The catering industry is always changing, and businesses must keep up with the latest catering trends. Awareness of the latest trends can help you stay ahead and find new opportunities to grow your business.
We’ve compiled a list of 15 top catering trends you should know about. You’ll learn about sustainable catering, virtual and remote catering, personalization, and customization, among other things.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, this guide will give you some awesome insights and ideas to take your catering business to the next level. So buckle up, and let’s dive in!
Importance of Staying Current With Catering Trends
Knowing what’s hot lets you stay ahead of the competition and take advantage of new opportunities. For instance, if you’re up-to-date with sustainable catering practices, you can appeal to environmentally conscious customers by adapting your practices and menu offerings.
Similarly, staying informed about the trend toward virtual and remote catering helps you cater to customers who prefer online ordering, delivery, and virtual events. Falling behind on catering trends means you risk losing customers to competitors offering something new and unique.
Staying current with catering trends also allows you to differentiate yourself from your competition and create a unique selling proposition. And as a bonus, keeping up with trends can help you streamline your operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency by incorporating technology into your business.
By staying informed on the latest trends, you’ll be better equipped to make data-driven decisions that optimize your operations and help you achieve your business goals. So don’t be left behind! Stay in the loop and keep your catering business thriving.
Stay Informed and Up-to-Date With the Latest Catering Trends
There are several resources catering businesses can turn to for insights and trends in the catering industry. These resources include industry reports, surveys, publications, and social media platforms. Here’s a closer look at some of these resources and how they can be helpful:
- National Restaurant Association (NRA): They’re a top industry group that does surveys and research on all kinds of stuff, including catering and events. Their reports are helpful if you want to stay on top of the latest trends in the catering industry. You can check out their research reports on their website or become a member to get even more access.
- Catering Magazine: It’s a publication that discusses all the latest news, trends, and best practices in the catering industry. Their articles are super insightful and can help you stay up-to-date. They’ve got both print and online versions, so you can read them however you like. Plus, if you subscribe, you’ll get regular updates on all the latest happenings in the industry.
- Event Manager Blog: It’s this awesome website that talks about all kinds of stuff related to event planning and management, including catering. They’ve got various resources and articles to help catering businesses stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the events industry. Plus, they have free and paid content, like guides, webinars, and e-books, so you can choose the best that works for you.
- Social media: You can find catering industry experts and influencers on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. By following these people, you’ll get all kinds of insights into the latest trends and best practices in the catering industry. Plus, you can join industry-specific groups and forums on these platforms.
15 of the Top Catering Trends You Should Know
1. Sustainable Catering
Sustainable catering means making food while being kind to the planet. It’s about using eco-friendly and sustainable practices for everything in catering, from getting ingredients to removing leftovers.
Using locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients is one way to reduce the carbon footprint of catering. Another is to use packaging and utensils that can be used repeatedly or composted instead of ending up in the trash.
The point of sustainable catering is to be environmentally responsible and keep the planet healthy. Many catering businesses are jumping on board with sustainable practices because more and more customers want eco-friendly products and services.
2. Virtual and Remote Catering
Virtual and remote catering offers online ordering, delivery, and virtual events. This means that customers can easily place orders, view menus, make payments online, and have their food delivered right to their door or pick it up at a designated location.
And you know what? Virtual events are also gaining popularity, especially since the pandemic hit. Instead of in-person gatherings, more and more people are opting for virtual events like webinars, Zoom conferences, and online parties. This opens up new opportunities for catering businesses to offer their services for virtual events, such as providing meals and snacks or hosting live cooking demonstrations.
By offering virtual and remote catering services, catering businesses can expand their reach and attract more customers who might not have been able to access their services otherwise. Plus, it can help reduce costs and increase efficiency by eliminating the need for on-site staff and equipment. This trend will keep growing in popularity as the world becomes more digital and people look for more convenient ways to get food and catering services.
3. Personalization and Customization
People are becoming more interested in personalization and customization in the catering industry as they want unique and tailored experiences. Catering businesses can now offer customized menus, ingredients, and services to meet individual customer needs, such as creating menus for different cultural events or catering to dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free, or kosher diets.
Furthermore, many catering businesses now provide customizable service options, such as a range of food stations, trucks, or carts to cater to different tastes and preferences. Customers can request specific ingredients to be added or removed from the menu or customize it to their dietary restrictions.
By offering personalization and customization, catering businesses can stand out and give customers an unforgettable experience. This can also increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, as customers appreciate the effort to cater to their needs and preferences. This trend is likely to continue as people increasingly desire tailored experiences.
4. The Use of Technology
Using technology such as Flex Catering Software is becoming more popular in catering businesses these days. Catering businesses can improve customer service and streamline operations by using online ordering systems, mobile apps, and automation tools.
Online ordering systems and mobile apps allow customers to order food, view menus, and make payments online. This eliminates the need for on-site staff and equipment, which can save money and increase efficiency. Automation tools can also make inventory management, scheduling, and kitchen operations more smoothly. For instance, automated kitchen equipment and software can help optimize food preparation, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
Catering businesses can become more efficient and save money by incorporating technology into their operations. They can also improve customer service by providing more convenient and efficient ways to access food and catering services. This trend will likely keep growing as technology advances and more people become accustomed to using technology for food and catering services.
5. Farm-to-Table Catering
Farm-to-table catering is becoming popular as more and more people are looking for fresh, locally sourced, and organic ingredients in their food. This means using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients to create new and delicious dishes. The caterer can support the local economy and reduce transportation costs and environmental impact by getting ingredients from local farmers and producers.
Using farm-to-table practices not only provides healthier and more flavorful options for customers but also allows catering businesses to have a more direct relationship with suppliers, ensuring the quality of ingredients and reducing costs. Using seasonal ingredients, they can offer a menu that changes throughout the year, reflecting the available flavors and ingredients.
Incorporating farm-to-table practices into catering businesses is a great way to attract customers who care about where their food comes from and support local suppliers. It can also help to reduce costs and increase efficiency, making it a win-win situation. So, it’s no surprise that this trend is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the environmental impact of their food choices and look for more sustainable options.
6. Plant-Based Catering
Plant-based catering is a hot trend right now, and it means offering delicious vegetarian and vegan options made entirely from plants with no animal products.
But it’s not just limited to that! Plant-based catering also includes options for those with special dietary needs, like gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free options. Some caterers use plant-based ingredients in their traditional dishes, a healthier and more sustainable alternative to meat-based options.
By offering plant-based options, catering businesses can attract a broader range of customers, including vegetarians, vegans, or simply looking to cut down on their meat consumption. Plus, it can help to reduce costs and make their business more efficient. This trend will keep growing as more people learn about plant-based foods’ health and environmental benefits.
7. Food Trucks and Pop-Up Catering
Food trucks and pop-up catering are all the rage nowadays for catering businesses to reach new customers and offer unique dining experiences. Food trucks are kitchens on wheels, parked and set up in different locations to serve food. On the other hand, pop-up catering refers to temporary food setups in various areas, like parks, streets, or other venues.
Food trucks and pop-up catering are great ways for catering businesses to reach out to customers in new areas and create unique dining experiences that can’t be found in traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants. They can also be used for festivals, fairs, and other community events. They cater to specific groups, too, like office workers or students.
By incorporating food trucks and pop-up catering into their operations, catering businesses can attract a broader range of customers and increase revenue. These options create a sense of excitement and exclusivity for customers, providing them with a memorable dining experience. This trend will grow in popularity as more people seek unique and convenient food options.
8. Small Plates and Shared Plates
Have you noticed many catering businesses offer small and shared plates instead of traditional plated meals? This trend is becoming increasingly popular because it allows customers to try different dishes in smaller portions and encourages a more interactive and social dining experience. It’s a great way to cater to different dietary needs and reduce food waste.
By incorporating small and shared plates into their menu, catering businesses can appeal to a broader range of customers and improve efficiency. So, if you’re looking for a unique and customizable dining experience, try small and shared plates.
9. Comfort Food Catering
Have you noticed how comfort food is becoming a popular trend in catering? It’s because people have emotional connections to food that remind them of home-cooked meals or dishes that bring back memories of their childhood. Comfort food is rich, hearty, and satisfying, often featuring a mix of sweet and savory flavors that make you feel good inside.
Comfort food catering includes mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, meatloaf, and pies. These dishes are typically served in a casual and homely setting and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to create a sense of nostalgia and warmth, catering to different tastes and preferences.
By adding comfort food to their menu, catering businesses can attract customers looking for a more laid-back and nostalgic dining experience. Plus, comfort food can help reduce costs and improve the overall efficiency of a catering business. I think this trend will keep growing in popularity as more and more people seek comforting and familiar food options.
10. Global Cuisine Catering
Global cuisine is s all about offering a wide range of international dishes from different cultures, like Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, and Mediterranean. This type of catering lets customers explore new and exciting flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques worldwide.
Global cuisine catering is also great for catering to different dietary needs and preferences, as customers can choose from various options. It’s a perfect way to make sure everyone has something they can enjoy. By incorporating global cuisine options into their menu, catering businesses can attract customers looking for a more diverse and multicultural dining experience. Plus, it can help reduce costs and improve efficiency. This trend will keep growing in popularity as people crave new authentic food experiences.
11. Food and Beverage Pairing
Food and beverage pairing is a pretty cool trend that’s taking off in the catering industry. It’s all about matching different types of food with specific drinks to create awesome flavor combinations. For example, you could pair wine with meat, beer with cheese, or cocktails with appetizers.
This trend is not just about flavor combinations. It’s also about creating an upscale and sophisticated dining experience. Caterers can show off their skills and knowledge of food and beverage pairing while promoting high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
By offering food and beverage pairing options, catering businesses can cater to customers looking for a more upscale and sophisticated dining experience. It can also increase revenue by encouraging customers to try unique flavor combinations. This trend is here to stay as more and more people seek unique and fancy dining experiences.
12. Interactive Dining
Interactive dining is a trend that’s catching on in the catering industry. It’s all about creating unique and engaging experiences for customers. This includes cooking classes, food and drink tastings, and food-related activities, like scavenger hunts or games.
The idea is to get customers more involved in the dining experience and let them learn new cooking techniques and try out new flavors. It’s not just about being served a meal but creating a whole experience. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to try some new recipes and have fun doing it?
Catering businesses can appeal to customers looking for an engaging and interactive dining experience by incorporating these activities into their menus. It can also help promote the use of high-quality local ingredients and encourage customers to try out unique flavor combinations. It’s a win-win situation! This trend will only get more popular as people look for fun and interactive dining experiences.
13. Health and Wellness Catering
Health and wellness catering is a hot trend as it caters to people who want healthy and nutritious food. This type of catering offers a variety of organic, gluten-free, low-carb, low-fat, vegetarian, or vegan options. They use superfoods, alternative sweeteners, and other healthy ingredients for overall health.
More and more people are becoming conscious of their health and wellness and want to make healthy choices regarding their food. By providing healthy options, catering businesses can attract a broader range of customers and keep them returning for more.
Offering health and wellness options on the menu can also benefit the catering business, increasing customer loyalty, repeat business, and revenue by using high-quality, healthy ingredients. This trend will likely continue growing in popularity as people become more health-conscious.
14. Ghost Kitchen and Cloud Kitchens
Have you heard about ghost kitchens or cloud kitchens? They are becoming super popular in the catering industry as they allow businesses to operate without a physical storefront and focus on delivery and take-out orders. Basically, ghost or cloud kitchens are commercial kitchens that are solely used to prepare food for delivery or take-out. They have all the necessary equipment and facilities to prepare food but no dining area or customer service.
This trend is great for catering businesses as it helps reduce overhead costs, such as rent and utilities, and increases efficiency by focusing solely on food preparation. Ghost kitchens or cloud kitchens also allow for more flexibility and scalability. They can be located in areas with high delivery demand and can be used to test new menu items or concepts with minimal risk and investment.
Catering businesses can reach a wider audience and expand their delivery and take-out services by operating a ghost or cloud kitchen. Plus, it can increase revenue by promoting high-quality, local ingredients and encouraging customers to try new and unique flavor combinations. This trend will continue to grow in popularity as more and more people opt for delivery and take-out options.
15. Micro Catering
Micro Catering is a fancy way of saying small-scale catering services that cater to intimate gatherings like dinner parties and private events. It’s a perfect solution for when you want to host a small event but don’t need full-service catering. It could be as simple as creating a custom menu for a dinner party or providing staff to serve at a small event.
This type of catering is becoming more popular as people look for smaller, more intimate gatherings that are unique and memorable. With Micro Catering, you get personalized service and customized menus, which make it a great option for small events.
Offering Micro Catering options can also benefit the catering business by increasing customer loyalty and repeat business and promoting the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients. This trend is likely to continue to grow as more people opt for small, intimate events instead of large-scale ones.
Final Thoughts on Staying Current With Catering Trends
To wrap things up, keeping up with the latest catering trends is super important for any catering business that wants to stay ahead of the competition and attract more customers. From being eco-friendly and doing virtual and remote catering to giving personalized service, catering businesses can adopt many trends to improve their business.
Luckily, Flex Catering Software can help catering businesses stay up-to-date with the latest trends by simplifying their operations and offering a bunch of cool features and functions that can help businesses stay on top, get more done, and grow their customer base.
