Episode 116 – Digital Marketing, Sustainability, and the Future of Takeaways

In Episode 116 of The Ceres Podcast, host Stelios Theocharous welcomed Jamie Sargeant, founder of Crowd, a global marketing agency, to discuss key topics shaping the digital marketing landscape for hospitality businesses. This episode offers invaluable insights for those looking to adapt to the ever-evolving world of digital, sustainability, and consumer behavior, especially in the hospitality sector.

Jamie begins by highlighting Crowd’s impressive global reach, with offices in cities such as San Francisco, London, and Dubai. He emphasizes the importance of understanding local cultures when marketing across various territories. This theme of adapting to specific market needs and using innovation to drive results is a recurring thread throughout the conversation. Jamie’s background in digital marketing, starting from the 1990s, has shaped his expertise in creating tailored campaigns that resonate globally.

The conversation took a turn as they discussed the digital shift accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For hospitality businesses, this period of lockdown forced many to embrace digital tools such as online ordering systems and click-and-collect services. Jamie notes that this shift has not only helped businesses survive but thrive. Technology, particularly in the takeaway sector, enabled businesses to continue serving customers despite physical restrictions.

Stelios reflected on the adaptive strategies employed by local businesses, pointing out that while some struggled initially, many eventually leveraged digital solutions that positioned them for success. This part of the podcast is especially relevant to hospitality owners considering or struggling with digital integration in their operations.

A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to sustainability, an issue that is becoming increasingly important for consumers, especially younger generations. Jamie shared his experiences working with clients who prioritize sustainability in their branding and marketing efforts. From biodegradable packaging to ethical sourcing, Jamie stresses that businesses must not only talk about sustainability but also actively demonstrate their commitment to these values.

One particularly eye-opening moment came when Jamie discussed how companies like Footprint are innovating with plant-based, biodegradable packaging. Stelios added his thoughts on how the fish and chip industry still struggles with packaging that keeps food crispy and sustainable, sparking a conversation on future solutions in packaging.

As they wrapped up, Stelios and Jamie delved into the necessity of a strong online presence for small businesses. Jamie advised that a well-optimized, mobile-first website is a must in today’s digital age, especially for small businesses in the hospitality sector. He explained that websites offer businesses the opportunity to “own the conversation” with customers, unlike social media platforms that can often limit the interaction or subject businesses to the whims of algorithms. For businesses like those in hospitality, offering easy online ordering and loyalty programs through their websites could be a game-changer.

Jamie also shared insights into the growth of multi-restaurant food delivery solutions in markets like Dubai and China, where consumers expect a high level of convenience, something hospitality businesses should consider when thinking about future delivery and ordering models.

This episode is a must-listen for hospitality businesses looking to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Jamie’s expertise in digital marketing, combined with his thoughts on sustainability and the evolving nature of consumer expectations, provides a solid framework for businesses aiming to future-proof their operations.

If you’re ready to make your business more sustainable, embrace digital tools, and reach a broader customer base, The Ceres Podcast Episode 116 offers a roadmap to success. Tune in now for a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to think differently about your business’s future.