Tips to grow your food business this summer

Spring is in the air, and with it, people are emerging from their winter hibernation. For those in the food and beverage industry, this is the perfect time to shake things up. After the run up to Christmas, Summer is the next busiest time for those in the hospitality sector. So, how can you make the most of this season to drive business growth and boost brand awareness that will benefit you throughout the entire year?

Strategies to grow your food businesses this summer

Seasonal Menus

Refresh your menu for summer with light, cooling options to beat the heat. Expand your salad selection and classic BBQ favorites, adding your unique twist and some fruit-based desserts. Shift your marketing focus from warming coffees to refreshing iced coffees, smoothies, and ice creams. You might also want to introduce light snacks like cheese boards and dips—perfect for pairing with a glass of Pimm’s under the sun.

Outdoor Dining

Now’s the perfect time to evaluate your outdoor space and find ways to make it more inviting, encouraging customers to choose your establishment on warm summer afternoons. Could you set up a pop-up bar outside to keep the crowds flowing? If you don’t have an outdoor space, such as being located on a high street or running a food truck, don’t worry—there’s still a solution. You can apply for a license to place tables and chairs on the pavement or in a nearby park through your local council. Even a few chairs can make a big difference in how customers engage with your business, encouraging them to order an extra drink, snack, or appetizer. Alternatively, setting up a convenient takeaway window or "hole-in-the-wall" option lets passersby easily grab something for their picnics or summer gatherings.

Summer Events

The summer season is packed with outdoor festivals, open-air cinemas, county shows, and music events, all seeking unique food vendors to cater to the crowds. These events are not only a fantastic way to have a lucrative weekend, but they also offer great opportunities to boost your brand awareness with new audiences. Everyevent is a UK-wide catering booking platform designed to connect event organisers with local, professional caterers for all types of events. Launched in 2023, Everyevent already features over 1,600 vetted caterers, including food trucks, pop-up kitchens, caterers, and more. Event organisers can browse Everyevent’s database to view local catering options, menus, and directly contact food businesses like yours. From small gatherings to large-scale festivals, Everyevent covers a wide range of events throughout the UK. The platform is designed to make event catering seamless, efficient, and stress-free for both organisers and caterers. Why not explore Everyevent and see how they can help grow your business?

Not set up to cater external events? Consider hosting your own to attract the summer crowds. Outdoor barbecues, live music, and family-friendly events are exactly what people are looking for to enjoy the warm weather.

Marketing Focus

Seasonal promotions: run limited-time discounts, combo offers, or "summer packs" to attract customers looking for deals.

Social Media engagement: share behind-the-scenes content, summer recipes, or customer testimonials. Use seasonal hashtags to boost visibility and engage with potential customers who are looking for summer experiences.

Email campaigns: send out summer-focused newsletters offering special promotions, new menu items, or recipes that highlight summer flavors. This keeps your loyal customers in the loop and entices them to visit more often throughout the season.

Collaborate with other Local Businesses

Explore partnerships with like-minded local businesses to create cross-promotion opportunities. Consider teaming up with a local brewery, tourist spot, bespoke lifestyle brand, fitness center, or yoga studio to offer mutual promotions and bundle deals. These collaborations can help attract a wider audience, increase brand exposure, and provide added value to your customers, benefiting both businesses in the process.

By aligning your food business with the vibrant energy of summer, you can draw in a steady stream of customers eager to enjoy seasonal flavors, outdoor dining, and exciting events. This seasonal shift offers the perfect opportunity to connect with your audience and create memorable experiences that keep them coming back all season long.