United States Catering Market Size, Share, Trends & Report | Analysis, Industry Forecast 2025-2034

The United States catering market size reached USD 72.67 Billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% between 2025 and 2034, reaching almost USD 132.62 Billion by 2034.

Catering entails supplying food and beverages for events by professionals, covering menu design, cooking, presentation, and serving. Providers work closely with clients to meet their specific preferences and budgets, allowing hosts to focus on their events while ensuring culinary satisfaction.

The United States catering industry is propelled by the rising inclination to delegate food services. Many entities opt for professional caterers to manage their events, streamlining tasks like menu creation and food preparation. Moreover, the surge in social gatherings like parties and corporate events further fuels this sector's growth.

According to data from the National Centre for Health Statistics, the marriage rate in the United States stood at 6.0 per 1,000 in 2021, thereby contributing to the growth of the United States catering market.

Key Trends and Developments

The California Restaurant Association highlights restaurants' economic importance in the Far West, fostering job creation and career advancement, essential in every community. With 83,501 establishments, they drive the United States catering market growth.

January 2024

PopUp Bagels had launched its CT catering service as it prepared for the opening of up to 100 new locations across the United States.

January 2024

Flex Catering had innovated with its Australian catering software, aiming to revolutionize the US catering industry with a cutting-edge cloud platform, reshaping restaurant management.

April 2023

The Lufthansa Group sold its remaining LSG Group business, divesting its catering and in-flight retail operations as part of its strategic focus. AURELIUS acquired, aiming to transition LSG Group into a standalone entity.

June 2022

Subway, a global sandwich QSR with 40,000 outlets, broadens sales beyond individual meals, redesigning its catering program for accessibility and partnering with ezCater.

Health-conscious menus

The United States catering market is flourishing as caterers offer customizable, nutritious menus in response to the rising consumer demand for healthier options, indicating a growing preference for health-conscious choices.

Ethnic diversity

The United States catering market is thriving due to the increasing popularity of diverse cuisines such as Middle Eastern, Asian fusion, and Latin American flavours. This trend, driven by multiculturalism, highlights the nation's diverse palate and boosts the demand for catering services.

Sustainability practices

As per the United States catering market analysis, the industry is experiencing growth, driven by the adoption of eco-friendly practices like compostable packaging, locally sourced ingredients, and minimizing food waste, aligning with consumer preferences for sustainability.

Marriage and celebration

Catering is essential for weddings and celebrations, offering delightful culinary experiences that elevate the event's atmosphere. It guarantees guests are well-fed, crafting enduring memories with flavours, presentation, and outstanding service, greatly enhancing the overall success and enjoyment of the gathering.

United States Catering Market Trends

Catering companies are utilising technology for online orders, efficient payment processing, and customized customer interactions, improving convenience and effectiveness.

Catering allows hosts to relax during events as experts handle food, finances, standards, and safety, tailoring services to preferences.

Market Segmentation

United States Catering Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

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

Non-contractual catering drives the United States catering market growth as it allows clients the flexibility to select different caterers for each event, accommodating evolving requirements and preferences.

Non-contractual catering provides flexibility without long-term obligations, enabling diverse menu options, cost management through event-specific deals, and the opportunity to discover new trends and caterers.

Contractual catering ensures consistent quality and service, with tailored menus, cost-saving long-term agreements, reliable event-specific caterers, and simplified planning.

Based on application, the United States catering market share is led by social events

Social events catering provides a unique, convenient experience with varied menus and professional service, creating lasting memories and improving the ambience.

Corporate catering boosts morale and productivity with on-site meals, impresses clients, offers healthy options, and showcases professionalism, nurturing a positive work environment and employee health.

United States Catering Market Analysis by Region

The Far West region, particularly renowned for its expanding catering market, significantly contributes to the growth of the United States catering market

As per the California Restaurant Association, restaurants serve as a pivotal economic driver in California in the Far West. With 83,501 eating and drinking establishments in California as of 2022, contributing to an estimated $135.8 billion in sales, the industry also provides catering services for various events, further propelling the United States catering market growth.

In Texas, located in the southwest region, the hosting of music festivals and other events bolsters the demand for social event catering, thus positively impacting the US catering industry.

Competitive Landscape

Market players enhance the United States catering market with diverse services including catering, cleaning, property, and workplace management, serving sectors like healthcare, education, and corporations.

Sodexo

Sodexo, founded in 1966, stands as a prominent global entity in quality-of-life services, with its headquarters situated in France. Offering a diverse array of services spanning catering, facilities management, and employee benefits, Sodexo operates across 64 nations, delivering inventive solutions that enhance the well-being of individuals and institutions worldwide.

Compass Group PLC

Compass Group PLC, established in 1941, emerged as a multinational leader in contract food service and support services, with its headquarters based in the United Kingdom. Spanning sectors such as healthcare, education, and business, Compass Group delivers catering, facility management, and workplace solutions across more than 45 countries, serving millions daily with exceptional hospitality.

ISS A/S

ISS A/S, with its inception dating back to 1901, represents a global powerhouse in facility services, with its roots grounded in Denmark. Spanning operations across 60 countries, ISS provides an extensive range of services encompassing catering, cleaning, property services, and workplace management, catering to diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, and corporate clients on a global scale.

Other key players in the United States catering market are Aramark, San Francisco Catering Company (Fresh Pulp Holding LLC), Tres LA Group, Thomas’s Catering, Elaine Bell Catering, and DJ's California Catering among others.

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