United States Catering Market Outlook
The United States catering market size has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by rising demand across a variety of sectors including corporate events, weddings, parties, and food service for institutions like hospitals, schools, and businesses. According to Expert Market Research (EMR), the United States catering market attained a value of USD 72.67 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2024 to 2032, reaching an estimated value of USD 124.36 billion by 2032.
Catering services in the United States span across a wide spectrum of segments, offering customized food solutions to cater to both individual and business needs. These services include everything from elaborate wedding feasts and corporate event catering to everyday meal delivery services. The increasing demand for convenience, along with growing consumer spending on high-quality dining experiences, has made catering an essential service across the nation. The ongoing trend toward personalized services, healthy eating, and diverse menu options has also contributed significantly to market expansion.
Market Drivers
Several factors are propelling the growth of the United States catering market. One of the most prominent drivers is the increasing demand for event catering services. The U.S. has long been a hub for social, corporate, and celebratory gatherings, ranging from weddings to large-scale conferences. With an ever-growing preference for specialized, gourmet, and convenience-based catering, event organizers are seeking high-quality, diverse, and cost-effective catering options.
Corporate events and business meetings are major contributors to the catering market, as businesses continually host luncheons, conferences, and seminars, with professional catering services offering a premium dining experience. In addition, the ongoing shift toward remote work and hybrid working models in the post-pandemic landscape has led to a rise in demand for catering services for virtual events, meetings, and corporate team-building activities.
Moreover, the growing trend of health-conscious dining is driving the demand for catering services offering organic, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options. Consumers are becoming more aware of the health benefits of balanced, fresh meals, and as a result, many catering services are diversifying their offerings to include healthy alternatives. This trend is particularly noticeable in the corporate and educational catering sectors, where clients are increasingly looking for nutritious options for their employees and students.
Additionally, the rise of casual dining events, such as food truck festivals and pop-up catering businesses, has created a broader appeal for catering beyond traditional venues. These informal catering models offer convenience and diverse menu options, contributing to the expansion of the overall market.
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Key Trends in the Market
Several key trends are shaping the United States catering market, reflecting changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and evolving industry standards.
- Personalized and Customizable Catering Options: Increasingly, customers are seeking more tailored and bespoke catering experiences. From personalized menus to unique dietary preferences, consumers want their catering experiences to reflect their individual tastes and requirements. Event organizers and corporate clients, in particular, are looking for ways to offer guests a more customized dining experience. Catering businesses are adapting to this trend by offering more diverse, flexible menus and accommodating a wide range of dietary restrictions such as vegan, gluten-free, and kosher diets.
- Health-Conscious and Sustainable Catering: As health and wellness trends continue to gain traction, catering services in the U.S. are increasingly offering healthier meal options that cater to various dietary needs, including organic, low-calorie, and plant-based meals. Additionally, sustainability has become an important factor for many consumers, leading catering businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. This includes using locally sourced ingredients, minimizing food waste, and employing sustainable packaging. Catering businesses that focus on organic ingredients and eco-conscious operations are likely to see increased demand from environmentally aware consumers.
- Technology Integration: Technology is playing an ever-expanding role in the United States catering market. From online ordering systems and digital payment methods to real-time event tracking and meal planning software, technology is streamlining operations and enhancing customer service. Catering companies are increasingly using technology to improve efficiency and meet customer expectations for quick and accurate service. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook, are also used to showcase catering options and create engaging marketing campaigns that attract a larger audience.
- Growth of Virtual and Hybrid Events: The rise of virtual and hybrid events, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has also had a profound impact on the catering market. Many businesses are opting for online conferences, webinars, and meetings, which require catering services for remote attendees. This has led to an increase in demand for catering options that can serve both in-person and virtual participants, such as individually packaged meals or meal delivery services. Catering businesses are capitalizing on this trend by offering creative and adaptable solutions for virtual and hybrid event catering.
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United States Catering Market Segmentation
The market can be divided based on by type, by services, application and region.
Market Breakup by Type
- Contractual
- Non-Contractual
Market Breakup by Services
- Inhouse
- Outsource
Market Breakup by Application
- Corporate Catering
- Social Events
- Others
Market Breakup by Region
- New England
- Mideast
- Great Lakes
- Plains
- Southeast
- Southwest
- Rocky Mountain
- Far West
Competitive Landscape
Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:
- Sodexo
- Compass Group
- ISS A/S
- Aramark
- San Francisco Catering Company (Fresh Pulp Holding LLC)
- Tres LA Group
- Thomas’s Catering
- Elaine Bell Catering
- DJ’s California Catering
- Others
Challenges in the Market
Despite the overall positive growth prospects, the United States catering market faces several challenges. One of the primary concerns is the increasing cost of ingredients and labor, which has placed pressure on catering businesses to maintain profitability while keeping their prices competitive. Furthermore, as the market becomes more competitive, smaller and independent catering companies must differentiate themselves through quality, unique offerings, and exceptional service.
Another challenge is the fluctuating demand for catering services, particularly for large-scale events. Economic uncertainty, changing consumer behavior, and seasonality can create unpredictability in demand, making it difficult for businesses to plan and maintain consistent operations. Additionally, the complexity of meeting dietary restrictions and food allergies adds an extra layer of responsibility and complexity for catering providers.
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