United States Catering Market Size, Share, Growth and Report | 2034

United States Catering Market Outlook

The United States catering market size reached a value of USD 72.67 billion in 2024. Supported by the increasing demand for high-quality food services, the growing trend of corporate events, and the rising preference for specialized catering services, the market is projected to expand further at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 124.36 billion by 2034.

The United States catering market is a diverse and dynamic sector, encompassing a wide range of food service offerings including corporate catering, event catering, institutional catering, and mobile food services. Catering services play a vital role in the hospitality industry, providing food and beverage solutions for various occasions such as weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, and social gatherings. The market’s growth is fueled by several factors, including the rising demand for convenience, the increasing trend of outsourcing food services, and the evolving preferences of consumers for high-quality, customized, and on-demand catering options.

Key Market Drivers

One of the key drivers of the United States catering market is the increasing demand for corporate catering services. As the corporate sector continues to expand, the need for catering services for business meetings, conferences, and corporate events has surged. Corporate catering allows businesses to offer employees and clients high-quality meals in a convenient manner, saving time and enhancing the overall experience. With the growth of remote working and hybrid work models, catering services have become integral to virtual and in-person corporate events, further contributing to the expansion of the market.

The trend of event-based catering is another major factor propelling the market growth. Events such as weddings, parties, and social gatherings are increasingly seeking professional catering services to deliver high-quality food and beverages. With changing lifestyles and consumer preferences, event organizers are opting for specialized catering services to provide customized food offerings that meet the diverse needs of attendees. This trend has fueled the demand for catering services that offer unique and diverse menu options, including vegan, gluten-free, and organic choices, thereby expanding the market’s scope.

Additionally, the growing demand for convenience and time-saving solutions is contributing to the rise of off-premise catering services. Off-premise catering allows businesses and individuals to outsource the preparation and delivery of food for events, reducing the burden of in-house meal preparation. The increasing popularity of food delivery services and meal kit subscriptions has further encouraged the growth of off-premise catering. As consumers continue to prioritize convenience, the off-premise catering segment is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.

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Technological Advancements and Innovations

Technological advancements are playing a significant role in shaping the United States catering market. The integration of technology in catering services has enhanced operational efficiency, improved customer experience, and provided businesses with new ways to engage with clients. Catering companies are increasingly adopting digital platforms for online ordering, event planning, and menu customization. These platforms allow customers to select from a wide variety of menu options, place orders, and track the status of their catering services in real-time.

Moreover, the rise of mobile apps has further transformed the catering landscape. Catering companies are developing mobile applications to enable consumers to order food for events, monitor the progress of their orders, and make payments online. This digitalization has made the catering process more streamlined and accessible, allowing businesses to cater to a larger audience and expand their customer base.

Additionally, advancements in food preparation and preservation technologies are enabling caterers to offer fresh, high-quality meals for a variety of events. Innovations in refrigeration, packaging, and transport technologies have improved the shelf-life and quality of catered food, ensuring that it remains fresh and appealing for extended periods. This has increased the appeal of catering services for large-scale events, where food may need to be prepared in advance and transported to the event location.

Sustainability Trends and Consumer Preferences

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in the United States catering market. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for catering services that prioritize sustainability in their food sourcing, preparation, and packaging practices. Caterers are responding to this demand by offering locally sourced, organic, and environmentally friendly food options, as well as reducing waste through sustainable packaging and waste management practices.

The trend of sustainable catering is being driven by both consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. The rise of eco-conscious consumers, particularly in the corporate and event sectors, has led to a preference for catering services that focus on minimizing their environmental impact. This includes sourcing ingredients from local and sustainable farms, using biodegradable packaging, and reducing food waste. The implementation of sustainable practices not only appeals to environmentally aware consumers but also helps catering businesses meet increasingly stringent regulations related to food waste and packaging waste.

Additionally, there is a growing demand for health-conscious catering options. As consumers place more emphasis on health and wellness, catering services are responding by offering healthier menu options that cater to dietary preferences such as gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie meals. Health-conscious catering is particularly popular in corporate environments, where businesses are keen to promote employee well-being and provide nutritious meals during meetings and events. This trend is expected to continue to drive the demand for specialized catering services that focus on healthy and balanced meal options.

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 and Barriers

Despite the positive growth outlook, the United States catering market faces several challenges. One of the main challenges is the increasing competition among catering businesses, which is driving the need for differentiation and innovation. As the market becomes more saturated, catering companies must focus on offering unique value propositions, such as specialized menus, personalized services, or innovative technology platforms, to stay ahead of competitors.

Additionally, the rising costs of ingredients, labor, and transportation pose significant challenges for catering companies. The price volatility of key ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and dairy products, can have a direct impact on catering service pricing, potentially affecting profit margins. Moreover, the shortage of skilled labor in the hospitality industry has led to difficulties in staffing events and maintaining high-quality service levels. Catering companies must address these challenges by streamlining operations, optimizing supply chains, and investing in workforce training and development.

Another challenge facing the catering industry is the growing concern over food safety and hygiene. Catering businesses must adhere to stringent food safety regulations to ensure the health and safety of their customers. Failure to comply with food safety standards can result in legal penalties and damage to a company’s reputation. Catering companies must invest in robust food safety protocols and maintain high standards of hygiene to mitigate these risks.