3 Catering Industry Trends

Trends are always changing. Time should be set aside in any caterer’s schedule to keep current on trends to maintain client interest. Research can be done online or in trade journals.

Catering trends are always evolving to emphasize personalization, sustainability, and immersive experiences. Here are some of  the top trends shaping the catering industry:

Personalized and Customizable Experiences

Guests now seek tailored dining options that cater to individual preferences and dietary needs. Custom menus are the trend. Caterers are offering build-your-own stations, such as taco bars, potato bars, hot cocoa bars, and salad bars, allowing guests to customize their meals. Additionally, there is a growing demand for menus that reflect cultural backgrounds and personal stories, enhancing the overall dining experience.​

Sustainable and Zero-Waste Practices

Sustainability continues to be a priority, with caterers focusing on locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Zero-waste initiatives are gaining traction, including composting programs and the use of biodegradable materials. This will often raise your costs, so be sure to cost out items before offering to clients. Plant-based menus are also on the rise, offering health-conscious and environmentally friendly options.

Interactive Dining

Dining is becoming an experience, with live cooking stations and interactive food bars taking center stage. Guests can enjoy watching chefs prepare dishes in real-time or create their own meals, such as mixing their own cocktails or assembling custom desserts. These setups foster social interaction and create memorable moments. This style of service increases labor required and labor costs, so look into this before giving prices to guests.

Global Flavors

Culinary exploration is thriving, with caterers blending international flavors to create unique dishes. Fusion cuisine, such as Korean BBQ tacos or Mediterranean-inspired sushi, as well as other global flavors, offers guests a diverse and flavorful dining experience.​

Health-Conscious Foods

There is an increasing focus on health and wellness, with menus featuring superfoods and nutrient-rich ingredients like quinoa, kale, and turmeric. Plant-based and vegetarian/vegan dishes have been increasingly popular. Hydration stations offering infused waters and mindful eating initiatives are also becoming popular, promoting overall well-being during events.​

Technological Integration

Technology is enhancing the catering experience through digital ordering systems, QR code menus, and AI-driven personalization. These innovations may streamline service and allow for a more customized dining experience.​

Elevated Dessert and Beverage Stations

Desserts and beverages are becoming focal points, with interactive stations like gourmet chocolate fountains, Italian Soda Bars and Do It Yourself ice cream bars. Craft cocktails, signature drinks, and mocktails, tailored to event themes, are also gaining popularity, offering guests a unique and enjoyable experience.​

These trends reflect a shift towards more personalized, sustainable, and engaging catering experiences. Whether planning a wedding, corporate event, or intimate gathering, incorporating these elements can elevate the overall event and create lasting memories for guests.​

Food Truck Service

This will be discussed in more detail in Chapter 7. The popularity of using food trucks at events or for catering has skyrocketed.

Late Night Snacks

These have become popular to offer something for guests at the end of the evening. It adds a fun and unexpected element to the event, making the experience more enjoyable and memorable. It can also help to keep guests energized: After hours of dancing, drinking, or socializing, people get hungry again. A late-night snack helps prevent the “midnight munchies.”  It’s become a trendy, Instagram-worthy addition at weddings, corporate events, and parties. Late-night snacks can also reflect the couple’s or host’s personality by offering their favorite food or snack to their guests. At events with heavy drinking, food later in the night can help balance alcohol intake and reduce intoxication or hangovers.