Catering Service Procurement Intelligence Report, 2023 - 2030 (Revenue Forecast, Supplier Ranking & Matrix, Emerging Technologies, Pricing Models, Cost Structure, Engagement & Operating Model, Competitive Landscape)

Catering Service Category Overview

“The catering service category’s growth is driven by the growing popularity of social events.”

The catering service category is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2030. The necessity to consume food, ideally nutritious food, at the workplace and increased demand from social & wedding events are the main factors driving this category. In the corporate world, having a reputable catering service is essential to attract new hires by giving them a high-end experience in hospitality whereas, during a business event, the corporate catering service providers & professionals assist in building the company's reputation among clients.

The global catering service category size was valued at USD 110.0 billion in 2022. One of the main factors driving the market growth is the increasing demand for convenience. Many consumers are looking for services that offer easy ordering and delivery options, as well as menu options that can be customized to meet their specific needs. Due to the region's growing population and growing demand for industrial players in the organized sector, catering services are in high demand throughout the Asia Pacific.

The rise of the catering sector is mostly driven by the rising popularity of internet catering. New habits are becoming reinforced and the taste for foreign meals is rising as the urban population grows. The worldwide fast-food sector is expanding as a result of a variety of causes, including changing food preferences, and an increase in the number of nuclear families. Consumers all around the world are experimenting with various cuisines as a result of exposure to other cultures and lifestyles, which is also opening up new growth potential for the global fast-food business.

Technologies such as food tracking and traceability and smart appliances are used by companies. Ann Sather uses food tracking and traceability to ensure the safety and quality of their food and to track the food from the farm to the table, which can help to prevent foodborne illness. Aramark use smart appliances which helps them to save time and energy. These appliances can be programmed to cook food automatically, and they can also be monitored remotely.

With the introduction of new technologies like online ordering, where customers can browse menus, choose dishes, and place orders using smartphones, this industry has undergone a revolution. Automation is being used by businesses to improve productivity, cut costs, and streamline processes. Catering organizations, for instance, can cook huge quantities of food rapidly and consistently with the aid of automated food equipment.

Supplier Intelligence

“How is the nature of the catering service category? What are the initiatives taken by the suppliers in this category?”

This category is highly fragmented with a variety of large and small market players in the sector. These market participants are undertaking several initiatives, including merger & acquisition and service launches, to increase their presence and market share. Numerous small market players with a sizable market share are present in the market and are anticipated to make a substantial contribution to market growth during the forecasted period. Owing to the necessity to offer different types of services and a unique set of skills & resources to offer those services are reasons why this category is difficult to dominate. Businesses will be well-positioned for success in this category if they can differentiate themselves from the competition by delivering cutting-edge catering services, focusing on a certain sort of catering, or offering individualized catering services. 

Key suppliers covered in the category:

• Ann Sather

• Aramark Corporation

• Aria catering

• AVI Food Systems

• Bartlett Mitchell

• Black Olive Catering

• Blue Plate

• CH and Co Catering Group

• Compass Group

• Delaware North Companies. 

Pricing and Cost Intelligence

“What are some of the major cost components in developing or implementing this category? Which factors impact the cost of catering service development?”

The major cost components in this category include raw materials such as food ingredients which account for 40% of the total cost where the companies need to purchase the necessary ingredients to prepare the food, and the cost of these ingredients can vary depending on the quality and quantity required. The distance to be traveled, the size of the event, the type of food being transported, and the time of day are just a few of the variables that might affect the transportation cost for a catering service.

Overall, the cost components involved in this category can vary depending on the size and scope of the company. By managing these costs, companies provide high-quality services to clients while maintaining profitability.

The following chart provides various costs incurred in catering services. The major cost heads are shown below:

Companies generally use a fixed pricing method for the menu selection where they charged a fixed price per person for the food and service. This is an easy-to-understand pricing strategy that offers precise explanations of the pieces and fixed rates that do not vary based on the number of people, scope, or taste and preferences. Both privately owned catering businesses and restaurants with catering divisions frequently employ this pricing structure. The simplicity and sincerity of this approach appeal to clients.

The Catering Service Procurement Intelligence report provides a detailed analysis of the cost structure of catering services and the pricing models adopted by prominent suppliers in this category.

Sourcing Intelligence

“Which countries are the leading sourcing destination for the catering service category?”

The U.S. is one of the largest markets for this category, with a wide range of services for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. The United Kingdom is also a major player in this category with a strong tradition of catering for high-end events such as royal weddings and state banquets. Germany and France are known for their high-quality cuisine and catering services, with many Michelin-starred chefs. China is also a growing market for this category and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by rising incomes and changing consumer preferences. 

In 2022, the APAC catering market had a sizeable portion of the global market. The provision of food by catering services is typically contracted by offices, enterprises, and organizations, and it is projected that the growing practice of eating in the workplace would increase contract catering service providers' revenue that is operating around those workplaces. Additionally, due to busy schedules, fewer people are spending time cooking, which has raised local demand for fast food. Additionally, this is anticipated to strengthen the concession catering business and have a favorable impact on the APAC market.

In terms of catering service sourcing intelligence, the majority of suppliers choose hybrid engagement models since they simplify internal logistics. Some international players collaborate with local companies and use a full-service outsourcing business model.The catering service will handle some of the tasks, such as planning and execution, while the business will handle others, such as food preparation and cleanup. This is a good option for businesses that want to save money but still want the convenience of having a catering service.

“In the approved provider model, the supplier meets the predefined set of qualifications, quality standards, and other criteria.” 

An approved provider model is the most common form of operating model due to its potential for higher value creation. In this model, the catering service provider must meet the predefined set of qualifications, such as prior-proven performance, access to platforms, privacy terms, and various other criteria.

The Catering Service Procurement Intelligence report also provides details regarding day one, quick wins, portfolio analysis, key negotiation strategies of key suppliers, and low-cost/best-cost sourcing analysis.

Catering Service Procurement Intelligence Report Scope