How To Choose An Event Catering Supply Company
A problem experienced by caterers is that it is challenging to find a reliable event catering supplies company. Therefore, it is prudent to conduct due diligence before working with any supplies company. Remember, oversights on the supplier's side could cost you business and clients. The excerpt below puts forward a few questions you should use to interview an event catering supplies company. Luckily, it will help you find a supplier with whom you can form a long-term relationship.
What Is the Company's Operating Area?
Ideally, the event catering supplies company should be based within your locality. It ensures prompt delivery of the various catering supplies. Another advantage of dealing with a local company is that it sources produce within the area. Remember, your clients' palates are used to locally grown foods. Consequently, they may complain about the taste of foods sourced from other regions or abroad. Another benefit of locally sourced foods is that you are sure about the quality. For instance, you might not be very comfortable cooking GMO foods or those grown with excessive chemicals.
What Does Your Company Supply?
The supplies company should send you a catalogue of the foods it supplies. The thumb rule is to work with companies with an extensive catalogue. Remember, some of your clients might ask you to prepare international cuisines. Therefore, you need a company that can quickly source the ingredients for such foods. Suppose the company supplies processed foods such as spices, canned meats, and cereals, conduct due diligence to ensure that these foods are made by reputable manufacturers. Besides, check the ingredients to ensure the foods do not contain chemicals or allergens.
What Are Your Storage Techniques?
The company's storage techniques can influence the quality of products that they supply. For instance, vegetables could change their taste and colour if stored at freezing temperatures. The events supplies company should pull out all the stops to deliver fresh products. For example, they should clean and sort the produce to remove any contaminated items that could damage their stock.
Can The Company Work On Short Deadlines?
It is a concern for any caterer. Sometimes, clients will ask you to organise an event on a short deadline. It would be challenging to pull off the event if your supplier cannot supply on short notice. Besides, inquire about the company's turnaround time when you do not have a strict deadline. It will give valuable insights into the company's ability to supply your business.
When looking for an event catering supplier, assess the company's operating area, catalogue, storage techniques and ability to work on short deadlines.
For more information on event catering supply, contact a company near you.