As we look ahead to 2025, the catering industry is continuing to experience significant growth. More and more restaurants are looking for predictable digital revenue and higher ROI channels to combat rising costs and keep pace with constantly evolving customer habits.
This article compiles the latest statistics and trends that restaurant brands should know to capitalize on the booming catering market.
Industry Growth and Market Size
The catering industry has rebounded strongly in recent years, with impressive growth projections:
- The global catering market is expected to reach $498 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2032.
- The US catering market reached $72 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a 6.2% CAGR, reaching $124 billion by 2032.
- Catering accounts for 11% of the total food service industry revenue.
- The industry has seen double-digit growth in catering orders between 2021 and 2022, with business catering orders now outpacing 2019 levels.
Business Catering Boom
Corporate catering is driving much of this growth:
- 53% of corporate food buyers plan to increase catering spending in 2024.
- 80% of companies order business catering at least monthly, with 32% ordering weekly.
- Corporate events were reported as the largest growth area by 48% of caterers.
Consumer Behavior and Preferences
Understanding customer preferences is crucial for success in catering:
- 71% of employees want input in the ordering process when their employer provides food for work.
- 64% of consumers prefer individually packaged meals.
- Top priorities for workplace diners include:some text
- Clearly labeled allergens (42%)
- Ability to customize individual items (41%)
- Individually packaged items (37%)
- 66% of all orders include some type of dietary accommodation.
- 47% of people who try food at work order from that restaurant in the future
Technology and Operations
Restaurants are leveraging technology to meet catering challenges:
- 30% of enterprise restaurants prioritize order management tech for catering
- 97% of food-for-work buyers want delivery tracking updates.
- 75% of catering orders are placed online via mobile or desktop.
Sustainability and Menu Trends
Environmental concerns are influencing catering choices:
- Nearly 20% of operators are improving packaging for sustainability.
- Some larger companies limit catering searches to environmentally-aligned restaurants.
- 40% of businesses ordering catering request food for over 20 people.
- 43% of customers prefer sustainable food packaging, and 37% of workplaces have made it a company requirement.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the industry is growing, restaurants face several challenges:
- 57% of restaurants find scaling catering sales challenging.
- 98% of operators cite higher labor costs as an issue.
- 97% mention higher food costs as a concern.
However, opportunities abound:
- Catering check sizes are 10x larger than regular orders
- 72% of businesses report that offering catering has improved their overall revenue.
- First-party online ordering platforms result in higher average check sizes (around $500) compared to third-party marketplaces.
Workforce and Staffing
Staffing remains a significant challenge in the catering industry:
- 86% of catering companies report being understaffed.
- 45% of restaurant operators need more employees to meet demand
- 92% of caterers increased pay in 2023 to attract and retain staff.
- 49% of workers now work fully onsite, while 46% spend at least a few days per week in the office.
Future Outlook
The future looks bright for restaurant catering:
- The Food at Work (B2B office catering) sector is expected to grow at an 8.8% CAGR between 2023 and 2030.
- 97% of restaurant operators expect their catering revenue to grow in 2024, with 74% anticipating over 20% growth.
How Brands Are Using Checkmate To Drive Catering Growth
For restaurants looking to scale their digital revenue, catering represents a meaningful opportunity, and based on the latest data, it’s a channel that will continue to grow. By staying attuned to these trends, brands can capture a larger market share and long-term success.
To effectively scale catering operations, Checkmate's Catering solution offers a comprehensive set of features designed to help enterprise brands efficiently scale their large order business with less effort. With customizable digital menus, house accounts, and real-time order tracking, Checkmate helps restaurants deliver superior service while streamlining operations.
As the catering landscape becomes more competitive, leveraging advanced solutions like Checkmate’s will be crucial for restaurants aiming to reliably grow their digital business in 2025 and beyond. By combining industry insights with powerful tools, brands can position themselves for success.
