United States Catering Market Outlook

According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the United States catering market size attained a value of USD 72.67 Billion in 2024. Aided by the increasing demand for diverse and high-quality food services and the growing trend of event-based dining, the market is projected to further grow at a CAGR of 6.20% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a value of USD 132.62 Billion by 2034.

Catering services provide food and beverage solutions for various occasions, including corporate events, weddings, social gatherings, and institutional catering. These services encompass meal planning, preparation, presentation, and delivery, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences and dietary requirements. The growing preference for outsourced catering solutions in corporate and private events is a significant factor propelling the United States catering market growth.

Market Drivers

The increasing number of corporate events, business meetings, and social gatherings is a major driver of the United States catering market. As companies seek to enhance employee engagement and client relationships, they are increasingly investing in professional catering services that offer high-quality, customized food solutions. Additionally, the expansion of the wedding and events industry has led to a surge in demand for premium catering services, boosting market growth.

Another key driver is the rising consumer preference for convenient and specialized food services. With busy lifestyles and changing dietary preferences, individuals and organizations are opting for catering services that provide customized menus, including vegan, gluten-free, and organic options. This trend is further fueled by the growing health consciousness among consumers, driving demand for nutritious and well-balanced meals.

The growing trend of mobile catering and food trucks is also contributing to market expansion. These services offer flexible and affordable catering solutions for outdoor events, festivals, and corporate functions, appealing to a broad customer base. The rise of digital platforms and online food ordering has further facilitated the growth of catering businesses by enabling easy booking, menu selection, and order tracking.

Get a Free Sample Report with Table of Contents – https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/united-states-catering-market/requestsample

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

Future Trends

The future of the United States catering market is expected to be shaped by several emerging trends. The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly catering options is a notable trend, with companies prioritizing locally sourced ingredients, biodegradable packaging, and zero-waste initiatives. Consumers are becoming more conscious of environmental impacts, leading to a growing preference for catering services that emphasize sustainability.

Another significant trend is the rise of hybrid catering solutions that blend traditional catering with meal delivery services. The demand for boxed meal catering, virtual event catering, and subscription-based meal plans is growing, particularly in response to changing work environments and remote work trends.

Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role in shaping the catering industry. The integration of AI-driven menu customization, contactless payment solutions, and cloud-based catering management platforms is enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. The adoption of automation in food preparation and logistics is further streamlining catering services, reducing costs, and improving service quality.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its positive growth trajectory, the United States catering market faces certain challenges. Fluctuating food prices, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions can impact operational efficiency and profitability. Additionally, the increasing competition among catering service providers necessitates continuous innovation and quality improvement to retain customer loyalty.

However, the market also presents numerous opportunities. The expansion of catering services into new segments, such as healthcare, senior living, and educational institutions, offers significant growth potential. Government initiatives promoting food safety and nutrition standards further support the development of high-quality catering solutions.