Catering Services Market Research Report Information By Type (Contractual and Non-Contractual), By Service Type (On-Site Catering and Off-Site Catering), By End User (In-Flight, Educational Institutions, HoReCa/Hospitality, Healthcare, Special Occasions, Corporate & Industrial Business Canteens, and Others), By Booking Mode (Online and Offline), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America) - Forecast Till 203

Global Catering Services Market Overview

Catering Services Market Size was valued at USD 217,015.64 million in 2023. The catering services market is projected to grow from 2024 to USD 395,311.92 million by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.95% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The catering services is driven by the growing demand for convenience and ready-to-eat meats, increasing corporate events and business meetings, and popularity of destination wedding and themed events.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Catering Services Market Trends

Experiential catering

Experiential catering is one of the most remarkable trends that can be observed in the global market on catering services. It implies that the food provided to customers is not the only aspect that is of interest to providers. Instead, it is expected that people who order food receive an interactive experience. Very often, it includes live cooking stations such as a pasta or pizza station where not only are consumers can observe the cooking of their orders, but they can take part in cooking as well. Therefore, this activity becomes an exciting element of the event, and it also ensures that every dish that a person receives is in accordance with one’s personal taste.

The trend of experiential catering is becoming popular nowadays, largely due to the desire of people to hold events that are more vivid and memorable. In the context of growing requirements to make every event unique and shareable, caterers increasingly tend to organize unusually bright and interactive dining events. These events are especially frequent in case of weddings, as well as corporate and high-level popular events since the organizers pay special attention to ensuring guests’ exceptional experience. By incorporating considerable thematic decorations, interactive buffet stations, as well as live cooking, specialists can offer guests an opportunity to dive into another world and boost their memories for a long time.

Healthier Options

An additional important trend in the market of catering services is the increasing demand for healthier types of food. As far as people are getting more and more concerned with wellness and health, they are becoming relatively selective as for their diet. Nowadays, it is considered more beneficial to include in the menu some nutritious, wholesome, and balanced meals. In fact, catering offers a number of healthier alternatives already, such as poke bowls, superfood salads with quinoa and avocado, or meals with organic and locally sourced products.

The shift towards healthier catering options is also influenced by dietary restrictions and preferences. With a growing number of people following specific diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, caterers must be able to accommodate these needs. By providing diverse menu options that cater to different dietary requirements, catering businesses can appeal to a broader audience and enhance customer satisfaction. Additionally, the focus on healthy eating aligns with the broader trend of promoting wellness and sustainability in the food industry.

Catering Services Market Segment Insights

Catering Services Type Insights

The Catering Services Market segmentation, based on type, includes Contractual and Non-Contractual. The Contractual segment dominated the market with a value of USD 140,969.44 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 263,126.17 million by 2032. Further, the Contractual segment accounted for the largest market share of 64.96% in 2023 and is likely to register a CAGR of 7.24% during the projected period. Contractual catering is a specific type of catering service which implies the long-term agreement between the catering company and its client. Such type of contract is usually established for several months and years. The clients for such services are, as a rule, corporate offices, educational establishments, hospitals, industrial plants, and governmental organizations. The advantage, distinguishing contractual catering from other types of catering services, is the guarantee of long-term coordination. The most attractive contractual catering option is that the permanent client is given an opportunity to choose his/her own menu, taking into consideration of specific dietary and cultural preferences.

Figure 1: Catering Services Market, by type, 2023 & 2032 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Catering Services Service Type Insights

The Catering Services Market segmentation, based on service type, includes On-Site Catering and Off-Site Catering. The On-Site Catering segment dominated the market with a value of USD 132,652.41 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 233,175.24 million by 2032. On-site catering, also called in-house catering refers to providing food services on the area of a certain event or establishment. Such type of catering is widely spread in various companies, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, and industrial locations. The key advantage of on-site catering lies in preparing and serving food on the premises of the party, event, or other gathering, thus ensuring a higher degree of freshness and convenience not always characteristic of off-site options. Permanent placing of a kitchen or another facility for preparing and preserving food makes it possible to accommodate the needs and dietary restrictions of any group of people. What is more important, on-site catering is also considered to be environmentally friendly, as, for instance, there is no need for long transit of pre-cooked meals and extensive packing.

Figure 2: Catering Services Market, by service type, 2023 & 2032 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Catering Services End User Insights

The Catering Services Market segmentation, based on end user, includes In-Flight, Educational Institutions, HoReCa/Hospitality, Healthcare, Special Occasions, Corporate & Industrial Business Canteens, and Others. The HoReCa/Hospitality segment dominated the market with a value of USD 68,234.09 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 128,553.48 million by 2032. The HoReCa segment encompasses the provision of catering to hotels, restaurants, and cafes. This market segment is highly dynamic and competitive on account of changing customer expectations, internal cuisine fads, and demand for customer experience. Catering services in this segment range from the buffet and banquets in hotels to the food preparation and menus in cafe and restaurant. Food quality and presentation are among the most significant aspects of this segment. As such, the caterer will need to identify local and international fads and their implementation in the segment.

Figure 3: Catering Services Market, by end user, 2023 & 2032 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Catering Services Booking Mode Insights

The Catering Services Market segmentation, based on booking mode, includes online and offline. The offline segment dominated the market with a value of USD 159,822.13 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 263,541.94 million by 2032. The offline booking mode is still a considerable share of the Catering Services Market. Traditional consumers and businesses, preferring an enhanced degree of personal contact when arranging catering services, are among the major users of an offline booking mode. In an offline mode, customers book catering services by making phone calls, paying in-person visits to the catering service provider, and by contacting intermediaries, such as event planners. One of the major advantages of an offline booking mode is that the service is highly personalized and directly communicative. The service provider listens directly to the requirements of their customers and arranges the catering services as needed.

Figure 4: Catering Services Market, by booking mode, 2023 & 2032 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Catering Services Regional Insights

By Region, the study segments the market into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. Asia Pacific Catering Services market accounts for the largest market share 45.48% in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a 7.50% CAGR. Asia Pacific is expected to register the robust growth over the forecast duration, driven by various sector including in-flight catering. The inflight catering in the Asia-Pacific region is semi-consolidated. The key vendors in the market are Gate Gourmet, LSG Sky Chefs, SATS, Cathay Pacific Catering Services, and Emirates Flight Catering. These players are expanding their geographical footprint and adding new menu options which include vegetarian and gluten-free. Competition among key players is intense and drives action toward improved passenger satisfaction. For example, major airline carriers such as ANA and Singapore Airlines are taking steps to advance passengers’ dining experience with specialized dietary options. The similar efforts in the airlines sector are leading toward a broader inflight trend catering-to-the-individual, where the travelers are seeking a personal experience, which in turn may impact the quality of service in the catering sector in the broader commercial aviation.

Further, the major regions studied are: The North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

Figure 5: CATERING SERVICES MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2023 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Catering Services Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Most of major players in the Catering Services Market compete for a significant market share because they have extensive networks and offer a wide range of diversified services employed across multiple industries or sectors. Compass Group PLC remains the market leader as they have a strong presence across the globe, prioritize innovation and sustainability, and strive to serve every industry, including business, industry, healthcare, and education. Sodexo SA has a significant share of the global market as they are also based in relevant key markets and willing to take advantage of their comprehensive integrated services and digital transformation and sustainability to strengthen their position. Aramark Corporation is also maximizing its potential in several industries to maintain its market share as they go beyond catering and offer food management in sports, entertainment and business including facilities and retail stores. In turn, ISS A/S effectively competes for market share by serving a wide range of facility management services and not just focusing on catering. Their comprehensive service portfolio helps them provide solutions for every industry.

Key Companies in the Catering Services market include

• Compass Group PLC (UK)


• Elior Group SA (France)


• Sodexo SA (France)


• ISS A/S (Denmark)


• Newrest Group Services SAS (France)


• Hutten Catering BV (Netherlands)


• Cotton Culinary (US)


• Aramark Corporation (US)


• Delaware North Companies Inc. (US)


• Gategroup (Switzerland)

Catering Services Industry Developments

June 2022: Elior North America has launched LiveWell with Traditions, an offering that builds on the company's expertise in serving senior nutrition meals by providing customized, home-delivered meals to health plan, Medicare Advantage Organization (MAO), and Managed Care Organization (MCO) members.

Catering Services Market Segmentation:

Catering Services Type Outlook

• Contractual


• Non-Contractual

Catering Services Service Type Outlook

• On-Site Catering


• Off-Site Catering

Catering Services End-User Outlook

• In-Flight


• Educational Institutions


• HoReCa/Hospitality


• Healthcare


• Special Occasions


• Corporate & Industrial Business Canteens


• Others

Catering Services Booking Mode Outlook

• Online


• Offline

Catering Services Regional Outlook

• 
  

  North America

  
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  
  

• 
  

  Europe

  
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  

• 
  

  Asia-Pacific

  
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia & New Zealand
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  • GCC Countries
  
  
  • Turkey
  
  
  • Northern Africa
  
  
  • Southern Africa
  
  
  • Rest of Middle east & Africa
  
  
  
  

• 
  

  South America

  
  
  
  
  • Brazil
  
  
  • Argentina
  
  
  • Rest of South America