Going from ball jars to retail glass packaging is a big step for any food business. Here are five tips to help you through it!
If you operate a food truck or concession trailer already and don’t sell packaged food customers can take home, you could be leaving money on the table. One of the easiest ways to get into small-batch packaged food is to offer glass jars if it matches your concept.
Packaging food products comes with many important decisions. But, when you’re just starting out making your mustard, jams, jellies, or pickles, finding packaging that’s inexpensive, does the job, and looks nice is tough.
And that’s where Ball jars come in.
Ball jars are great for that “farmer’s market look”, they’re inexpensive, and you can buy what you need to the grocery store, hardware store, or even local miscellaneous mart.
However, there are several problems with Ball jars
- Your labels don’t stick well
- The jar closure is in two pieces (customer nightmare)
- Expensive when you need large quantities
Sure, for the market when you’re making a couple cases of product, they work great. But, what about when your products are ready for retail store shelves?
Making a great first impression requires more than a Ball jar.
I met a jam maker last weekend who just landed her first local retailer. And she’s working to make her products visually appealing and store-worthy.
One of those strategies is to ditch her canning jar in favor of a sleek 8oz jar – perfect for retail shelves.
She had a couple of questions, so I thought I’d write a few tips to make the transition smooth – for her, and you:
1. Shop around
Making the move from canning jar to glass jar is a big financial move. So, it’s best to shop around until you find the best price. You should looked at at least three supplier before you make your decision. Call them up, make sure they service small accounts (some large suppliers brush you off) and that you’ll be able to get what you need when you need it. Customer service and support are equally important to the cost of the jar.
2. Participate in a group-buy
Ordering from a large glass supplier makes sense if you need 50+ cases of glass, but to get a better deal, join other food producers in the area and get a few pallets of glass. This dramatically cuts down on shipping costs and ultimately lowers your per unit cost, too. Win-win!
3. Get a sample pack
When I selected my glass jars for Green Mountain Mustard, this was the best tip I received – straight from the jar salesman him self. Get a sample pack, make a small batch of product, and fill each container. Your product’s color, texture, and appearance changes depending on the jar. Many producers are often surprised – what they like empty isn’t always the jar they like full.
4. Different jar = different label
When you’re considering moving to a glass jar, it might be a completely different shape. And that doesn’t mean you should keep the same label you’ve been using for years. Take advantage of the extra surface and get a bigger label. Maybe you’ll have enough room to share a recipe or your company story.
5. Can’t pick a winner? Ask your customers.
Ultimately, your customers are the ones purchasing your product. If you’re stuck between a couple of different sizes and shapes, post pics to your Facebook business page and let customers vote. Not only will their vote be important, but they’re going to want to know what to look for in the store when your packaging changes.
There you have it – five tips to not only take your business to the next level, but be smart about it. Your packaging choices are the most crucial to success because if you’re not noticed on the shelf no one will buy your product!
Are you still packing in ball jars? Are you nervous to make the move to a real glass jar? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
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