Essential Packaging and Supplier Advice for Canadian Food Business Owners

Your product is ready, you have a fresh social media account ready to use, and you might even have your first customers—there’s only one thing missing: packaging and packaging suppliers.

You might think that, in the end, what matters the most is the quality of the good you’re selling. While that is still important and we encourage you to keep making that the main focus, many people are just as influenced by the packaging as by the product itself.

In America, for example, around 70% of people think about the packaging before making a purchase.

Beyond protecting your product, packaging is crucial for your small food business to succeed and thrive.

Why Packaging Matters for Small Food Businesses:

Brand Identity

Your brand identity is what makes your business unique and recognizable. It includes your logo, the colours and fonts, and the tone you use to speak on behalf of your business.

You want people to look at your label when they’re scrolling on their phone and say “Oh yeah, that’s the cookie brand I like!”

For e-commerce-based small businesses, packaging is oftentimes the main medium through which brand identity is perceived. Ensure you convey your values, mission and quality without relying on external links.

You can strengthen your brand identity by incorporating visual elements like illustrations and images and choosing food packaging materials that match the range of your business.

Positive First Impression

These days it is not enough to stamp “locally made” in your packaging. The more care, detail, and intention you put into it, the more chances you have of catching the eye of potential new customers.

There is all sorts of psychology behind packaging that you can explore to ensure you’re creating a good first impression. Think of colours—how warmer tones generally evoke happier emotions and cooler ones a sense of simplicity and elegance.

Consider telling a story with your packaging. Find ways to showcase the creative decisions behind your packaging by including a brief note about how your business started or what your goals are. Sharing your story helps positively shape the customer’s idea of your brand.

Customer Satisfaction

A beautiful package will be wasted if it crumbles in your customer’s hands. Beyond how your packaging looks, it’s crucial that it still protects the product. You don’t want to risk damage during shipping or handling because of flimsy packaging.

On the other hand, balancing aesthetics with protection can greatly improve customer satisfaction: Over 60% of American customers report a positive impact because of premium, high-quality packaging.

Now, what should you consider when designing your food packaging?

Master Food Packaging Design as a Small Food Business Owner

Tailor to Audience and Product

Once you know who your target customer is, design packaging that is appealing to them and encourages them to buy it.

A business selling premium dark chocolate might focus on more minimalistic packaging with a sophisticated colour palette. A product designed for a younger audience, like chocolate mini cupcakes, calls for more vibrant, playful packaging.

Additionally, your packaging should match your product in look and function: Fancy products go with fancy packaging, and fragile items need more sturdy packaging (you wouldn’t use a pouch to cushion them).

Check out Food Packaging Design Trends

Apart from important trends that can help you unleash your small food business, consider checking out packaging design trends depending on your branding.

Whether you prefer a bold or a simple design, both can catch the eye of your audience when done right.

Lots of people like minimalistic packaging these days, so a clean look can be great. But don’t be afraid of getting creative! A unique design will always make your product stand out from the crowd.

Regardless of what you choose, what’s trendy right now is texture, funky typography, handmade crafts, and illustrations.

Remember User-Friendliness and Product Protection

Do design packaging that protects your product, but keep it easy to open. (A plus if it’s resealable!)

Instructions

Add instructions if you think they’re the slightest bit necessary. Use language that’s easy to understand, and, if possible, design them to stay coherent with your branding.

Test the Packaging

Instead of hoping that your target audience likes your packaging when your product launches, test it with them before to avoid disappointments and make improvements.

This process is done with test participants through surveys that cover:

Purchase intent, or the likeliness that a customer will buy your product
How much your product stands out from the competition
The quality of your packaging
The relevance of your packaging regarding your target audience’s needs and taste
How functional is it—does it aid or hinder the unboxing process?

Be Honest in Materials and Contents

There’s nothing customers hate more than misleading packaging.

If your packaging includes pictures, these should match the actual look and size of the product—it’s alright to hype the customer before they open the product, but don’t generate expectations that won’t be met.

With the rise of sustainable packaging, wanting to prove you’re also environmentally friendly is natural. 50% of customers think that retailers should make sustainability a top priority. However, ambiguous or even false claims will end up harming your business.

Lastly, if you’re a business working with food labels, remember that besides remaining straightforward and truthful, it’s also important that you include ingredients everyone can recognize or, at least, look up.

Include Legal Requirements

Honesty is not only a consideration towards your customers but also a law requirement.

Depending on where you are, there are certain requirements your packaging must comply with to avoid penalties. In the case of Canada, some of them include mandatory information, label placement, and accurate information.

Add Value to Your Packaging

Here in Canada, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled per year. The hardships of the recycling process (including cross-contamination and misplacement) make it so there’s a need for reusable packaging.

While there’s nothing wrong with cardboard or paper packaging (in fact, they are very popular), consider options that customers can repurpose, like a tin cookie box or a tote bag.

This form of upcycling will please both your customers and the environment.

Effective Food Packaging Ideas for Small Food Businesses

Transparent Packaging

This packaging is incredibly trendy because of the honest relationship it creates with your customers. They will feel better buying your product because they know what comes inside.

Glass Jars

They’re perfect for baked and sweet goods such as scones and jams because of their heat-resistance qualities, neutral taste and long shelf life. Add sophisticated aesthetics, and you have a simple answer to your packaging worries.

Here are some Amazon Finds you can explore.

Custom Packaging Labels

This powerful branding tool can transform a plain package into something special that can help people remember your brand. You can play around with sites like Canva and SheetLabels to get started.

Collaborations with Local Artists

Small artists can create unique designs for special editions or add eye-catching artwork to your regular packaging, making your brand feel fresh while supporting the local art community.

Creative Food Packaging Design Ideas for Small Food Businesses

Seasonal Food Packaging

Sometimes rebranding can be the cure when your business no longer resonates with your target audience, but other times you can spark old and new interest by switching things up every season.

It doesn’t have to be anything big, just enough to be noticeable: Slipping some candy canes with your usual hot cocoa, including a small potted plant with your coffee beans for spring, wrapping your sweets in Halloween-themed paper when fall comes…

To create a sense of expectation, also think of launching limited editions.

The only thing to be aware of is keeping your festive design on pair with your branding—your customers should know you are the same business they love and trust.

Small Gestures

Who doesn’t love receiving gifts? This warm feeling at something so simple, yet human, is an opportunity to create a bond between your brand and the customer.

By slipping in an unexpected element like a sticker sheet, freebies or branded tissue paper, the unboxing experience becomes more memorable for them.

Besides giving them something they can showcase in their daily life (think of stickers on water bottles and phone cases) if the item is cool enough, they might even share it on social media, attracting people who might not know about your business.

As your business grows, adding a hand-written letter or a personalized sticker pack will become harder, if not impossible; but even a small, generic printed note expressing gratitude for the purchase is enough to connect emotionally with your customers.

Packaging Costs Considerations for Small Food Businesses

Taking into account all the money you’ve put into your product already, allocating part of your budget to packaging surely feels like the last thing you’d want to do. But remember to think of packaging as another investment for your sales and business.

And although it may seem like the opposite, the more you care about your packaging, the more money you can save.

Take packaging materials as an example: If you choose lightweight materials such as plastic and cardboard, you can reduce the overall weight of the shipment and the space it takes on delivery trucks.

The size too: Using the right packaging size saves you money on materials and prevents annoying your customers with extra waste. Plus, if your packaging fits in a mailbox you can avoid delivery delays.

Packaging Suppliers for Small Food Businesses: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether by now you have a clear idea of your packaging design or you’re just getting started, it’s never a bad time to think about those who will help you bring your vision to life: packaging suppliers.

Things to consider when choosing a packaging supplier:

Design: Will your supplier be able to apply your branding to your packaging? Do they have the ability to print your logo and your illustrations accurately?
- Although you might think there’s a limit to what you can ask for in terms of design as a small business, you can find ways to compromise that won’t leave you with a shabby cardboard box.
Sustainability: What does sustainability mean for the supplier?
- Ask them to take you through the manufacturing process to check their green credentials.
Variety: Do they offer more than one size for your products?
- Even if you’re just starting, find a supplier that can grow with you. That way, you’ll have the packaging options you’ll need without any fuss.
Packaging Budget: As a small food business owner, be sure to find companies that offer a lower order rate that fits your needs.
- Figuring out a fixed packaging budget can be tricky because there are many factors to think about. What you can do is set a top spending limit and chat with your supplier to make smart decisions right from the start.
Wait Times: Work with someone who cares about getting your product to customers on time. Delays are frustrating, so look for someone who understands that speed is key.
- If possible, choose a company that has people dedicated to answering these types of questions and concerns.
References: What have the people who’ve worked with them said?
- A supplier’s industry experience is an important factor to keep in mind, but reading reviews from previous customers can give you a feel of their reliability and customer service before making any commitment.

Where to Find a Packaging Supplier in Canada

To find a packaging supplier for your small food business in Canada you can start by checking out your favourite brands. You will find information regarding their suppliers and manufacturers on their website.

You can also attend trade shows, and contact fellow business owners like yourself to get a feel of the market.

Food Packaging Supplier Costs and Comparing Quotes

Before getting stressed by the figures in front of you, ask for a breakdown factoring all the costs included. Some suppliers might be cheaper but lack fast delivery times or research worth investing in.

You don’t need the most expensive suppliers every time, but they should still meet your business’ needs.

Best Canadian Suppliers for Small Food Businesses

SòOPAK offers a wide selection of custom packaging done in Canada, an end-to-end online platform, and friendly customer support ready to listen to your concerns and give you creative solutions.

They specialize in folding boxes that come in all sizes and designs. They offer instant quotes for mockups and printed and custom packaging.

Another nice feature of their site is the FAQ section, where you can learn about packaging terminology and their ordering process.

WJ Packaging Solutions

We like Vancouver-based WJ Packaging Solutions because of its customizable sealed pouches that are sustainable, carefully built, and innovative.

Although they offer no pricing information, all their pouches come with a product description and the markets they’re designed for. They have options for dried goods, confectionery, and even liquids like wine.

Magenta Depot

We were surprised at the amount of resources on Magenta Depot’s website. They have a lot of cardboard boxes that you can customize. They also have instant pricing for pre-defined dimensions and quantities, and mockups that can be shipped to your house.

For example, an order of 500 standard packaging boxes is quoted at $734.

Something cool they offer is giving you a customized dieline within 24 hours if you can’t find the one you need on their website.

Suppliers are a great option for small businesses if you’re looking for someone to manufacture your packaging. It’s easy, cost-saving, with little to no commitment, and an all-in-one packaging solution.

Conclusion

Designing your packaging can feel overwhelming. The checklist quickly becomes long when you add your creative vision, branding, target audience, sustainable materials, and suppliers. We get it! But trust us when we say that your hard work will pay off. Your customers will love your product even more when they see the thought you’ve put into your packaging.

Your product is ready, you have a fresh social media account ready to use, and you might even have your first customers—there’s only one thing missing: packaging and packaging suppliers.

You might think that, in the end, what matters the most is the quality of the good you’re selling. While that is still important and we encourage you to keep making that the main focus, many people are just as influenced by the packaging as by the product itself.

In America, for example, around 70% of people think about the packaging before making a purchase.

Beyond protecting your product, packaging is crucial for your small food business to succeed and thrive.

Why Packaging Matters for Small Food Businesses:

Brand Identity

Your brand identity is what makes your business unique and recognizable. It includes your logo, the colours and fonts, and the tone you use to speak on behalf of your business.

You want people to look at your label when they’re scrolling on their phone and say “Oh yeah, that’s the cookie brand I like!”

For e-commerce-based small businesses, packaging is oftentimes the main medium through which brand identity is perceived. Ensure you convey your values, mission and quality without relying on external links.

You can strengthen your brand identity by incorporating visual elements like illustrations and images and choosing food packaging materials that match the range of your business.

Positive First Impression

These days it is not enough to stamp “locally made” in your packaging. The more care, detail, and intention you put into it, the more chances you have of catching the eye of potential new customers.

There is all sorts of psychology behind packaging that you can explore to ensure you’re creating a good first impression. Think of colours—how warmer tones generally evoke happier emotions and cooler ones a sense of simplicity and elegance.

Consider telling a story with your packaging. Find ways to showcase the creative decisions behind your packaging by including a brief note about how your business started or what your goals are. Sharing your story helps positively shape the customer’s idea of your brand.

Customer Satisfaction

A beautiful package will be wasted if it crumbles in your customer’s hands. Beyond how your packaging looks, it’s crucial that it still protects the product. You don’t want to risk damage during shipping or handling because of flimsy packaging.

On the other hand, balancing aesthetics with protection can greatly improve customer satisfaction: Over 60% of American customers report a positive impact because of premium, high-quality packaging.

Now, what should you consider when designing your food packaging?

Master Food Packaging Design as a Small Food Business Owner

Tailor to Audience and Product

Once you know who your target customer is, design packaging that is appealing to them and encourages them to buy it.

A business selling premium dark chocolate might focus on more minimalistic packaging with a sophisticated colour palette. A product designed for a younger audience, like chocolate mini cupcakes, calls for more vibrant, playful packaging.

Additionally, your packaging should match your product in look and function: Fancy products go with fancy packaging, and fragile items need more sturdy packaging (you wouldn’t use a pouch to cushion them).

Check out Food Packaging Design Trends

Apart from important trends that can help you unleash your small food business, consider checking out packaging design trends depending on your branding.

Whether you prefer a bold or a simple design, both can catch the eye of your audience when done right.

Lots of people like minimalistic packaging these days, so a clean look can be great. But don’t be afraid of getting creative! A unique design will always make your product stand out from the crowd.

Regardless of what you choose, what’s trendy right now is texture, funky typography, handmade crafts, and illustrations.

Remember User-Friendliness and Product Protection

Do design packaging that protects your product, but keep it easy to open. (A plus if it’s resealable!)

Instructions

Add instructions if you think they’re the slightest bit necessary. Use language that’s easy to understand, and, if possible, design them to stay coherent with your branding.

Test the Packaging

Instead of hoping that your target audience likes your packaging when your product launches, test it with them before to avoid disappointments and make improvements.

This process is done with test participants through surveys that cover:

Purchase intent, or the likeliness that a customer will buy your product

How much your product stands out from the competition

The quality of your packaging

The relevance of your packaging regarding your target audience’s needs and taste

How functional is it—does it aid or hinder the unboxing process?

Be Honest in Materials and Contents

There’s nothing customers hate more than misleading packaging.

If your packaging includes pictures, these should match the actual look and size of the product—it’s alright to hype the customer before they open the product, but don’t generate expectations that won’t be met.

With the rise of sustainable packaging, wanting to prove you’re also environmentally friendly is natural. 50% of customers think that retailers should make sustainability a top priority. However, ambiguous or even false claims will end up harming your business.

Lastly, if you’re a business working with food labels, remember that besides remaining straightforward and truthful, it’s also important that you include ingredients everyone can recognize or, at least, look up.

Include Legal Requirements

Honesty is not only a consideration towards your customers but also a law requirement.

Depending on where you are, there are certain requirements your packaging must comply with to avoid penalties. In the case of Canada, some of them include mandatory information, label placement, and accurate information.

Add Value to Your Packaging

Here in Canada, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled per year. The hardships of the recycling process (including cross-contamination and misplacement) make it so there’s a need for reusable packaging.

While there’s nothing wrong with cardboard or paper packaging (in fact, they are very popular), consider options that customers can repurpose, like a tin cookie box or a tote bag.

This form of upcycling will please both your customers and the environment.

Effective Food Packaging Ideas for Small Food Businesses

Transparent Packaging

This packaging is incredibly trendy because of the honest relationship it creates with your customers. They will feel better buying your product because they know what comes inside.

Glass Jars

They’re perfect for baked and sweet goods such as scones and jams because of their heat-resistance qualities, neutral taste and long shelf life. Add sophisticated aesthetics, and you have a simple answer to your packaging worries.

Here are some Amazon Finds you can explore.

Custom Packaging Labels

This powerful branding tool can transform a plain package into something special that can help people remember your brand. You can play around with sites like Canva and SheetLabels to get started.

Collaborations with Local Artists

Small artists can create unique designs for special editions or add eye-catching artwork to your regular packaging, making your brand feel fresh while supporting the local art community.

Creative Food Packaging Design Ideas for Small Food Businesses

Seasonal Food Packaging

Sometimes rebranding can be the cure when your business no longer resonates with your target audience, but other times you can spark old and new interest by switching things up every season.

It doesn’t have to be anything big, just enough to be noticeable: Slipping some candy canes with your usual hot cocoa, including a small potted plant with your coffee beans for spring, wrapping your sweets in Halloween-themed paper when fall comes…

To create a sense of expectation, also think of launching limited editions.

The only thing to be aware of is keeping your festive design on pair with your branding—your customers should know you are the same business they love and trust.

Small Gestures

Who doesn’t love receiving gifts? This warm feeling at something so simple, yet human, is an opportunity to create a bond between your brand and the customer.

By slipping in an unexpected element like a sticker sheet, freebies or branded tissue paper, the unboxing experience becomes more memorable for them.

Besides giving them something they can showcase in their daily life (think of stickers on water bottles and phone cases) if the item is cool enough, they might even share it on social media, attracting people who might not know about your business.

As your business grows, adding a hand-written letter or a personalized sticker pack will become harder, if not impossible; but even a small, generic printed note expressing gratitude for the purchase is enough to connect emotionally with your customers.

Packaging Costs Considerations for Small Food Businesses

Taking into account all the money you’ve put into your product already, allocating part of your budget to packaging surely feels like the last thing you’d want to do. But remember to think of packaging as another investment for your sales and business.

And although it may seem like the opposite, the more you care about your packaging, the more money you can save.

Take packaging materials as an example: If you choose lightweight materials such as plastic and cardboard, you can reduce the overall weight of the shipment and the space it takes on delivery trucks.

The size too: Using the right packaging size saves you money on materials and prevents annoying your customers with extra waste. Plus, if your packaging fits in a mailbox you can avoid delivery delays.

Packaging Suppliers for Small Food Businesses: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether by now you have a clear idea of your packaging design or you’re just getting started, it’s never a bad time to think about those who will help you bring your vision to life: packaging suppliers.