Subscribe and receive the latest catering news, recipes, tips, essential content.
Yes, it's completely free
State of the Industry
Catersource State of the Industry 2024, Part 1
This year saw a renewed focus on people, personalized experiences, & the planet
Amber Kispert
December 31, 2024
1 Min Read
The incorporation and importance of cultural backgrounds are becoming essential. Shown: This intercultural wedding (from Events by Ayesha) between two grooms from different backgrounds (Indian-American and Midwestern) featured whimsical elements from the couple’s collection of curios.Photo courtesy Forever Photography
Survey Says...
The catering industry is experiencing a period of dynamic transformation. From adapting to evolving consumer preferences to embracing technological innovations, caterers are navigating a landscape that is both challenging and brimming with potential. As 2024 comes to a close, it’s clear that the industry is in a state of flux, influenced by a range of factors from economic conditions to shifting social trends.
“Our clients all wanted to believe in a brighter future and the general shift was to move to booking events further out, but there was still some trepidation and unease as to how the landscape would look in the next months,” says Sebastien Centner (Eatertainment Events & Catering). “We had to understand this frame of mind and empathize with it, not fight it, to give our clients the confidence to feel supported by a partner, not just a supplier.”
A prom-themed corporate holiday party from Vibrant Table Catering & Events featured a warm and hearty winter menu menu and kitschy nods to the school dance experience. Photo courtesy Evrim Icoz Photography
Let’s take a look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped 2024.
Earlier in the third quarter, Catersource released a survey to our readership. Let’s first look at the questions we asked, and some of the interesting responses we received, and then we will move into the overall Catersource State of the Industry 2024.
.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale "10_(1).png")
Dish Food & Events’ ACE-nominated 420-person wedding featured a Mediterranean-inspired menu that highlighted the area’s local produce and featured many ingredients from the venue, such as heirloom tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Photo courtesy Corbin Gurkin
Who responded to our survey?
38% identified as Owner/CEO
19% as Sales/Marketing
18% as Director/VP
15% as Event Planning & Staff
7% as Culinary
3% as CFO
Interestingly, 20% noted that they have been in the events industry for 10–14 years, 19% have been in the industry for 15–20 years, and an impressive 42% have worked in the industry for more than 20 years.
“The catering industry in 2024 was hopeful. With the pandemic wreaking havoc on hospitality that had long-lasting ramifications, 2024 was a year where many organizations were able to settle into what felt something like a new normal. With that normalcy on our side, hope for more stability in the future was able to grow.” — Christie Altendorf
This year’s survey looked at everything from staffing to challenges to trends to client requests. Take a look at the accompanying data to hear from your peers on what they encountered this year.
How many events of any kind have you been contracted for in 2024?
Which business sector have you garnered the most business from thus far in 2024?
What are the greatest professional challenges facing you in 2025?
What has been the most concerning for your company in 2024?
What catering styles or requests were highly requested throughout 2024?
How does the 2024 projected profit compare to 2023?
What key steps are you taking in 2025 to improve your business?
