for Your Brand
Packaging is often the first thing customers see and touch, especially with takeaway and delivery. With a few small touches, you can turn standard packaging into part of your summer branding.
Fresh Colours and Simple Designs
Cool colours like light blue, green and citrus tones can give a refreshing feeling that matches iced drinks and summer menus. Even if you use plain cups or containers, a well-designed sticker or sleeve can make the whole order feel more lively.
Custom Labels and Stickers
Labels are a simple way to:
- Mark different flavours (e.g. Mango, Watermelon, Passionfruit)
- Show size options (Regular, Large, Family Pack)
- Highlight limited-time summer specials
They help staff avoid mix-ups and give customers a clear, professional impression.
First Impressions for Takeaway and Delivery
When customers open a delivery bag and see neatly packed boxes, clean napkins, secure lids and no spills, it sends a strong message: this business cares about details. That feeling is a big part of why people come back again and again.
Why It’s Worth Using an Online Packaging Store
Instead of running around to multiple suppliers, an online packaging store lets you sort everything out from one screen.
Wide Range for Different Businesses
Cafés, restaurants, dessert shops, food trucks, market stalls and caterers can all find suitable options in one place. Being able to browse by category or usage – like cold drinks, takeaway meals, party supplies or eco-friendly packaging – makes it easier to choose.
Flexible Order Sizes
Online packaging stores often allow both smaller test orders and larger bulk orders. That means you can:
- Try a new cup or container type before committing
- Increase quantity quickly when you find the right fit
Clear Pricing and Cost Control
Transparent pricing across different materials and sizes helps you compare options and plan your costs for the whole season. You can decide where to invest in higher quality and where a simple, budget-friendly option is enough.
Convenient Delivery During Peak Season
Instead of spending time driving to wholesalers, you can place an order online and have it delivered. That leaves you and your staff free to focus on food, service and customer experience.
Practical Tips for Getting Your Summer Packaging Ready
A little preparation now can save a lot of stress once things get busy.
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Review last year’s numbers
Look at last summer’s sales or order volume and estimate how much packaging you’ll need this time. -
Add a safety buffer
Consider ordering 10–20% extra for peak weeks, special events and unexpected rushes. -
Have backup options ready
Choose one or two alternative container or cup styles that can work across different menu items if your main choice runs low. -
Check for recurring problems
Think back to any complaints about leaking drinks, crushed boxes or messy deliveries. These are clear signs of where your packaging needs an upgrade.
Getting Your Business Summer-Ready
Summer is a great opportunity to boost sales, attract new customers and turn first-time buyers into regulars. Thoughtful packaging plays a quiet but powerful role in that process – keeping drinks cold and contained, food neat and appetising, and orders easy to handle for both staff and customers.
If you’re planning your summer menu or preparing for a busy takeaway season, this is the perfect time to review your packaging and refresh what you’re using. A well-stocked online packaging store makes it simple to explore options, test what works and build a reliable setup that will carry you through the hottest months.
Behind the scenes, Discount Packaging Warehouse is always working to bring more practical, good-quality products to businesses, so you can spend less time worrying about packaging and more time serving happy customers.