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State of the Industry
Catersource State of the Industry 2025, Part 6: Technology Means StreamliningCatersource State of the Industry 2025, Part 6: Technology Means Streamlining
Editor's Note: This is part 6 in our State of the Industry 2024 series.
Amber Kispert
February 4, 2025
5 Min Read
n honor of Mac and Cheese Day this past July, Barilla asked AI to generate mac and cheese recipes (and images) that were on-trend and with maximum appeal to Gen Z consumers. Shown: Homestyle Mac and Cheese with macaroni, and rich, creamy, cheesy, ooey-gooey goodness. Topped with smoked bacon, caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms and herb-toasted breadcrumbs. Photo courtesy Barilla
Editor's Note: This is part 6 in our State of the Industry 2024 series. Check out Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5.
Another theme of the year has been technology and the best ways to implement it within catering operations (34% of survey respondents said technology will be a focus in 2025). The integration of technology is weaving its way into the fabric of catering services, revolutionizing how caterers and clients interact.
“Tech is non-negotiable and AI and automation are becoming essential tools for planning, executing, and managing real-time client interactions,” says Chris Sanchez (LUX Catering & Events*). “From dietary preferences to guest experience tracking, technology is now deeply embedded in the event process.”
Dish Food & Events incorporated a drone show into their ACE-nominated Mediterranean Inspired Wedding. Photo courtesy Corbin Gurkin
Caterers are leveraging digital tools for everything from booking and payment processing to menu customization and event planning (see the winter issue of Special Events magazine for a deeper look at the technology trends that shaped 2024). Online ordering systems, interactive apps, and virtual tastings are streamlining the catering process, making it easier for clients to plan their events. Technology has proven time and time again its ability to improve efficiency and customer experience.
One tool that has taken the catering and events industry by storm in 2024 is the continued rise of artificial intelligence (see the fall issue of Special Events magazine for a crash course on everything AI). With AI readily accessible, caterers can leverage this new technology to build more efficiency into their workflows and reduce time spent on routine tasks. After all, repeating the same processes over and over is a waste of time—letting AI take over allows you to dedicate your brainpower elsewhere in your business to maximize your efforts.
“With new technology it’s impossible to distinguish whether things are real or fake. In a world where AI makes fiction so believable, truth and our perception of truth aren’t too far apart," said Susie Perelman (Mosaic) during a session at Catersource + The Special Event 2024. “They may not be realistic, however, they are just launching points of dialogue and conversation.”
Earlier this year Ben Garelick unveiled an AI-generated Barbiecore-inspired wedding photo album, tapping into the pop culture phenomenon. Photo courtesy Special Events magazine
Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics are no longer futuristic concepts but practical tools that help caterers anticipate and adapt to evolving customer preferences.
One of the primary benefits of using AI in your business is the time you’ll save from doing everything manually! For instance, AI can analyze global culinary trends, dietary preferences, and even social media to suggest creative and unique menu items that will wow your customers.
“AI is not going to kill the job of an event manager, but event managers using AI will be the ones being successful in the future,” said Colja Dams (VOK DAMS) during a session on AI as part of Catersource + The Special Event 2024.
AI can also help streamline every aspect of kitchen operations. Imagine smart ovens that adjust temperatures for perfect results or AI-driven inventory systems that alert you before you run out of key ingredients. This means less waste, more efficiency, and a smoother operation all around.
“You can bet your bottom dollar we’re going to be paying attention to it,” said David Merrell (AOO Events) during his annual trend session as part of Catersource + The Special Event 2024. “It’s going to find its way into every part of our lives whether we know it or not.”
AI tools can also predict price trends, suggest cost-effective ingredients, seasonal ingredients, and help you adjust your menu in real-time to maintain profitability. AI is also making a splash in social media; a Facebook group geared towards the catering community recently launched an AI chatbot that can provide answers to questions based on past posts.
“Diving into AI isn't just about keeping up with technology—it's about leveraging it to enhance creativity, improve efficiency, and lead more effectively,” said Chef Peter McCaffrey (Leading Caterers of America*) in an article for Catersource. “By embracing AI, you're not replacing the human touch; you're augmenting it with powerful tools that free up valuable time.”
By 2025, we can anticipate even more profound technological advancements; AI and machine learning will play a larger role in predictive analytics, helping caterers anticipate trends and customer preferences more accurately. Robotics and automation are likely to become more prevalent in kitchens, handling repetitive tasks and improving efficiency.
“The future is all about balancing efficiency with creativity,” says Sanchez. “The brands that blend tech with personal service will stand out. Companies that thrive will be the ones that fully embrace AI and tech tools and find ways to integrate them into every part of the business.”
*LUX Catering & Events is a proud member of the Leading Caterers of America, a consortium of the top catering and event planners throughout the United States and Canada.
