The EU Food Information Regulation (LMIV) has presented the catering industry with new challenges in recent years. One of these is the obligation to provide detailed labelling of dishes on the menu. For many restaurateurs, this means a considerable amount of extra work. But why is this regulation so important and what opportunities does it offer?
Here you will not only learn how to create a digital menu with EU-compliant labels , but also how to use this challenge as an opportunity and position yourself on the market in an appealing way for guests. Digital solutions can help to minimize the additional effort and at the same time enable an attractive and informative presentation of the menu.
The LMIV is not a rigid set of rules, but is constantly evolving. Find out what you can expect in the future here.
Allergens, ingredients, nutritional values - what must be on the menu?
We can help comply with these regulations.
Why labeling is important
The EU Food Information Regulation (LMIV) ensures that consumers are provided with comprehensive and transparent information about the composition of food. For the catering industry, this represents a great responsibility, but also an opportunity to strengthen the trust and satisfaction of guests.
Clear labeling is not only a legal requirement, but also a signal that the needs and wishes of guests are taken seriously. Especially in the case of allergies, intolerances or special diets such as vegan or gluten-free, guests expect transparent information that makes their choice easier. Restaurants that meet this requirement stand out in a positive way.
The advantages of mandatory labeling are obvious
Build trust - Guests appreciate transparency and are more likely to choose restaurants that respect their wishes.
Protect your health - Correct labeling minimizes health risks and increases safety for allergy sufferers.
Enable differentiation - Farms can emphasize their high-quality ingredients and care, which sets them apart from the competition.
Ultimately, the labeling requirement shows that transparency and quality are not additional tasks, but essential success factors in the catering industry. It makes it possible to offer guests a better experience and to present your own offerings in a convincing way.
Challenges in implementation and how to overcome them
The implementation of the EU labelling requirement brings organisational and time-related challenges for many restaurateurs.
The precise declaration of allergens, additives and information on origin requires not only a deep understanding of the ingredients used, but also close cooperation with suppliers and regular checking of menus. This can quickly become confusing, especially when offerings change or are seasonal.
Digital solutions offer a practical way to meet legal requirements while reducing the workload. With a digital menu, changes and additions can be made in real time without incurring new printing costs or confusing guests with outdated information. In addition, databases can be automatically integrated that add allergens or origin information from the information provided by suppliers, for example.
The advantages of implementing a digital menu are clear
Flexibility - Adjustments to the menu can be made quickly and efficiently, for example for seasonal ingredients or short-term changes.
Automation - Integration with supplier systems allows important information to be captured and displayed automatically.
Clarity - A clear digital representation ensures that labeling remains transparent and easy to understand, both for guests and staff.
Interactivity - Digital menus often offer guests the opportunity to search for specific allergens or ingredients or to filter the menu based on individual needs. This increases user-friendliness and minimizes queries to service staff.
Digital solutions not only make the legal labeling requirement easier to implement, but also provide a tool for professionally communicating the quality and transparency of the gastronomic offering.
The Opportunities - Transparency as a Competitive Advantage
Transparency is a key aspect in today's gastronomy industry in order to gain the trust and loyalty of guests. Clear and well-structured labeling of dishes not only offers added value for guests, but also for the business itself by emphasizing its own quality and uniqueness.
A transparent menu allows restaurateurs to specifically highlight their strengths. For example, the use of regional and sustainable ingredients can be emphasized, which is particularly popular with environmentally conscious guests. Likewise, detailed information about allergens or additives can give the feeling that individual needs are being taken into account. Guests appreciate this and often reward such efforts with repeat visits and recommendations.
The advantages of a transparent and clear positioning on the market are obvious
Create trust - Guests feel well informed and safe when they know exactly what they are consuming. This strengthens trust in the brand and the quality of the offering.
Competitive advantage - Transparency can be a key factor in differentiating yourself from competitors who may be less open with information.
Highlighting quality - Regional and high-quality ingredients can be specifically highlighted and used as a unique selling point.
A transparent menu is therefore not only a tool for meeting legal requirements, but also a real opportunity to present yourself in a modern and professional manner. Transparency is increasingly becoming an expectation - and those who meet this expectation will remain successful in the long term.
The catering industry is facing another important change. New regulations on meat labelling are coming into focus and could have a lasting impact on the everyday lives of restaurateurs. It is expected that in future the origin of meat will also have to be clearly stated in restaurants - similar to what is already the case in retail.
These innovations not only mean additional administrative work for the catering industry, but also open up opportunities to present themselves as quality-conscious and transparent. Guests are placing increasing importance on knowing where their food comes from. A well-communicated focus on regional or sustainable meat sources can create a strong unique selling point and increase the attractiveness of the restaurant.
The advantages of meat labeling for restaurateurs
Building trust - Guests are increasingly placing value on transparency and rewarding businesses that openly and honestly provide information about the origin of their ingredients and can prove the quality of their products.
Highlight regionality - Specifying local suppliers strengthens the image and underlines a sustainable concept.
Positioning in the competition - Early adaptation to new regulations shows professionalism and sets the restaurant apart from the competition.
Digital menus can also make an important contribution here. With central management of supplier and origin information, data can be efficiently maintained and updated in real time. This saves time and ensures a modern appearance. Restaurateurs who actively use the new regulations as an opportunity not only strengthen their market position, but also contribute to a more sustainable restaurant sector.
The implementation of digital solutions not only optimises internal processes, but also improves the customer experience. The introduction of an online ordering system increases efficiency, reduces waiting times and also increases turnover from additional sales. In addition, a digital menu enables a targeted approach to the target group and promotes customer loyalty.