United States Catering Market Outlook
According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the United States catering market attained a value of USD 72.67 billion in 2024. Supported by the rapid expansion of the foodservice sector, increasing demand for customised meal solutions, and the rise of large-scale corporate and social events, the United States catering market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% between 2025 and 2034, reaching an estimated value of USD 132.62 billion by 2034.
Catering services play a vital role in providing food solutions for both large and small gatherings across the commercial, residential, and institutional sectors. These services include full-service catering, corporate catering, food trucks, event catering, meal box services, and customised food offerings. As consumer preferences shift towards high-quality, diverse, and convenient meal options, the catering industry in the United States continues to see strong demand. Additionally, the post-pandemic revival of gatherings, coupled with changing dietary trends, health consciousness, and the adoption of digital ordering platforms, is significantly influencing market dynamics.
United States Catering Market Size and Share
The valuation of USD 72.67 billion in 2024 highlights the robustness of the catering industry across the United States. The market share distribution is shaped by the strong presence of corporate catering, which accounts for a significant portion of industry revenue due to the high frequency of business meetings, seminars, training sessions, and corporate celebrations. Social event catering—including weddings, private gatherings, birthdays, and community functions—also constitutes a considerable share, driven by increased consumer spending on premium and customised hospitality experiences.
The institutional sector, comprising schools, hospitals, and government agencies, is another growing segment, supported by long-term foodservice contracts and recurring demand. Within the market, full-service catering providers dominate due to their comprehensive offerings, which include menu planning, food preparation, serving, and event management. Meanwhile, the rising popularity of specialised catering providers offering niche cuisines, dietary-specific menus, and gourmet food options is reshaping market share dynamics.
Additionally, the increasing penetration of digital platforms and third-party aggregators is enabling smaller, independent catering businesses to expand their reach, contributing to a more diversified competitive landscape.
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United States Catering Market Trends
Several notable trends are shaping the evolution of the United States catering market:
1. Rising Demand for Healthy, Customised, and Dietary-Specific Menus
As health awareness grows, clients increasingly prefer menus that cater to vegan, gluten-free, keto, organic, and allergen-free dietary requirements. Caterers are integrating fresh, locally sourced ingredients to meet these expectations.
2. Innovation in Catering Formats
The industry is witnessing a shift from traditional buffet-style offerings to more personalised formats such as live cooking stations, pre-portioned meal boxes, and interactive food experiences.
3. Increasing Popularity of Food Trucks and Mobile Catering
Food trucks continue to gain traction due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and appeal among younger demographics. They are increasingly utilised for weddings, festivals, and corporate events.
4. Tech-Enabled Catering Management
Online ordering, digital menu customisation, automated scheduling, and AI-driven demand forecasting have become essential components of modern catering operations.
5. Growth in Corporate and Institutional Events
The revival of office-based working environments and the rise of hybrid events have significantly boosted demand for catering services in the commercial sector.
6. Sustainability-Focused Catering Solutions
Eco-friendly packaging, food waste reduction systems, and sustainable sourcing practices are increasingly influencing consumer choices and business operations.
Drivers of Growth
The United States catering market is experiencing strong growth fueled by multiple factors:
1. Increase in Corporate Events and Business Activities
Business expansion, training initiatives, and corporate celebrations continue to drive steady demand for professional catering services.
2. Rising Popularity of Social and Cultural Events
Weddings, festivals, trade shows, and private parties are increasing in scale and frequency, contributing significantly to revenue generation.
3. Growth in Consumer Spending on Premium Food Experiences
As disposable incomes rise, individuals and organisations are increasingly willing to invest in high-quality, gourmet, and personalised catering solutions.
4. Expansion of the Foodservice and Hospitality Sectors
Hotels, restaurants, and event management companies regularly collaborate with caterers to provide enhanced dining experiences, expanding market reach.
5. Technological Advancements and Online Ordering Platforms
Digital transformation has simplified menu selection, logistics, invoicing, and event management, making catering more accessible and efficient for consumers.
6. Shift Towards Convenience-Based Meal Solutions
With the fast-paced lifestyle of American consumers, meal box catering, ready-to-eat packages, and corporate cafeteria outsourcing have gained popularity.
7. Increasing Cultural Diversity
Diverse culinary preferences, driven by multicultural communities across the United States, are boosting demand for global cuisines and specialised catering services.
United States Catering Market Segmentation
The market can be divided based on by type, 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
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
High Competition and Price Sensitivity: Intense competition drives price-based strategies, affecting profitability for smaller catering firms.
Labor Shortages: The foodservice industry faces labour constraints, especially in skilled chefs and experienced catering staff.
Food Safety and Compliance Requirements: Adhering to strict food safety regulations can increase operational complexities.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Fluctuations in ingredient prices and supply disruptions may affect service quality and cost structures.
Demand Seasonality: Catering demand can be seasonal, with significant fluctuations throughout the year.
Opportunities
Growth in Hybrid and Virtual Events: Meal box catering for virtual meetings and hybrid events presents new revenue opportunities.
Expansion of Healthy and Specialised Menus: Increasing demand for organic, plant-based, and allergen-free menus can drive product innovation.
Technology-Driven Business Models: Online platforms, AI-based menu planning, and automated kitchen tools can enhance efficiency and scalability.
Corporate Wellness Initiatives: Companies increasingly invest in employee meal programmes, benefiting catering providers.
Sustainable Catering Solutions: Eco-friendly packaging and zero-waste initiatives appeal strongly to environmentally conscious customers.
United States Catering Market Forecast 2025-2034
The United States catering market is projected to witness strong expansion during the forecast period. From its valuation of USD 72.67 billion in 2024, the market is expected to reach USD 132.62 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.20%. Key drivers of this growth include rising corporate activity, the revival of large social gatherings, and growing consumer preference for premium and customised dining experiences.
Technological advancements, digital transformation, health-focused menu innovation, and sustainability-driven practices will further support market development. Meanwhile, the increasing influence of diverse cuisines, growing number of catered events, and expanding institutional contracts will continue to reinforce the market’s upward trajectory.
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