In 2023, a report by KPMG revealed that 31% of consumers have at least one takeaway a week. A more recent report by Zego showed that the UK food delivery market is set to reach £3.8 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% forecasted over the next five years.

These astounding figures prove one thing - the food delivery and takeaway market is booming and shows no signs of slowing down. From delivery apps, like Deliveroo and Uber Eats, and subscription meal kits to grocery delivery services, consumers can get any food they desire directly to their door in minutes.

However, it is not the great food alone that drives this industry. The memorable experience that businesses can create for their customers without them having to leave their homes makes it even more appealing.

Promotional merchandise for takeaways, restaurants and meal delivery services is a cost-effective and impactful way of enhancing that experience while increasing brand recognition, building loyalty and turning casual customers into superfans.

Why Branded Merchandise Matters for Food Businesses

The food delivery industry is saturated. There are delivery apps that have dominated the market for years, new ones popping up every other month, and restaurants providing their own delivery service for the public. Hungry customers are spoilt for choice when it comes time to order food, so businesses need to stand out to gain a competitive edge.

Branded merchandise items for takeaways are a powerful way of doing just that. You can create a promo item for your business that leaves a lasting impression on customers and keeps you a step ahead of everyone else by offering something different.

Promotional gifts can also be used as a tool for building emotional connections between brands and their customers. A thoughtful and practical promo item can create positive associations with a brand and ensure that each customer feels valued.

Moreover, branded merchandise has a ripple effect that can’t be replicated through most other forms of marketing. When a customer receives a promotional item and then uses or shares it, this brings awareness of your brand to other people. It acts like word-of-mouth referrals or a billboard by expanding your reach without the need for consistent investment on your end.

Running A Takeaway Restaurant? Here’s Why You Should Invest In Company Giveaways To Increase And Retain Customers

If you’re still not convinced of how impactful business giveaways can be for a takeaway restaurant, then let’s consider how they can directly increase or retain your customers.

Branded items help ensure that your business stays front of mind whenever customers decide they want to order food. When you have gifted them a logo fridge magnet or printed can cooler, for example, they will see it every day and act as a constant reminder of your takeaway restaurant. This means that when they are craving food and want to place an order, your restaurant will be the one they think of first, increasing customer retention.

We all love a promotional freebie! Nothing shows your appreciation for a customer's purchase more than giving them something extra and unexpected with their order. When a customer receives their food alongside a promo gift, especially when it’s something they deem valuable, it will enhance their overall experience with you.

The small yet thoughtful gesture will surely be remembered and create an instant positive memory of their purchase, meaning that they are likely to return and become a loyal customer or even recommend you to others.

Then, there is the social media shareability of company giveaways. Branded merchandise for takeaways can encourage social sharing, making your brand more discoverable online.

Finally, you can be considered in the types of branded products that you invest in to ensure that you promote positive messages and align your business with the best practices. Sustainable promotional items are one example, as they can showcase your business’s commitment to the environment, placing your takeaway restaurant in a positive light.

Our Top 3 Best Selling Promotional Items For Fast Food Brands

Functional Must-Have Items For All Fast Food Delivery Brands

Branded Merchandise Ideas for Food Delivery and Takeaway Services

Looking to elevate your food delivery or takeaway service with branded merchandise? The right items can be both practical and powerful, helping you boost brand awareness while enhancing the customer experience. Here are some creative ways to make a lasting impression.

Imagine your customers receiving their order in an insulated food bag with your logo. Not only does it keep meals hot and fresh, but it also acts as a moving advertisement every time it’s reused. For those who prefer sustainable options, custom reusable cutlery kits made from bamboo or stainless steel are a thoughtful touch that aligns with eco-conscious values.

Drinks deserve attention, too! Reusable branded water bottles or promotional tumblers encourage healthy habits while reinforcing your brand message. Even small details, like printed napkins or custom stickers on takeaway boxes, can make a big impact. Those little touches elevate the experience and leave customers with a lasting impression.

Creative Add-Ons

If you really want to stand out, consider something unexpected. Custom printed spice jars featuring your signature seasoning blend can bring your flavours into customers’ kitchens, keeping them engaged with your brand beyond mealtime. Printed aprons and logo chef hats are perfect for home cooks and make for highly valued keepsakes.

For something practical yet stylish, food-themed promotional bags offer a great way for customers to carry groceries or takeaway orders while spreading awareness of your brand wherever they go. Even a simple printed fridge magnet can be made more engaging by incorporating a QR code that links to special offers or exclusive content.

Eco-Friendly Promotional Product Solutions

Sustainability is more than a trend; it’s become an expectation. Biodegradable takeaway containers with your logo reduce waste and be designed to be visually appealing and social media-worthy. Want to make an even bigger impression? Promotional seed paper coasters or placemats that customers can plant to grow herbs offer a memorable, interactive experience that keeps your brand in their minds (and their gardens) long after their meal.

Actionable Steps to Get Started

If you’re ready to invest in branded products for your takeaway or food delivery service, making the right choices from the start can set you up for success. The key is to think strategically about how your merchandise connects with your audience and reinforces your brand. Consider conducting surveys to understand customer preferences or analysing past sales data to identify popular items.

Start by understanding what your customers actually want. Use tools like customer surveys, feedback forms, or social media polls to gather insights. Their preferences should guide your choices so that your promotional items feel useful, relevant, and impactful. A well-chosen item won’t just be a throwaway: it will be something they appreciate and use, keeping your brand in their hands (and on their minds) for longer.

Next, make sure whatever you choose genuinely represents your brand and values. Your fast food merchandise should feel like an extension of your experience. Whether it’s eco-friendly packaging, sleek minimalist designs, or something fun and quirky, it needs to reflect who you are and what makes your business special.

Distribution matters just as much as selection. Don’t just hand out products randomly; try to be intentional. For example, include them in takeaway orders, offer them at events, or use them as rewards in a loyalty programme. Please include them in takeaway orders, offer them at events, or use them as rewards in a loyalty programme. Every merchandise item is an opportunity to create a lasting impression, so make sure they’re landing in the right hands at the right time.

And, of course, working with a trusted promotional merchandise company can make all the difference. A reliable partner can ensure quality production and expert customisation, helping your branding resonate with customers. With expert customisation and quality production, we can help bring your branding to life in a way that truly resonates with your customers.

Now’s the time to take your takeaway or food delivery branding to the next level. Let’s make it happen!

Written By Jamie - Account Manager At Merchandise Ltd

Tel:01895 438459

Email: jamie@merchandise.co.uk