When it comes to food, presentation matters as much as taste. This is why professional chefs spend so much time dressing their plates before serving the food, and why so many baristas spend hours perfecting their latte art. The way food is served is a treat for the human eye, just as its flavour is a delight for the taste buds.
Display cases help catch customers’ attention the moment they walk through the door. Whether you own a cosy little bakery or a large urban cafe, with the right display case, you’re inviting your customers to indulge their eyes before they get to taste the delicious pastries. Not only are display cases a great way to decorate your store by displaying your divine food, but their glass display also helps customers see what your shop has to offer while maintaining a hygienic barrier around the food.
The Purpose of Display Cases in Cafés and Bakeries
Display cases have many uses across different industries. From presenting delicious cupcakes in bakeries to showcasing fresh fruits and veggies in grocery stores, display cases have countless hygienic uses and numerous decorative purposes. So, why do you, in particular, need a display case in your store?
Display cases are an essential part of every business that offers food to its customers. They are usually refrigerated and made of glass. This way, the food you serve stays cold and in perfect condition, while your customers can look and choose from your many creations.
Display cases are not just pretty fridges used for food display; they are essential utilities that build trust between your business and your customers. People like to be assured that everything they purchase is fresh, well-made and most importantly, hygienic. These cases help you achieve this goal by allowing you to beautifully organise your food according to category, ingredients and even price.
Customers love easy shopping experiences, and storing all your fresh goods in one, observable space lets them wander around the store and explore all their options. This can drive higher sales and attract more customers to your store.
The Different Types of Display Cases
First impressions are everything. No matter how delicious or buttery your pastries may be, the first thing that catches your customers’ eyes is how they look, their decorations, swirls and patterns. The right display case can accentuate your designs and make your food pop in the eyes of your customers. Here are some popular types of food display cases and how they might fit your store’s needs and aesthetic.
1) Cake Display Cabinets
The magic of sleek cake display cases is that you get the perfect size display that fits and protects your creations. These specialised fixtures are usually made of glass, keeping your cakes in a hygienic environment while also presenting them to your customers so they can consume some of their magic with their eyes. Cake display cases provide a cool, dry environment that helps keep cakes fresh for up to five days.
2) Refrigerated Display Cases
The most common display cabinets found in bakeries and cafés are refrigerated cases that keep delicate foods from melting or spoiling. Even heat-sensitive pastries can still be showcased to customers, with refrigerated cases helping protect desserts in warm, busy environments.
3) Non-Refrigerated Display Cases
If your store serves baked goods that don’t really require cooling, then non-refrigerated cases might be just the thing your business is missing. These types of cases are usually a more budget-friendly option, as they don’t require constant electrical power.
4) Countertop Display Cabinets
If you find yourself short on space but still like to display your baked goods, then countertop cases are a great space-saving option. These cases are most commonly placed right next to the register to encourage impulse purchases. They are great for dynamic environments, creating a unique, almost homely feeling in your store.
What to Look for in the Perfect Cake Display Case
Because the display counter is possibly the most important item in your shop, choosing the perfect one requires some precision and careful consideration. Here are a few important factors to keep in mind when selecting the perfect display case for your cakes:
- Temperature Control: Although not every edible item in a store needs to be refrigerated, it’s always a good idea to have a refrigerated display case, especially for those summer months. Prioritise getting a case with accurate temperature control and consistent airflow to keep everything evenly cool.
- Style of Display: There are many different types of display cases available. You can choose cases with frames made of different materials, tinted glass, and even patterns or designs on the case. For a modern, sleek look, frameless glass is a strong option that offers clear, unobstructed visibility.
- Lighting: If your store is open until late into the night, a lighting display goes a long way toward visibility and overall presentation. Because traditional lighting emits heat, which defeats the general purpose of a refrigerated case, the best lighting for a cake display is LED.
- Cleaning: Don’t forget that at the end of the day, you’ll have to clean and prepare your display for the next workday. The material of your display case needs to be able to withstand cleaning on a daily basis. Removable trays or shelves are ideal for a display that needs frequent cleaning.
