Catering Services and Food Contractors Market Report 2025

The catering services and food contractors market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $295.04 billion in 2024 to $312.23 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to strong economic growth in emerging markets, increased preference for healthy food in the workplace, and a rise in the tourism industry.

The catering services and food contractors market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $386.15 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising population and rising urbanization. Major trends in the forecast period include adopting artificial intelligence, offering food products made from natural ingredients, free of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and artificial flavors or colors, geographical expansion, and new service launches to improve product portfolio and revenues.

The expansion of the catering services and food contractors market is bolstered by anticipated stable economic growth in various developed and developing nations. Recovering commodity prices following a significant historical decline are poised to further support market growth. Projections indicate sustained stability in developed economies during the forecast period, while emerging markets are anticipated to exhibit slightly swifter growth compared to developed counterparts. For example, according to the Reserve Bank of India, India's GDP is expected to ascend by 9.5% in 2022, while China is forecasted to achieve a GDP growth rate of 5.5% in the same year. Such economic stability forecasts are predicted to escalate the demand for services within this industry, thereby propelling market expansion throughout the forecast period.

The surge in food delivery and takeout services stands as a significant driver propelling the growth trajectory of the catering services and food contractors market. The realm of food delivery and takeout services involves providing customers with prepared meals from eateries, cafes, or similar establishments for consumption off-site. Catering services and food contractors play pivotal roles as primary suppliers for these services, offering an array of menu options and efficiently prepared meals. This enables food delivery and takeout services to provide customers with a wider selection and meet their demands for high-quality cuisine. As evidenced by statistics from the UK's Office for National Statistics in October 2022, the country witnessed a notable increase, with 43,705 takeaway food shops and mobile food stands, marking a 7.17% upsurge from the previous year's count of 40,570. Consequently, the burgeoning trend in food delivery and takeout services drives the expansion of the catering services and food contractors market.

Key players in the catering services and food contractors market are concentrating on the development of advanced technological solutions, such as large order fleet management systems, to improve efficiency and meet the rising demand for timely and quality food delivery services. Large Order Fleet Management Systems are integrated software solutions designed to optimize the logistics and execution of food delivery for large-scale orders. They enable catering companies to effectively track deliveries, coordinate multiple vehicles, and ensure timely fulfillment, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. For instance, in April 2024, Zomato Ltd., an India-based food delivery service, introduced a large order fleet to serve group orders for events and gatherings of up to 50 individuals. This all-electric fleet aims to streamline the delivery process, ensuring that large orders arrive in optimal condition, with plans for features like cooling compartments and temperature-controlled hot boxes to maintain food quality during transit.

Leading companies in the catering services and food contractors market are focusing on creating innovative compostable tableware products to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact. Compostable tableware items are disposable products made from organic materials that decompose into natural compost in appropriate conditions, typically within 90 to 180 days. These products are intended to minimize waste and environmental harm by breaking down without leaving harmful residues. For example, in September 2024, an India-based manufacturing company launched compostable tableware products. These items are made from renewable resources like sugarcane and bamboo, which reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lessens ecological impact. This transition helps reduce landfill waste, as compostable products decompose naturally, returning nutrients to the soil rather than remaining in landfills for centuries. Moreover, using compostable tableware supports cleaner waste management practices, aligning with global sustainability goals and lowering the overall carbon footprint associated with traditional plastic tableware.

Major companies operating in the catering services and food contractors market include Compass Group PLC, Sodexo, Inc, Aramark Corporation, Elior Group S.A, Autogrill S.p.A, Samsung C&T Corporation, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Subway, SSP Group plc, DO & CO Aktiengesellschaft, Shanghai Wagas Catering Co., Ltd, Yum China Holdings Inc, Chefs Culinar Nord GmbH & Co KG, BaxterStorey, Kofler & Kompanie GmbH, Searcys, Bun Apetit Catering, Gaspar's, Kyiv Catering, Premier Catering, Resto-Rātors, jezeršek catering, Wolfgang Puck Catering, CulinArt Group, Oliver & Bonacini Events and Catering, Encore Catering, Presidential Gourmet, Sapore, Nutriplus Alimentação, Banquetería Santa Brasa, Middle East, Emirates Flight Catering, Royal Catering, Qatar Aircraft Catering Company, Sawhney Foodstuff Tr.Co.LLC., Saudi Airlines Catering, Gulf Catering Company, Tsebo Solutions Group, Feedem Group, Food Concepts PLC, Meikles Limited, Ghada Nawara, Servest Catering.

Western Europe was the largest region in the catering services and food contractors market in 2024. North America was the second largest region in the catering services and food contractors market. The regions covered in the catering services and food contractors market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the catering services and food contractors market report are Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, France, Germany, UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa.

The catering services and food contractors market includes revenues earned by entities by providing single event-based food services or food services at an institutional, governmental, commercial, or industrial location of others based on contractual arrangements with these types of organizations for a specified period of time. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

Catering involves delivering meals to a client's location and may include on-site food preparation and service. A food contractor is an individual or entity that, under a food service contract, engages or maintains staff to provide on-site food services at a specified location.

The primary types of catering services and food contractors include food service contractors and catering services. Catering services encompass providing food service at various remote or specific locations, such as hotels, hospitals, pubs, airlines, cruise ships, parks, filming locations, studios, entertainment venues, or event spaces. These services are offered by both chained and standalone entities and cater to various sectors, including corporate, educational institutions, healthcare, industrial, hospitality, sports and leisure, among others.

The catering services and food contractors market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides catering services and food contractors market statistics, including catering services and food contractors industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a catering services and food contractors market share, detailed catering services and food contractors market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the catering services and food contractors industry. This catering services and food contractors market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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