Sorry it's been a while, this latest post is something that I have been wanting to write about for some time-packaging!
In the baking/cake decorating/chocolate making world it is generally accepted that cakes/chocolates are created in a recognised range of standard sizes. In turn manufacturers produce packaging and ancillary products to accommodate those sizes, for example: an 8" cake requires a 10" cake board or drum and a 10" box to transport or package it in. Chocolates are commonly produced from moulds which are specially sized so that 2/4/6/8/12/24 chocolates will fit in a standard box appropriate for the required number of chocolates and so on. With handmade cake decorations there is no such standard. The well known brands within the market such as Culpitt and Anniversary House produce cake decorations in their thousands so can afford to have bespoke packaging especially made to suit their products. For small producers such as myself this has really never been an option. My cake decorations and handmade to order in such a variety of styles and sizes that bespoke packaging for each design would not be viable as I would have to buy in large quantities; I don't sell anywhere near enough to warrant this.
As a result of this situation and in search of those elusive 'off the shelf' food safe packaging items that might somehow miraculously fit my cake decorations like the proverbial glove, I have become something of an expert, not only in my own area of interest, but packaging in general. I have dedicated years of my life to researching packaging and presentation products for small producers, to the point where it has now become something of an obsession; I am sure I am not alone, am I?
The following is a list of some of some of my favourite packaging websites that specialise in 'off the shelf products' which cater for the needs of the small producer; some I have bought from, others I have yet to try. There is something for everyone, whether you make jam or jewellery, brew beer or bake bread, sell sweets, soaps, savoury products, clothes, chocolate or indeed cake. What I will just add, if you're only looking to buy a couple of items then I would suggest Ebay or Etsy first.or the specialist supplier sites which cater for your chosen trade.
1) www.ampulla.co.uk
Hundreds of glass products; jars, beers bottles, essential oils, Plastic food packaging.
Packaging for cosmetics, soap, aluminium products plus lots more.
2) www.boxmart.co.uk
Great range of boxes, gift boxes, clear lid boxes, bottle boxes, floral supplies, ribbon.
2) www.buyrite.co.uk
Chocolate packaging, tissue paper,cellophane bags, greaseproof bags, transparent pvc cartons.
4) www.cakeboxesdirect.com
Large range of cake boxes, cupcake boxes, window cake boxes, doughnut boxes, disposable loaf moulds, corrugated boxes including some nice pink ones.
5) www.carnmeal.com
This one is more about presentation, fantastic range of ribbons; I am a huge fan of their organza ribbon, great value.Cellophane rolls, tiara boxes, lots of lovely bridal products, mirror plates.
6) www.delistore.co.uk
Food packaging, deli portion pots, ice cream cups, baguette bags, custom printed greaseproof sheets
7) www.foldabox.co.uk
Elegant and stylish magnetic gift boxes in a variety of sizes and gorgeous colours.
If you're looking for luxury packaging for your products then this is it.
8) www.gadsby.co.uk
Fabulous range of products, wickers baskets and hampers;Wimbledon! wooden crates, bamboo boards,
cardboard trays and gift boxes.
9) www.jamjarshop.com.
Jam jars, lids, labels and equipment.
10) www.mashers.co.uk
Plastic food presentation containers, lidded dessert containers, gold cardboard/plastic trays; great for patisserie or present cakes at fairs and festivals.
11) www.meridiansp.co.uk
What can I say, if chocolate making is your thing then this one's for you. Amazing range of chocolate boxes in fabulous colours, clear acetate packaging, Easter egg boxes, gold/silvers cake cards in small sizes; great for little individual cakes, transparent bags. Really good prices, apart from the delivery charge which pushes things up a bit, but if you buy enough still works out at quite a good deal!
12) www.midpac.co.uk
I love this place, I have recently bought my white rope handles bags from here.
Gift boxes; again the same magnetic ones so don't forget to check the final price (vat & Delivery) to get the best deal, wedding packaging, favour boxes, laminated carrier bags, ribbon.
13) www.thewrappingranch.co.uk
Fabulous range of presentation products: gift basket, tins and trays, cello bags, premium tissue paper, frosty gift bags and patterned wash tape in a gorgeous range of designs; great for tarting up plain boxes.
14) www.widdup.co.uk
Lots of great florist supplies that can easily be used for packaging and presentation of other products.
Personalised and stock printed paper and cellophane rolls. Currently (8/6/2014) great offer on 17cm small cube florists bag in white £0.35p each (100 min) plus vat, free delivery.
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