Have you ever been drawn to mouth-watering pastries, ramen, or other foods displayed behind a glass, only to realize they are fake on closer inspection? Well, those too-good-to-eat-looking foods are called replica foods.

Before we get into why you need to use them in your business, let us get introduced to what they are.

What are Replica Foods?

Replica foods are food models made from inedible materials like resin, plastic, PVC, etc. that look exactly like their edible counterparts. They are made with meticulous attention to detail and mimic real food in volume, colours, size, and even texture.

They have been around Japan for over a hundred years, dating back to the late Taisho period. Today, Japanese cuisine and culture are identified and distinguished by these hyper-realistic food models at their display windows.

In Japan, they are known as “shokunin sampuru” or simply as “Sampuru.” Sampuru is an intricate art form that has evolved into a multi-million industry.

12 Reasons why you should use replica foods for your business

If you’re a restaurant owner or anyone in the food industry, looking to increase their sales, your best bet should be on replica food models. Our food models are customized to match your business.

Here are the twelve reasons why replica food is a game changer in your business.

1.    Attract business. – Starting with the obvious, replica food models with their vibrant presence, are a magnet for new customers. According to Japanese marketers, 40% of customers who approached a display window have entered the restaurant or eatery.

2.    Create a stunning storefront. – Display windows indicate the presence of a restaurant or eatery nearby and therefore, attract diners. These display windows convey the ambiance and the food that you serve inside.

3.    Present a visual menu. – With replica foods, you can give your diners an accurate visual menu to choose from. This makes ordering easy and without any confusion.

4.    Bridge language barriers. – With a display window, tourists and other diners who struggle with reading a menu these faux foods make food ordering easy.

5.    Free marketing. – A visually enticing display window made of replica foods attracts passers-by and potential diners alike. They may take pictures in front of it, tell their friends about the place, or even post them on social media platforms.

6.    Save storage space. – Unlike real food, food replicas are compact and easily stored. The display windows made from replica foods can accommodate more items than the ones made with real food.

7.    Save power. – With an unlimited shelf-life, replica foods can be stored away with ease, as they do not require refrigeration or heating. Also, the need for constant food preparation for display windows is eliminated.

8.    Reduce wastage. – Most food that is put up on display windows is thrown out at the end of the day. With replica foods, you can reduce food wastage, as they do not spoil.

9.    Creates appetite. – These life-size food models stimulate the appetites of potential diners. They are more likely to spend money on what they find visually appetising.

10.  Assures your customers. – Seeing the life-like model of what they want to order, reduces any concern about the portion size, the contents, the price, etc. that the customer may otherwise have.

11.  Creates a fun experience. – Choosing what to eat in front of large and colourful display windows made of realistic faux food, makes for an enjoyable time at your shop.

12.  Becomes a repeat promotion tool. – Diners who are impressed by your display windows, return to try more dishes from them.

These hyper-realistic replica food models pique the curiosities of diners and passers-by alike. They are a great visual marketing tool that increases your sales with minimal effort.

Do only restaurants and eateries use replica foods?

No, replica foods find a variety of uses beyond the food industry. From being used in classes and presentations to being bought as souvenirs, replica food models are versatile.

1.    Supermarkets – Similar to restaurants, food courts, and eateries; supermarkets also use replica food models to display what foods they serve.

2.    Educational Fields – Food models are used in classes so that students have a better idea of foods from across the world and what they look like. They are also used in culinary or food modelling classes.

3.    Film & Television – Replica foods are often used as props in film and TV sets. During long hours of filming or when shots require large amounts of food, they usually use these realistic food models.

4.    Theatrical Plays – Similar to how they are used for filming, replica food models are also used as props in plays. As they don’t spoil or spill, they are perfect for actors to handle onstage.

5.    Hospitals & Health Centers—Some hospitals and health centres use replica foods to educate people on nutritional information and portion sizes. These replicas ensure a realistic and accurate picture of the food.

6.    Retail Displays – Replica foods are used in retail displays in furniture shops or appliance stores to give a more immersive and engaging shopping experience.

7.    Gifting and Souvenirs—These fake food models are very popular gifts. They are bought as souvenirs in the form of keychains, miniatures, and even life-size foods from Japan.

8.    Ornamental Displays – Many buy these impressive fake foods as ornamental displays in homes or shops. Sometimes in weddings, they keep huge and elaborately decorated dummy cakes for the ceremony, while the guests are served sheet cake instead.

Overall, replica food models are used by multiple industries instead of real, perishable foods.