Catering Services
Companies in this industry provide single-event food services at customer-owned and company-owned facilities. Catering companies typically operate as local businesses; major US-based companies include Abigail Kirsch (New York), Behind the Scenes (San Diego), Blue Plate (Chicago), and Legendary Events (Atlanta).
Worldwide, as consumers in emerging markets increasingly enter the middle class, they are more likely to organize catered special events such as wedding receptions, holiday parties, and graduation dinners. The middle class is expected to grow the fastest in the Asia/Pacific region; growth also is forecast in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The US catering industry includes about 12,000 establishments with combined annual revenue of more than $8 billion. Many food service contractors, hotels, and restaurants cater events, but those businesses are covered in separate industry profiles and are not included in the catering industry. Companies that prepare and serve food for immediate consumption from trucks, carts, or other vehicles also are not included in this industry.
Competitive Landscape
Demand is driven by corporate profits and consumer income. The profitability of individual companies depends on cost controls and effective marketing. Large companies have advantages in offering expanded services such as facilities management, room rental, and entertainment. Small companies can compete effectively by serving small groups and offering personalized service.
The industry is highly fragmented: the top 50 US companies account for less than 15% of industry revenue.
Products, Operations & Technology
Major services include off-premises catering (food prepared away from the premises where it's served) and on-premises catering (meals prepared and served
... plus:
Sales & Marketing
,
Finance & Regulation
,
Regional & International Issues
,
Human Resources
Also includes the following chapters:
Quarterly Industry Update
,
Industry Indicators
,
Business Challenges
,
Trends and Opportunities
,
Call Preparation Questions
,
Financial Information
,
Industry Forecast
,
Industry Websites
,
Glossary of Acronyms