Contract Catering Industry Set to Reach USD 475.1 Billion by 2034
Expansion and Innovation in the Global Contract Catering Market
The contract catering industry is experiencing significant growth and transformation, with companies like United Enterprises Co. Ltd. expanding their services in the Middle East and introducing AI-driven meal planning. This development is part of a larger trend in the sector, driven by supportive policies promoting energy efficiency and clean energy, as well as government initiatives such as India's Skill India campaign.
According to industry forecasts, the Global Contract Catering Market is projected to reach approximately USD 475.1 billion by 2034, growing from USD 288.9 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. However, it's important to note that the exact size of the market and its CAGR for this forecast period could not be determined from the available sources.
In 2024, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region led the market, securing a 38.6% share and generating USD 4.6 billion in revenue. North America, on the other hand, held a substantial share of approximately 47.2%, valued at USD 136.3 billion.
The market trends also reflect a shift towards sustainability and wellness. For instance, Elior Group, a leading player in the market, has committed to carbon-neutral catering, partnered with WWF France to reduce food waste, and won a contract to provide catering services for several European universities, integrating digital ordering systems. Similarly, Mitie has expanded its catering division with a focus on net-zero catering and locally sourced ingredients.
Moreover, the demand for customizable, wellness-focused food options is on the rise. In the U.S., 61% of companies outsource food services, prioritizing these options. This trend is also evident in educational institutions, with 48% of educational institutions in the U.S. having adopted contract-based food programs emphasizing nutrition, convenience, and efficiency.
The market is also seeing innovations in operational efficiency and food safety. Contract catering concentrates, compact bulk food products used in institutional settings, are becoming increasingly popular. Companies like Aramark have introduced AI-powered kitchen automation to streamline operations in North America.
In the corporate sector, Corporate/Office Catering accounted for a 34.8% share of the global contract catering market in 2024. Notable players like Mitie have expanded their services through partnerships, offering integrated facilities management and catering services. For example, Mitie expanded its catering division through a partnership with ISS UK, and introduced "Fuel Hub", a digital platform for employee meal benefits.
CH&Co Catering Group, another key player, rebranded its education catering division as "Bespoke by CH&Co", focusing on tailored school meal programs, and partnered with Fooditude to expand sustainable workplace catering in the UK.
In conclusion, the contract catering industry is experiencing growth and transformation, driven by a shift towards sustainability, wellness, and operational efficiency. While the exact size of the Global Contract Catering Market and its CAGR for the specified forecast period could not be determined from the available sources, it is clear that the market is poised for continued growth in the coming years.
The contract catering industry, not limited to sports, is also focused on adopting innovative solutions like AI-driven meal planning (Sports: Because AI-driven meal planning can be used to optimize nutrition for athletes in the sports industry).
In the educational sector, contract catering services are adapting to emphasize nutrition, convenience, and efficiency, similar to the approach required for professional sports teams (Sports: As the quality of food and nutrition directly affects athletes' performance, this approach mirrors the catering needs in sports).
