GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Catering Statistics: Market Report & Data

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Highlights: Catering Statistics

  • The global food service and catering market size was valued at $4.4 trillion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from 2020 to 2027.
  • The U.S. catering market is estimated to be worth $12 billion.
  • Approximately 50,000 businesses operate in the catering industry in the U.S.
  • Catering businesses in the U.S. employ over 260,000 people.
  • The average wedding in the U.S. in 2019 (pre-COVID-19) spent $6,937 on catering.
  • The U.K catering services market was valued at $11.16 billion in 2018.
  • Australia's hospitality and catering sector employs about 7% of the national workforce.
  • In Spain, the market value of the catering sector was around €7.2 billion in 2019.
  • In India, the catering services industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 16% by 2020.
  • The U.S. corporate catering market size was valued at $ 33.5 billion in 2018.
  • The U.S. catering industry's annual revenue is $11 billion.
  • Revenue of the U.S. catering services is projected to reach US$18,060m in 2021.
  • In the U.S, social caterers account for about 43% of catering revenue.
  • Canada's catering industry is expected to witness a $887 million loss of revenue due to COVID-19.
  • The U.K. catering market size was around £1 billion in 2019.
  • 51% of UK companies consider buffet style as the most popular catering layout.
  • Mexico's catering industry generates around 15,000 jobs and contributes to 2% of the country's GDP.

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If you’ve ever wondered about the numbers that make the catering world turn, then you’re in the right place. Our deep dive into catering statistics offers a fascinating insight into an industry that is so much more than just the sum of its delectable parts. Understanding these stats not only helps caterers make informed decisions to succeed, but also food enthusiasts to discover the latest trends, budgeting norms, and the overall business landscape. So, whether you’re a caterer, aspiring to be one, or just a dedicated foodie, this post promises to feed your curiosity with a banquet of key figures, trends, and insights from the dynamic world of catering.

The Latest Catering Statistics Unveiled

The global food service and catering market size was valued at $4.4 trillion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from 2020 to 2027.

Delving into the global panorama replete with succulent flavors, the tantalizing figure of $4.4 trillion represents the hefty value of the food service and catering market in 2019. This indulgent sum exhibits the considerable economic muscle of this thriving sector. The narrative doesn’t end here. Projected to bask in a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from 2020 to 2027, the industry is expected to simmer in a pot of continuous prosperity. In this pulsating reality, every aspiring restaurateur, event organizer, and food enthusiast finds a place to understand trends, gauge future growth, and strategize their culinary landscape while serving a deliciously statistical glimpse into the delectable world of catering.

The U.S. catering market is estimated to be worth $12 billion.

Emerging from the backdrop of raw data and mathematics, one striking statistic asserts itself—the U.S. catering market registers a hefty $12 billion in estimated worth. Embodied within this figure is a testament to the robustness of the catering industry, an affirmation of consistent consumer reliance on these services, and an undercurrent of potential growth opportunities. This figure paints a promising landscape for both existing stakeholders and newcomers in the catering world, illustrating the market’s viability and lucrativeness in a blog post about Catering Statistics.

Approximately 50,000 businesses operate in the catering industry in the U.S.

Illuminating the vast landscape of the U.S. catering industry, the metric of 50,000 businesses operating paints a vibrant image of entrepreneurship, economic vitality, and culinary diversity. This statistic underscores the fact that there are myriad of historic diners, roadside food beats, avant-garde gastronomic innovators and hospitality maestros contributing to this robust orbit of catering services. In all, clarifying this vast number also highlights the industry’s complexity, competitiveness, and ensuing opportunities, while giving readers a quantifiable grasp of the enormity and significance of the catering business in the U.S. for further discussion on related statistics and trends.

Catering businesses in the U.S. employ over 260,000 people.

Painting a broader picture of the vital role they play in our economy, it’s intriguing to note that U.S. catering businesses harness the skills of over 260,000 people. This pulsating statistic unearths not just the magnitude of the catering industry’s contribution to job creation, but also highlights the economic thread that connects an assortment of sectors, whether indirectly supplying to these businesses or benefiting from their services. In the kaleidoscope of catering statistics, the number of employed individuals further underscores the potentially vast economic ecosystem that yawns beyond the canapés and premium cuisines served up by this industry.

The average wedding in the U.S. in 2019 (pre-COVID-19) spent $6,937 on catering.

Unveiling the titillating palate of expenditures, it is seen that in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the average wedding in the U.S. allocated an astonishing $6,937 solely for catering. This figure serves as a key flavor in our recipe of understanding the catering business, signifying both the importance placed on food and beverages in wedding celebrations and the scale of the investment individuals are willing and prepared to make. In the banquet of catering statistics, this reveals a rich insight into consumer behavior, the economic size and potential of the wedding catering market, and therefore, sets the table for predictions about industry trends and future opportunities.

The U.K catering services market was valued at $11.16 billion in 2018.

In a bustling culinary world like the U.K.’s, the towering valuation of the catering services market at $11.16 billion in 2018 serves as a robust testament to its vibrancy and economic influence. It’s an intriguing nugget of data, providing a numerical narrative for the industry’s significant financial footprint and making a strong case for its economic importance. Diving into the exploration of catering trends and future growth opportunities, this figure offers potential investors a tangible measure of the market’s strength, while giving a quantitative snapshot of the industry’s success for analysts and stakeholders.

Australia’s hospitality and catering sector employs about 7% of the national workforce.

In the grand stage of Australia’s diverse employment theatre, the hospitality and catering sector shines as a prominent actor, providing employment for an impressive 7% of the national workforce. In the context of a blog post unraveling catering statistics, these numbers serve as a robust pillar, underscoring the sector’s integral role in shaping the nation’s employment landscape. The convergence of culinary arts and employment metrics in this statistic, aids us in painting an accurate picture of the catering industry’s impact, potentially sparking discussions on economic contributions, job trends, and industry dynamics in the land down under.

In Spain, the market value of the catering sector was around €7.2 billion in 2019.

This revealing snapshot of Spain’s staggering €7.2 billion catering sector in 2019 serves as a culinary compass, guiding the readers on the scale and economic impact of this industry. It helps paint a gastronomically significant picture demonstrating the industry’s strength and potential for growth. As such, it entices the entrepreneurial taste buds of prospective business owners and investors, while providing data enthusiasts an appetizing morsel of the catering market’s financial robustness. This statistic, therefore, is an essential ingredient in understanding the breadth and depth of the catering world from an economic perspective.

In India, the catering services industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 16% by 2020.

Unfolding a saga of exponential growth, the expected 16% CAGR for the Indian catering services industry stands as a testament to the surging dynamics of this sector. Envisioning this spirited leap by 2020 not only highlights the burgeoning demand for professional culinary services but also presents significant future revenue potentials. Miirroring changes in lifestyle, disposable income, and culinary preferences, this statistic enlightens businesses on the unfolding opportunities in the catering world, amplifying the data-driven strategic planning in the scene. Consequently, within the narrative of a blog about Catering Statistics, this figure weaves an important storyline in understanding future trends and forecasting lucrative business prospects.

The U.S. corporate catering market size was valued at $ 33.5 billion in 2018.

Unveiling the sheer magnitude of the U.S. corporate catering industry, the striking figure of $33.5 billion as its size in 2018 provides a spectacular snapshot into its extensive reach and significant impact. As articulated in this blog post about Catering Statistics, such a substantial valuation not only signals vast potential for catering entities navigating this sector but also underscores the remarkable demand for these services among corporations. The robustness of this colossal market suggests a dynamic corporate culture that highly values food in building relationships and boosting morale within workplace environments. Bearing this statistic in mind, it informs both industry insiders and external observers about current trends, future growth opportunities, and the overall vitality of the U.S. corporate catering sphere.

The U.S. catering industry’s annual revenue is $11 billion.

With the U.S. catering industry raking in an impressive annual revenue of $11 billion, it becomes evident how robust and vital this sector is within the larger hospitality landscape. This remarkable figure not only underscores the significant financial contribution of the catering industry to the national economy, but also provides a measure of the immense scale of operations and the potential growth opportunities within this sector. Within a blog post on Catering Statistics, this fact serves as a compelling introduction to the breadth and depth of the industry, inviting readers to engage further with the facts, trends, and inspiring stories that lie beneath this striking headline statistic.

Revenue of the U.S. catering services is projected to reach US$18,060m in 2021.

Gazing into the crystal ball of financial forecasts, one cannot overlook the awe-inspiring projection for the U.S. catering services, which anticipates an impressive reach of US$18,060m in 2021. Such a potent figure not only underlines the dynamic growth and resilience of the industry, but also signals the potential lucrative opportunities present for investors, start-ups and other engaged stakeholders. Further, it highlights consumers’ propelling demand for catered events, acting as a testament to the industry’s relevance and necessity in today’s society. This captivating numerical forecast paints a promising landscape for the catering industry, thereby embedding a degree of optimism and anticipation in the reader of this blog post.

In the U.S, social caterers account for about 43% of catering revenue.

Shining a light on the vibrant landscape of catering, one cannot miss the considerable role of social caterers who rake in a whopping 43% of U.S. catering revenue. Encompassing everything from weddings to graduations, the social catering segment serves as a bustling sphere of activity making it a vital cog within the larger catering machinery. This underline denotes not only its prominence but also the substantial market opportunities available in the domain, making it an indispensable component of any in-depth discussion on catering statistics.

Canada’s catering industry is expected to witness a $887 million loss of revenue due to COVID-19.

In a blog post dedicated to Catering Statistics, the likely plummet of the Canadian catering industry by $887 million in light of the COVID-19 pandemic paints a disturbingly vivid picture. An interruption on this scale not only signals the harsh reality of the virus’s economic impacts, but also offers a critical lens through which to perceive its effects on niche markets. This drop in revenue, deeply significant to the catering industry at large, invites further analytical explorations, such as identifying survival strategies for the industry, projecting future trends, or comparing and contrasting with other global industries also enduring the pandemic’s economic blow.

The U.K. catering market size was around £1 billion in 2019.

The revelation of a £1 billion market size for U.K. catering in 2019 creates a compelling vista punctuated by vast potential and opportunities. This staggering sum embodies not only an economic triumph but also encapsulates the thriving appetite for catering services within the U.K. Shining a light on the fiscal magnitude of the industry, it reveals important nuances like the high demand, market fluidity, and potential growth areas. Within a blog post centered on catering statistics, this value becomes a keystone, instigating intuitive understanding of the entire market spectrum for readers, from industry stakeholders to curious food enthusiasts.

51% of UK companies consider buffet style as the most popular catering layout.

When delving into the culinary canvas of UK catering, it’s intriguing to uncover that over half of the companies (51%) swear by the buffet style as their preferred layout. This percentage is not negligible and serves as a substantial insight for catering professionals, event planners, and businesses sprucing up for any congregation. In a blog post discussing Catering Statistics, this nugget of information plays a frontliner role. It aids in unearthing trends, moulding strategies for caterers, helping event planners in setting expectations right, and equipping companies with insights to streamline their food-related requirements.

Mexico’s catering industry generates around 15,000 jobs and contributes to 2% of the country’s GDP.

Delving into the booming catering industry, an interesting revelation emerges from Mexico. The sector not only churns out approximately 15,000 jobs, painting a brighter employment picture for the nation, but also contributes a significant 2% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Aligning this with our discussion on Catering Statistics, it pronounces Mexico’s catering landscape as a potent economic force, propelling livelihoods and fortifying the nation’s economy. Thus, it serves as a telling example for other countries harnessing the potential of this industry.

Conclusion

From the examination of the presented catering statistics, it is apparent that this industry plays an instrumental role in modern society. Catering trends, predominantly dictated by consumer preferences, largely influence business practices. From the rising appetite for healthy and plant-based options, to the importance of adapting to digitalization and sustainable practices, catering companies are continually evolving in response to these market forces. Thus, constant, wide-ranging analysis of these statistics is integral for both existing businesses and entrepreneurs intending to enter the catering sector, as this data may be essential in formulating strategies that satisfy the dynamic consumer demands and subsequently, drive business success.

References

0. – https://www.joboutlook.gov.au

1. – https://www.www.upserve.com

2. – https://www.www.expansion.com

3. – https://www.www.technavio.com

4. – https://www.www.prnewswire.com

5. – https://www.mexiconewsdaily.com

6. – https://www.www.bizzabo.com

7. – https://www.www.fcsi.org

8. – https://www.www.statista.com

9. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

10. – https://www.www.theknot.com

11. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

12. – https://www.www.foodabletv.com

FAQs

What is the average cost of catering for a wedding?

The average cost of catering for a wedding can vary greatly depending on your location, number of guests, and menu choices. It typically ranges from $30 to $85 per person, with buffet and family-style meals on the lower end, and plated meals on the higher end.

How many catering staff are typically required for an event?

The number of staff required can greatly depend on the size and style of the event. A general rule of thumb is one server for every 20 guests for a buffet dinner, and one server for every 10 guests for a sit down dinner.

What percentage of an event's budget is typically spent on catering?

On average, about 30 to 40% of an event's budget is typically spent on catering. This includes food, beverages, staff, tax, and gratuity.

How much food do I need to order for my event?

The amount of food required will depend on the number of guests and the type of event. For a cocktail party, you can estimate 8-10 appetizers per person. For a buffet, plan for 1.5 pounds of food per person.

What is the standard gratuity rate for catering services?

The standard gratuity rate for catering services tends to be 15-20% of the total catering bill. However, it is best to check with the specific company about their preferred gratuity rate.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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