In today’s digital era, customers do not just discover restaurants and cafés through maps or word of mouth. They often find their next favorite dish or drink through social media hashtags. A vibrant matcha latte, a gourmet burger, or a plant-based poke bowl can easily go viral when the right hashtags are used.
But in the middle of millions of posts shared daily, not every F&B business knows how to leverage hashtags strategically to improve visibility, reach the right audience, and build a loyal community.
This is where programs like Kimecopak Membership play a supportive role helping F&B businesses not only adopt sustainable packaging but also learn effective branding and marketing strategies, including the smart use of hashtags to strengthen their digital presence.
- TikTok Trends Small Eateries Should Try with Eco-Packaging
- 7 Fall Promotion Ideas for Cafés & Bakeries
- How to Create a Seasonal Menu That Boosts Sales by 20% During the Holiday Season
What Are Hashtags and Why They Matter in F&B Marketing?
Definition of Hashtags
Hashtags are words or phrases preceded by the “#” symbol. They categorize content on social media and make it searchable.
Examples:
- #BubbleTeaLovers
- #VeganFood
- #TorontoEats
Why Hashtags Are Crucial for F&B Businesses
- Increase discoverability: Customers can find your brand more easily.
- Enhance community engagement: Hashtags bring together food lovers with shared interests.
- Drive sales and reservations: Higher visibility leads to customer actions.
- Strengthen brand identity: Hashtags become part of your brand’s voice and storytelling.
According to Sprout Social (2024), posts with hashtags generate 12.6% more engagement compared to those without hashtags.
Types of Hashtags Every F&B Business Should Use
Branded Hashtags
These are unique hashtags tied directly to your business.
Examples:
- #StarbucksCanada
- #KimecopakGreen
Product or Niche Hashtags
Focused on a specific product or category.
Examples:
- #MatchaLatte
- #VeganBurger
Location-Based Hashtags
Essential for restaurants, cafés, and food kiosks with a local audience.
Examples:
- #TorontoEats
- #VancouverFoodies
Trending Hashtags
Timely hashtags linked to trends, seasons, or holidays.
Examples:
- #FoodieFriday
- #NationalPizzaDay
Campaign or Event Hashtags
Created for specific marketing campaigns or events.
Examples:
-
SipSustainably
How to Build a Winning Hashtag Strategy for Your F&B Brand
Research Before You Post
- Use tools like RiteTag, Hashtagify, or TikTok Creative Center.
- Analyze your competitors.
- Focus on hashtags with medium search volume, not overly saturated ones.
Mix and Match Hashtags
- 2–3 branded hashtags
- 3–5 niche/product hashtags
- 2–3 location hashtags
- 1–2 trending or seasonal hashtags
Consistency Is Key
- Use the same set of hashtags for related content.
- Align hashtags with your brand’s voice and storytelling.
Avoid Overuse
Instead of spamming 30 hashtags, focus on 7–12 high-quality ones.
Checklist for F&B Hashtag Success
- Research hashtags using tools and competitor analysis
- Combine branded, niche, location, and trending hashtags
- Keep the number manageable (7–12 per post)
- Track performance with analytics
- Update hashtags monthly to align with trends
Real-Life Examples of F&B Hashtag Strategies
Starbucks Canada
Uses branded and seasonal hashtags such as #StarbucksCanada and #PumpkinSpiceLatte to amplify campaigns.
Local Vegan Café in Toronto
Combines niche and location hashtags like #TorontoVegan, #PlantBasedEats, and #TorontoFoodies to attract nearby audiences.
Kimecopak Partner Cafés
Members of Kimecopak Membership have successfully used sustainability-driven hashtags such as:
- #EcoFriendlyPackaging
- #SipSustainably
- #KimecopakGreen
How to Track and Measure Hashtag Performance
- Instagram Insights: Monitor reach, impressions, and engagement.
- TikTok Analytics: Track hashtag views and interactions.
- Third-party tools: Sprout Social, Later, or Hootsuite.
Pro tip: Retire hashtags that underperform and experiment with fresh ones.
Common Hashtag Mistakes F&B Brands Should Avoid
- Using overly generic hashtags (#food, #drink).
- Spamming 20–30 identical hashtags.
- Ignoring seasonal or trending updates.
- Forgetting to include a branded hashtag unique to the business.
Conclusion
For F&B businesses, hashtags are not just a marketing trick—they are a sustainable growth tool. They help you connect with audiences, amplify your brand story, and drive both engagement and sales.
If you want to explore how to integrate social media strategies with eco-friendly branding, consider joining Kimecopak Membership, where F&B entrepreneurs learn, connect, and grow together in building sustainable and future-proof brands across North America.
Hashtag Strategies for F&B Businesses
Q1: How many hashtags should F&B businesses use on Instagram?
Between 7 and 12 quality hashtags are recommended, rather than 20–30 generic ones.
Q2: Should I create a branded hashtag for my restaurant or café?
Yes. Branded hashtags build identity and encourage customers to share their experiences.
Q3: Are location-based hashtags important?
They are essential for restaurants, cafés, and local F&B businesses aiming to attract nearby customers.
Q4: How do I find trending hashtags for F&B?
Use TikTok Creative Center, Instagram Explore, or follow competitors in your niche.
Q5: Can hashtags actually increase sales?
Yes. Effective hashtags improve visibility, leading to more new customers and higher conversions.
-
LEARN MORE about How "Subscribe for a Happy Life" will benefits your business HERE!
-
LEARN MORE about Kim Vu, sharing on the challenges she faced as a former restaurant owner, and how she overcame them to create KimEcopak HERE!
