The Essential Branding Checklist for UK Food Startups in 2025
From logo design to delivery app integration - everything you need to build a professional food brand that converts
Starting a food business in 2025? Whether you're launching a ghost kitchen, opening a café, or building a meal prep service, your brand is your most valuable asset. But with 67% of UK consumers using delivery apps and competition fiercer than ever, a hastily designed logo and basic website won't cut it anymore.
This guide breaks down exactly what you need to build a professional brand that attracts customers, works seamlessly with delivery platforms, and sets you apart from the competition. We'll cover everything from technical logo requirements to website essentials, with actionable steps you can implement today.
What You'll Learn
Logo Design Essentials
File formats, sizes, and delivery app requirements
Website Must-Haves
SEO, mobile optimization, and conversion tactics
Delivery Platform Integration
Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat requirements
Budget-Friendly Solutions
Free tools and cost-effective strategies
Part 1: Logo Design That Works Everywhere
Your logo is the face of your brand, appearing on everything from delivery apps to packaging. In 2025, it needs to work perfectly at any size - from a tiny app icon to a storefront sign.
Essential File Formats You Need
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
The most important format for 2025. SVGs scale perfectly at any size, load faster on websites, and are required by many delivery platforms. Unlike JPEGs or PNGs, they never pixelate.
PNG with Transparency
Essential for social media and email signatures. Make sure you have versions at 300x300px, 500x500px, and 1000x1000px minimum.
PDF Vector
For print materials like business cards, flyers, and signage. Always request the editable version from your designer.
💡 Pro Tip: Converting Your Logo to SVG
If you already have a logo but need it in SVG format for delivery apps or your website, you can use tools like FreeSVGConverter.com to quickly convert your PNG or JPEG logo to a scalable SVG. This is especially useful when delivery platforms require vector formats for menu headers.
Design Principles for Food Logos
- Use maximum 2-3 colors for clarity
- Ensure readability at 16x16px (app icon size)
- Create horizontal and square versions
- Test on dark and light backgrounds
2025 Design Trends
- Bold neon colors for visibility
- Handwritten fonts for authenticity
- Nature-inspired elements for sustainability
- Minimalist icons for app optimization
Part 2: Your Website - More Than Just a Menu
While delivery apps handle orders, your website remains crucial for building trust, improving SEO, and capturing direct customers. Here's what you actually need versus what's nice to have.
Essential Website Features for 2025
Must-Have Features
- Mobile-first responsive design
- Google My Business integration
- Food hygiene rating display
- Direct contact/ordering option
- Loading speed under 3 seconds
Advanced Features
- Online ordering system
- Customer loyalty program
- Email marketing integration
- Live chat support
- Multi-language support
SEO Checklist for Food Businesses
Local SEO optimization
Include "near me" keywords and your full address on every page
Schema markup for restaurants
Helps Google display your menu, hours, and ratings in search results
Image optimization
Compress images and use descriptive filenames like "vegan-burger-london.jpg"
Need a Professional Website?
We offer custom website design specifically for food businesses, with all the features you need to compete in 2025. From SEO optimization to delivery app integration, we've got you covered.
Get a Custom QuotePart 3: Delivery App Requirements & Tips
With 67% of UK consumers using delivery apps, your presence on Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat is non-negotiable. Here's exactly what each platform requires and how to optimize your listings.
Uber Eats Requirements
- • Logo: 1000x1000px PNG or JPG (SVG recommended for quality)
- • Cover photo: 1600x256px showing your best dishes
- • Menu photos: 585x585px minimum, professional quality
- • Supports multi-brand from single kitchen
- • Analytics tools for pricing optimization
Deliveroo Requirements
- • Logo: Square format, minimum 512x512px
- • Hero image: 1440x338px landscape format
- • Food hygiene rating must be displayed
- • Packaging must meet sustainability guidelines
- • Partner Hub for menu management
Just Eat Requirements
- • Logo: 280x280px minimum
- • Banner: 1920x1080px for storefront
- • Menu structure must follow category guidelines
- • Allergen information mandatory
- • Integration with POS systems available
Part 4: Packaging & Physical Brand Touchpoints
Your packaging is often the only physical interaction customers have with your brand. In 2025, it needs to be Instagram-worthy, sustainable, and functional.
Sustainable Packaging Essentials
- Compostable materials for eco-conscious consumers
- Resealable pouches for freshness
- Clear recycling instructions
- Minimal ink usage for environmental impact
Branding on Packaging
- Logo placement for unboxing photos
- QR codes for reviews and reorders
- Social media handles prominently displayed
- Thank you messages to build loyalty
Part 5: Realistic Budget & Timeline
Starting a food business is expensive enough without overspending on branding. Here's a realistic breakdown of costs and where you can save money without sacrificing quality.
| Item | Budget Option | Professional Option |
|---|---|---|
| Logo Design | £50-200 Fiverr, 99designs | £500-2000 Agency or freelancer |
| Website | £0-50/month Wix, Squarespace | £2000-5000 Custom development |
| Photography | £0-100 DIY with phone | £500-1500 Professional shoot |
| Packaging Design | £100-300 Template customization | £1000-3000 Custom design |
| Total Investment | £150-650 + £50/month | £4000-11,500 |
💰 Smart Ways to Save Money
Start with a simple logo
You can always rebrand later when cash flow improves
Use free stock photos initially
Unsplash and Pexels have great food photography
Convert existing logos to SVG
Use free converters instead of redesigning
Focus on one platform first
Master Uber Eats before expanding to others
Your 30-Day Action Plan
Week 1: Logo & Brand Identity
Design your logo and create brand guidelines
Week 2: Website & Online Presence
Build your website and claim your Google listing
Week 3: Delivery Platform Setup
Apply and optimize your delivery app listings
Week 4: Launch & Iterate
Go live and start collecting feedback
Ready to Build Your Food Brand?
Building a successful food brand in 2025 requires more than great food - it needs professional presentation, strategic online presence, and consistent execution. Start with the basics, then build as you grow.