This story is all about conquering hearts and palates. This iconic Italian dish – which a mere
thirty years ago, was hardly known to the Mauritian public – is also part of the history of Dakri
Cartons. Today, the company is able to supply 90% of the Mauritian market, and also
exports to Reunion island.
It is hard to identify the first pizza restaurant to open in Mauritius. It is easier, however, to
know when it was democratised: with the arrival of fast food franchises between 1990 and 2000.
Not only did this tidal wave offer consumers a host of new international flavours, it also
changed their consumption habits, and allowed them to order delicious take-out food. As
such, the pizza box can truly be considered a social phenomenon as it became the catalyst
of pizza parties, TV trays and game nights to create new moments of conviviality.
Witnessing this trend sweep through hospitality, Dakri Cartons started producing its first pizza boxes in 2005. Back then, pizzerias were still a novelty, but this did not stop the company from finding its market share of 5% at the time. The company has, since, observed the fundamental change of the restaurant and hospitality industry, while considerably increasing its market share as a pizza box supplier.
“The restaurant scene was veering towards a new direction. In a blink, consumer culture shifted from dining in, to taking out, and then ordering in thanks to home delivery options. Such an evolution requires us to constantly improve our products as practical and ergonomic needs evolve… On top of the growing number of brands who need to stand out!”, Operations and Client Service Manager Somaya DAKRI-MOOLAN, explains.
All about shapes, sizes and export
The growing pizza market is a tremendous challenge, and yet a source of inspiration for Dakri Cartons to customise and improve its pizza boxes. The plain, standard box soon grew to include client logos, restaurant colours, and stand out by assuming original shapes. The company’s flawless methods and great ideas therefore gave rise to octagonal boxes, double-deckers and single-slice boxes (pizza connoisseurs will instantly recognize these iconic menu items)… So much so that Dakri Cartons soon started to export its pizza boxes to Reunion island.
“Our first order, at the time, was for a 20 feet container. Producing all the cardboards only took us a day. Assembly, on the other hand, took us a whole month!”, Somaya Dakri-Moolan remembers. A feat the company has now surpassed as they ship 2 to 3 40-feet containers every month, averaging 200 000 to 300 000 boxes. Their state-of-the-art automatic production line, cutter and shrinkwrapper are the key to sustaining such a demand, while respecting sanitary guidelines.
From fast food to traditional Italian restaurants and gourmet creations, this now staple food of world cuisine constantly evolves. One thing, however, remains: it always tastes better on the next day. Thanks, pizza box!
Go for cardboard now, and contact us:
Call us now on 233 5880 for more information.
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