GITNUXREPORT 2025

Catering Industry Statistics

Global catering market valued at $557 billion in 2021, growth driven by weddings and corporate events.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 45% of catering companies serve clients aged 30-50 years old

Statistic 2

Food allergies are a consideration in 25% of catering menu planning

Statistic 3

Customized menu options are preferred by 60% of catering clients

Statistic 4

25% of catering clients request halal or kosher options

Statistic 5

Approximately 35% of catering sales are generated through corporate clients

Statistic 6

70% of catering businesses offer customized menus for special dietary requirements

Statistic 7

Approximately 40% of catering orders are repeat business from loyal clients

Statistic 8

The most common dietary preferences requested in catering menus include gluten-free, vegan, and kosher, with over 50% of clients requesting at least one special diet

Statistic 9

CATERING industry employment in the US reached over 250,000 jobs in 2021

Statistic 10

The catering industry's contribution to the hospitality sector accounts for roughly 15% of total industry revenue

Statistic 11

The catering industry contributes significantly to local economies, with estimates suggesting that every dollar spent generates approximately $1.50 in economic activity

Statistic 12

The most popular catering event types are weddings, corporate events, and parties, with weddings representing 45% of revenue

Statistic 13

About 75% of catering businesses in the US are family-owned

Statistic 14

85% of catering clients prefer locally sourced ingredients

Statistic 15

Online ordering accounts for nearly 40% of catering sales in the US

Statistic 16

The global demand for catering services is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2028

Statistic 17

About 55% of catering orders are placed through mobile devices

Statistic 18

Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are a priority for 65% of catering clients

Statistic 19

Catering companies that implement digital marketing grow revenue 3x faster than those who do not

Statistic 20

The most common menu items in catering are sandwiches, salads, and finger foods

Statistic 21

40% of catering businesses increased their prices during 2022 due to inflation

Statistic 22

The fastest-growing segment of the catering industry is corporate catering, with an annual growth rate of 6.2%

Statistic 23

70% of catering orders are booked at least one month in advance

Statistic 24

Food safety compliance is a top priority for 80% of catering businesses

Statistic 25

Catering companies using event management software see a 20% increase in efficiency

Statistic 26

52% of catering transactions are paid via credit/debit cards

Statistic 27

Approximately 65% of catering companies partner with local farms and suppliers

Statistic 28

The rise of vegan and vegetarian options in catering menus increased by 35% over the past 3 years

Statistic 29

Approximately 80% of catering businesses offer services for events with 50 or fewer guests

Statistic 30

The catering industry’s digital presence accounts for about 50% of new client acquisition

Statistic 31

Over 90% of catering companies reported an increase in demand for outdoor and socially distanced events post-pandemic

Statistic 32

Mobile apps for catering services have seen a 15% increase in downloads annualy

Statistic 33

30% of catering firms plan to expand their services into new markets within the next year

Statistic 34

Quality assurance programs in catering are used by 70% of top-tier companies

Statistic 35

The use of biodegradable disposables increased by 40% in catering over the past three years

Statistic 36

65% of catering clients value themed decor and presentation as part of their event experience

Statistic 37

The average ticket size for a corporate catering order is approximately $500

Statistic 38

80% of catering businesses use social media platforms for marketing purposes

Statistic 39

The average duration of a catering event is around 3-4 hours

Statistic 40

The use of automation and AI in catering order processing is increasing at a rate of 10% annually

Statistic 41

50% of catering firms plan to incorporate more plant-based menu options in the next year

Statistic 42

The use of contactless payment methods in catering increased by 35% during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 43

The average gross profit margin for catering services is around 25%

Statistic 44

20% of catering clients order catering services for multiple consecutive days or events

Statistic 45

The number of catering entrepreneurs in the US grew by 12% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 46

The rise of experiential catering events, such as pop-ups and chef's tables, has increased by 30% over the past 3 years

Statistic 47

65% of catering providers invest in staff training and certification programs annually

Statistic 48

The proportion of catering equipment that is energy-efficient has increased by 25% over the last five years

Statistic 49

The share of organic and natural ingredients in catering menus has increased by 20% since 2019

Statistic 50

The popularity of themed catering events, such as vintage, rustic, or modern, increased by 18% over the past 2 years

Statistic 51

55% of catering executives prioritize digital transformation initiatives, including online booking systems and CRM integration

Statistic 52

The number of women-owned catering companies has increased by 15% over the past five years

Statistic 53

75% of catering businesses offer gluten-free options as standard on menus

Statistic 54

The number of catering industry certifications and accreditations has grown by 20% in recent years, indicating a focus on quality standards

Statistic 55

Customer satisfaction ratings for catering services average at 87%

Statistic 56

The most common form of payment in catering is credit/debit cards, used in 52% of transactions

Statistic 57

Environmental sustainability practices have led 35% of catering companies to reduce single-use plastics

Statistic 58

The average number of catering menu items offered at events is around 12

Statistic 59

40% of catering businesses now utilize cloud-based management software

Statistic 60

90% of catering professionals believe that health and safety regulations are becoming more stringent

Statistic 61

The number of catering companies specializing in niche markets, such as vegan or allergen-free catering, has increased by 25% in the past 5 years

Statistic 62

The average gross profit margin for catering services is approximately 25%

Statistic 63

65% of catering clients are interested in experiential or interactive food presentation

Statistic 64

The rise of virtual and hybrid catering events increased industry revenues by 15% in 2022

Statistic 65

The number of catering businesses that implement online reviews and reputation management has increased by 20% over the last 3 years

Statistic 66

The average cost of catering for a corporate event ranges from $20 to $50 per person

Statistic 67

The catering industry’s adoption of AI-driven personalization techniques has grown by 12% annually

Statistic 68

55% of catering companies offer plant-based and vegan menu options

Statistic 69

The proportion of green-certified catering companies has increased by 18% over the past five years

Statistic 70

About 40% of catering orders include custom-designed presentations or themed decor

Statistic 71

The rapid growth of delivery-only catering services has contributed to a 25% increase in industry revenue over the last three years

Statistic 72

45% of catering companies utilize social media influencers to promote their services

Statistic 73

The completion rate of digital marketing campaigns in catering is approximately 65%, indicating effective outreach strategies

Statistic 74

The average renewal rate for catering contracts is about 70%, reflecting customer retention

Statistic 75

The investment in catering equipment maintenance has increased by 15% over the past 5 years, indicating greater focus on quality and safety

Statistic 76

Approximately 60% of catering companies offer online payment options, helping to streamline transactions

Statistic 77

The global catering services market was valued at approximately $557 billion in 2021

Statistic 78

The US catering industry generated around $11 billion in revenue in 2021

Statistic 79

Food and beverage account for roughly 70% of total catering costs

Statistic 80

The average size of a catering event in the US is around 100 guests

Statistic 81

The average order value in catering is approximately $250

Statistic 82

Event catering accounts for roughly 75% of total catering revenue

Statistic 83

The number of catering events held annually in the US is estimated at over 600,000

Statistic 84

The industry employs approximately 12,000 catering-specific vehicles nationwide

Statistic 85

The global catering industry is expected to reach $800 billion by 2025

Statistic 86

The highest revenue-generating catering sector is wedding catering, contributing over 40% of the industry’s total revenue

Statistic 87

The average annual expenditure on catering per household in the US is approximately $95

Statistic 88

The global market for catering equipment is projected to reach $30 billion by 2027

Statistic 89

Approximately 60% of catering companies in the US operate with fewer than 10 employees

Statistic 90

The average profit margin for catering companies is approximately 10-15%

Statistic 91

Approximately 30% of catering businesses report difficulty in sourcing ingredients consistently

Statistic 92

The most common reason for catering cancellations is menu dissatisfaction, reported by 35% of clients

Statistic 93

The average lifespan of a catering business is around 8 years

Statistic 94

The average time spent planning a catering event is approximately 4-6 weeks

Statistic 95

45% of catering businesses reported challenges in staffing and labor retention

Statistic 96

Food waste in catering accounts for about 15% of total waste generated during events

Statistic 97

55% of catering companies experience seasonal fluctuations in demand, with peaks during summer and holiday seasons

Statistic 98

Over 60% of catering companies report difficulty in hiring qualified staff

Statistic 99

The number of catering staff per event varies but averages around 5-8 staff members for standard events

Statistic 100

The industry's largest challenge remains staffing shortages, with 55% of catering businesses citing it as a top concern

Statistic 101

Over 50% of catering companies report difficulty in scaling operations due to supply chain disruptions, especially during pandemic recovery

Statistic 102

The average length of client engagement in catering services is around 3-5 years, indicating long-term partnerships

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Key Highlights

The global catering services market was valued at approximately $557 billion in 2021
The US catering industry generated around $11 billion in revenue in 2021
Approximately 60% of catering companies in the US operate with fewer than 10 employees
Food and beverage account for roughly 70% of total catering costs
The most popular catering event types are weddings, corporate events, and parties, with weddings representing 45% of revenue
About 75% of catering businesses in the US are family-owned
The average profit margin for catering companies is approximately 10-15%
85% of catering clients prefer locally sourced ingredients
Online ordering accounts for nearly 40% of catering sales in the US
The global demand for catering services is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2028
Approximately 30% of catering businesses report difficulty in sourcing ingredients consistently
About 55% of catering orders are placed through mobile devices
Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are a priority for 65% of catering clients

The booming catering industry, valued at over half a trillion dollars globally and evolving rapidly with technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and shifting consumer preferences, is reshaping how we celebrate, network, and indulge in events across the world.

Customer Demographics and Dietary Preferences

Approximately 45% of catering companies serve clients aged 30-50 years old
Food allergies are a consideration in 25% of catering menu planning
Customized menu options are preferred by 60% of catering clients
25% of catering clients request halal or kosher options
Approximately 35% of catering sales are generated through corporate clients
70% of catering businesses offer customized menus for special dietary requirements
Approximately 40% of catering orders are repeat business from loyal clients
The most common dietary preferences requested in catering menus include gluten-free, vegan, and kosher, with over 50% of clients requesting at least one special diet

Customer Demographics and Dietary Preferences Interpretation

With nearly half of catering clients aged 30-50 and a significant focus on dietary customization—ranging from allergies and halal/kosher needs to vegan and gluten-free options—industry success hinges on a delicate balance of personalization and loyalty, as 40% of orders are repeat business, illustrating that tailored service is not just a preference but a necessity in today's competitive catering landscape.

Economic Impact and Industry Contribution

CATERING industry employment in the US reached over 250,000 jobs in 2021
The catering industry's contribution to the hospitality sector accounts for roughly 15% of total industry revenue
The catering industry contributes significantly to local economies, with estimates suggesting that every dollar spent generates approximately $1.50 in economic activity

Economic Impact and Industry Contribution Interpretation

With over 250,000 jobs in 2021 and a robust 15% slice of hospitality revenue, the catering industry proves it’s not just about good food—it’s a substantial economic engine that turns each dollar into a flourishing dollar-and-a-half, serving up both jobs and community vitality.

Industry Trends and Preferences

The most popular catering event types are weddings, corporate events, and parties, with weddings representing 45% of revenue
About 75% of catering businesses in the US are family-owned
85% of catering clients prefer locally sourced ingredients
Online ordering accounts for nearly 40% of catering sales in the US
The global demand for catering services is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2028
About 55% of catering orders are placed through mobile devices
Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are a priority for 65% of catering clients
Catering companies that implement digital marketing grow revenue 3x faster than those who do not
The most common menu items in catering are sandwiches, salads, and finger foods
40% of catering businesses increased their prices during 2022 due to inflation
The fastest-growing segment of the catering industry is corporate catering, with an annual growth rate of 6.2%
70% of catering orders are booked at least one month in advance
Food safety compliance is a top priority for 80% of catering businesses
Catering companies using event management software see a 20% increase in efficiency
52% of catering transactions are paid via credit/debit cards
Approximately 65% of catering companies partner with local farms and suppliers
The rise of vegan and vegetarian options in catering menus increased by 35% over the past 3 years
Approximately 80% of catering businesses offer services for events with 50 or fewer guests
The catering industry’s digital presence accounts for about 50% of new client acquisition
Over 90% of catering companies reported an increase in demand for outdoor and socially distanced events post-pandemic
Mobile apps for catering services have seen a 15% increase in downloads annualy
30% of catering firms plan to expand their services into new markets within the next year
Quality assurance programs in catering are used by 70% of top-tier companies
The use of biodegradable disposables increased by 40% in catering over the past three years
65% of catering clients value themed decor and presentation as part of their event experience
The average ticket size for a corporate catering order is approximately $500
80% of catering businesses use social media platforms for marketing purposes
The average duration of a catering event is around 3-4 hours
The use of automation and AI in catering order processing is increasing at a rate of 10% annually
50% of catering firms plan to incorporate more plant-based menu options in the next year
The use of contactless payment methods in catering increased by 35% during the COVID-19 pandemic
The average gross profit margin for catering services is around 25%
20% of catering clients order catering services for multiple consecutive days or events
The number of catering entrepreneurs in the US grew by 12% from 2019 to 2022
The rise of experiential catering events, such as pop-ups and chef's tables, has increased by 30% over the past 3 years
65% of catering providers invest in staff training and certification programs annually
The proportion of catering equipment that is energy-efficient has increased by 25% over the last five years
The share of organic and natural ingredients in catering menus has increased by 20% since 2019
The popularity of themed catering events, such as vintage, rustic, or modern, increased by 18% over the past 2 years
55% of catering executives prioritize digital transformation initiatives, including online booking systems and CRM integration
The number of women-owned catering companies has increased by 15% over the past five years
75% of catering businesses offer gluten-free options as standard on menus
The number of catering industry certifications and accreditations has grown by 20% in recent years, indicating a focus on quality standards
Customer satisfaction ratings for catering services average at 87%
The most common form of payment in catering is credit/debit cards, used in 52% of transactions
Environmental sustainability practices have led 35% of catering companies to reduce single-use plastics
The average number of catering menu items offered at events is around 12
40% of catering businesses now utilize cloud-based management software
90% of catering professionals believe that health and safety regulations are becoming more stringent
The number of catering companies specializing in niche markets, such as vegan or allergen-free catering, has increased by 25% in the past 5 years
The average gross profit margin for catering services is approximately 25%
65% of catering clients are interested in experiential or interactive food presentation
The rise of virtual and hybrid catering events increased industry revenues by 15% in 2022
The number of catering businesses that implement online reviews and reputation management has increased by 20% over the last 3 years
The average cost of catering for a corporate event ranges from $20 to $50 per person
The catering industry’s adoption of AI-driven personalization techniques has grown by 12% annually
55% of catering companies offer plant-based and vegan menu options
The proportion of green-certified catering companies has increased by 18% over the past five years
About 40% of catering orders include custom-designed presentations or themed decor
The rapid growth of delivery-only catering services has contributed to a 25% increase in industry revenue over the last three years
45% of catering companies utilize social media influencers to promote their services
The completion rate of digital marketing campaigns in catering is approximately 65%, indicating effective outreach strategies
The average renewal rate for catering contracts is about 70%, reflecting customer retention
The investment in catering equipment maintenance has increased by 15% over the past 5 years, indicating greater focus on quality and safety
Approximately 60% of catering companies offer online payment options, helping to streamline transactions

Industry Trends and Preferences Interpretation

As the catering industry rapidly evolves—from embracing green practices and plant-based menus to harnessing AI and social media for growth—it seems that whether it's a wedding, corporate event, or party, today’s caterers are not just serving food but orchestrating a digital, sustainable, and highly personalized culinary experience with a recipe for steady expansion.

Market Size and Valuation

The global catering services market was valued at approximately $557 billion in 2021
The US catering industry generated around $11 billion in revenue in 2021
Food and beverage account for roughly 70% of total catering costs
The average size of a catering event in the US is around 100 guests
The average order value in catering is approximately $250
Event catering accounts for roughly 75% of total catering revenue
The number of catering events held annually in the US is estimated at over 600,000
The industry employs approximately 12,000 catering-specific vehicles nationwide
The global catering industry is expected to reach $800 billion by 2025
The highest revenue-generating catering sector is wedding catering, contributing over 40% of the industry’s total revenue
The average annual expenditure on catering per household in the US is approximately $95
The global market for catering equipment is projected to reach $30 billion by 2027

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

With a booming global value expected to hit $800 billion by 2025 and over half a trillion dollars in 2021 alone, the catering industry’s appetite for growth — and expenses — is evident, as it serves nearly 600,000 US events annually, with wedding catering leading the charge, proving that in this industry, every plate is a potential profit—and a celebration.

Operational Challenges and Client Engagement

Approximately 60% of catering companies in the US operate with fewer than 10 employees
The average profit margin for catering companies is approximately 10-15%
Approximately 30% of catering businesses report difficulty in sourcing ingredients consistently
The most common reason for catering cancellations is menu dissatisfaction, reported by 35% of clients
The average lifespan of a catering business is around 8 years
The average time spent planning a catering event is approximately 4-6 weeks
45% of catering businesses reported challenges in staffing and labor retention
Food waste in catering accounts for about 15% of total waste generated during events
55% of catering companies experience seasonal fluctuations in demand, with peaks during summer and holiday seasons
Over 60% of catering companies report difficulty in hiring qualified staff
The number of catering staff per event varies but averages around 5-8 staff members for standard events
The industry's largest challenge remains staffing shortages, with 55% of catering businesses citing it as a top concern
Over 50% of catering companies report difficulty in scaling operations due to supply chain disruptions, especially during pandemic recovery
The average length of client engagement in catering services is around 3-5 years, indicating long-term partnerships

Operational Challenges and Client Engagement Interpretation

Despite operating with modest profit margins and battling staffing shortages, catering companies sustain long-term client relationships and seasonal demand peaks—highlighting that even in a picky, unpredictable industry, resilience and adaptability are key ingredients.