Method for providing a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer

Abstract

A method for providing a compartmentalized platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer, whereby the foodstuffs are first placed into individual containers which fit into the compartments of the platter, such that the consumer has great flexibility in selecting and arranging the foodstuffs to be included with the platter.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present invention relates generally to the retail sale of foodstuffs. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for providing a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer, whereby the consumer has great flexibility in selecting the foodstuffs to be included with the platter.[0003]2. Description of Prior Art[0004]So-called “party platters” are well known in the food retail industry. These platters are typically segmented into compartments, with each compartment filled with a type of foodstuff, such as a vegetable or fruit or meat or cheese. Then the contents are enclosed by some type of covering device to retain the foodstuffs in the platter. The selection of foodstuffs and arrangement thereof on the platter is done by the retailer (or perhaps a wholesale distributor), with the completed platters displayed for consumers to purchase.[0005]While this concept allows busy consumers to quickly purchase a var...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The method involves providing a plurality of containers pre-filled with foodstuffs of different types, and a plurality of empty compartmentalized platters. A plurality of preferably transparent covers that fit the platters may also be provided. Consumers select an empty platter, then select from the plurality of containers, placing the selected containers into the compartments of the platter. When done, they may place a cover over the platter. The choice of foodstuffs to select, and the arrangement of the containers within the platter, is solely the consumer's. This allows a consumer to select those types of foodstuffs that are desired, and to reject those that are not desired. The retailer is able to restock the containers pre-filled with foodstuffs that are selected by the consumers, thus keeping the popular foodstuffs readily available for

Problems solved by technology

First, consumers may not like the particular selection of foodstuffs placed onto a platter, or more likely, will like some but not all of the particular selection of foodstuffs placed onto a platter.

This leads to the consumer either foregoing the purchase of the platter, or purchasing a platter that is l

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