Contract Catering Market Report by Contract Type (Fixed Price Contracts, Cost Plus Contracts), Mode of Contract (Outsourced, Self-Operated), End User (Business and Industry, Education, Healthcare and Senior Care, Defence and Offshore, Sports and Leisure, Airports, and Others), and Region 2024-2032

Contract Catering Market Report by Contract Type (Fixed Price Contracts, Cost Plus Contracts), Mode of Contract (Outsourced, Self-Operated), End User (Business and Industry, Education, Healthcare and Senior Care, Defence and Offshore, Sports and Leisure, Airports, and Others), and Region 2024-2032

Report Format: PDF+Excel | Report ID: SR112024A2074
Buy Now

Market Overview:

The global contract catering market size reached US$ 257.6 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 385.7 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% during 2024-2032. The transformation of consumer preferences towards healthier and diverse food options, the outsourcing of food services for enhanced operational efficiency, the prioritization of sustainability and responsible sourcing practices, technological advancements, and stringent regulations are influencing the market growth.

Report Attribute 
Key Statistics
Base Year
2023
Forecast Years
2024-2032
Historical Years
2018-2023
Market Size in 2023
US$ 257.6 Billion
Market Forecast in 2032
US$ 385.7 Billion
Market Growth Rate 2024-2032 4.5%


Contract catering is a specialized form of food service that encompasses a wide array of catering solutions provided under a contractual agreement. It involves the provision of meals and related services to organizations, institutions, or businesses, such as corporate offices, educational institutions, hospitals, and event venues. The fundamental premise of contract catering lies in its seamless integration into the daily operations of the client, ensuring a consistent and high-quality dining experience. Under this arrangement, the catering company takes responsibility for menu planning, food preparation, service delivery, and often, facility management. It offers several advantages, including cost-efficiency through economies of scale, enhanced menu variety, and adherence to quality standards. The types of contract catering vary, ranging from onsite cafeterias to event catering and even concession services.

Contract Catering Market

The global contract catering market is influenced by the evolving consumer preferences for healthier and diverse food options and the rising trend of outsourcing food services to enhance operational efficiency. This is further supported by the increasing focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing. Moreover, technological advancements streamlining service delivery and the impact of economic fluctuations on corporate spending are other growth-inducing factors. Furthermore, stringent regulations pertaining to food safety and hygiene and the growing demand for personalized and experiential dining experiences are augmenting market growth. In line with this, expanding business sectors and the integration of innovative culinary concepts to cater to diverse cultural preferences are driving market expansion.

Contract Catering Market Trends/Drivers:

Evolving consumer preferences

In the dynamic landscape of the global contract catering market, evolving consumer preferences hold a pivotal role. With an increasing emphasis on health and well-being, consumers are demanding catering services that offer a wide range of healthier and diverse food options. This trend has prompted catering companies to revamp their menus, incorporating plant-based, organic, and allergen-free choices to cater to various dietary requirements. The demand for transparency in sourcing and nutritional information further propels this driver, pushing companies to provide clear insights into the origins and ingredients of the food they serve. By aligning their offerings with these preferences, catering providers can establish themselves as responsive and customer-centric, gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Outsourcing for operational efficiency

The trend of outsourcing food services has emerged as a significant driver in the global contract catering market. Businesses across various industries are recognizing the benefits of entrusting their food operations to specialized catering companies. Outsourcing enables organizations to streamline their operations, reduce overhead costs, and enhance overall efficiency. By partnering with experienced catering providers, businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring consistent and high-quality food services for employees and customers. This driver also extends to sectors such as healthcare and education, where institutions seek to optimize resources while delivering nutritious and appealing meals. As the outsourcing trend continues to grow, catering companies that can demonstrate expertise in delivering seamless and efficient services stand to capitalize on this market driver.

Sustainability and responsible sourcing

Another pivotal driver shaping the global contract catering market is the shifting emphasis on sustainability and responsible sourcing. Consumers and corporations alike are placing greater importance on environmentally friendly practices, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction. Catering companies are under pressure to source ingredients locally, support fair trade practices, minimize food waste, and adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions. By showcasing a commitment to sustainability, catering providers can not only attract environmentally conscious clients but also contribute to broader sustainability goals. This driver underscores the need for catering companies to adopt transparent supply chain practices, engage in community partnerships, and incorporate sustainable practices into their operations, solidifying their position as leaders in environmentally responsible catering services.

Contract Catering Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global contract catering market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on contract type, mode of contract and end user.

Breakup by Contract Type:

Contract Catering Market

  • Fixed Price Contracts
  • Cost Plus Contracts
     

Fixed price contracts dominate the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the contract type. This includes fixed price contracts and cost plus contracts. According to the report, fixed price contracts represented the largest segment.

The fixed price contracts segment in the market is primarily driven the predictability and stability that fixed price contracts offer to both buyers and sellers. These contracts establish a clear and predetermined pricing structure, mitigating the risks associated with market fluctuations and unexpected cost escalations. Additionally, fixed price contracts provide a level of transparency and simplicity, enabling parties to accurately budget and plan for their financial commitments. Furthermore, the appeal of fixed price contracts lies in their ability to foster trust and long-term relationships between contracting parties. With a fixed price in place, clients can rely on the agreed-upon terms without concerns about unforeseen cost variations. This driver is particularly influential in industries where long-term projects or partnerships are common, as it allows both sides to focus on collaboration and value creation rather than negotiating pricing adjustments.

Breakup by Mode of Contract:

  • Outsourced
  • Self-Operated
     

Outsourced dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the mode of contract. This includes outsourced and self-operatedAccording to the report, outsourced represented the largest segment.

The outsourced segment of the global contract catering market is primarily driven by increasing recognition among businesses of the operational benefits that outsourcing food services brings. By entrusting their catering needs to specialized providers, organizations can focus on their core activities while ensuring consistent, high-quality dining experiences for employees and clients. Additionally, outsourcing allows companies to streamline their resources and reduce overhead costs, leading to enhanced operational efficiency. Another significant factor driving the outsourced segment is the diverse range of industries seeking catering services. Sectors such as corporate offices, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and event management are increasingly turning to outsourced catering solutions to meet their unique requirements. As these industries aim to deliver optimal experiences to their stakeholders, outsourcing food services ensures access to expertise, culinary innovation, and seamless execution. Furthermore, the outsourced segment aligns with the evolving preferences of consumers and organizations for diverse and specialized culinary offerings.

Breakup by End User:

  • Business and Industry
  • Education
  • Healthcare and Senior Care
  • Defence and Offshore
  • Sports and Leisure
  • Airports
  • Others
     

Business and industry dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user. This includes business and industry, education, healthcare and senior care, defence and offshore, sports and leisure, airports, and othersAccording to the report, business and industry represented the largest segment.

 The business and industry segment of the global contract catering market is driven by the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective food solutions in corporate environments. As businesses focus on optimizing their operations, outsourcing catering services allows them to redirect resources towards their core activities while ensuring their workforce is provided with convenient and high-quality meals. Moreover, the evolving preferences of employees play a crucial role in this segment's growth. As the workforce becomes more diverse and health-conscious, catering providers must offer a variety of nutritious options to cater to different dietary needs and cultural preferences. Additionally, the emphasis on employee well-being and engagement further propels the demand for engaging dining experiences, where innovative menus and personalized service contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere. The drive towards sustainability also influences the business and industry segment. Corporations are increasingly aligning their values with eco-friendly practices, prompting catering companies to adopt responsible sourcing, reduce food waste, and minimize environmental impact.

Breakup by Region:

Contract Catering Market

  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Australia
    • Indonesia
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
    • Others
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Turkey
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Others
       

Europe exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest contract catering market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and others). According to the report, Europe accounted for the largest market share.

In the Europe contract catering market, several primary factors drive its growth, including the region's rich cultural diversity and culinary heritage. Moreover, the increasing focus on workplace well-being and employee satisfaction has elevated the importance of providing high-quality, nutritious meals within corporate settings. This aligns with the growing emphasis on employee engagement and productivity. In line with this, stringent food safety and hygiene regulations prevalent in Europe have led catering companies to prioritize compliance and maintain impeccable standards, ensuring safe and hygienic food preparation and delivery. Additionally, the rising trend of sustainability and ethical sourcing resonates strongly in Europe, driving catering providers to adopt eco-friendly practices, locally sourced ingredients, and responsible supply chain management.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the global contract catering market is characterized by a dynamic interplay of catering companies striving to distinguish themselves in a rapidly evolving industry. Key players in this landscape employ a variety of strategies to gain a competitive edge, including offering diverse and customizable menus to cater to diverse consumer preferences, leveraging technological advancements to streamline service delivery and enhance customer experience, and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing to resonate with environmentally conscious clients. Additionally, catering providers focus on adherence to stringent food safety regulations and hygiene standards to ensure the health and well-being of their clientele. With the industry's increasing emphasis on innovation, personalized experiences, and operational efficiency, the competitive landscape remains fluid, prompting companies to continually adapt their offerings and approaches to maintain relevance and authority within the market.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

  • ABM Catering Solutions
  • Amadeus
  • Aramark
  • Atalian Servest
  • Bartlett Mitchell
  • Blue Apple Catering
  • Camst Group
  • Caterleisure Ltd.
  • CH&CO Catering
  • Compass Group PLC
  • Dine Contract Catering
  • Elior Group
  • Fazer Food Services
  • Interserve
  • OCS Group Ltd.
  • Sodexo

Recent Developments:

  • In August 2023, the Toronto Zoo teamed up with Compass Group Canada to lower the single-use plastics used in its daily operations. As part of the partnership, the companies have launched ‘Friendlier’, a reusable plastic container designed for use in the park’s foodservice.
  • In August 2023, Blue Apple merged with CH&Co in a deal that will strengthen the independent caterer's position in the workplace market.
  • In August 2023, Amadeus renewed its existing distribution agreement with EVA Air, extending the long-term collaborative relationship between the airline and travel technology leader.

Contract Catering Market Report Scope:

Report Features Details
Base Year of the Analysis 2023
Historical Period 2018-2023
Forecast Period 2024-2032
Units US$ Billion
Scope of the Report Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Predictive Market Assessment:
  • Contract Type
  • Mode of Contract
  • End User
  • Region
Contract Types Covered Fixed Price Contracts, Cost Plus Contracts
Mode of Contracts Covered Outsourced, Self-Operated
End Users Covered Business and Industry, Education, Healthcare and Senior Care, Defence and Offshore, Sports and Leisure, Airports, Others
Regions Covered Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East and Africa
Countries Covered United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Saudi Arabia
Companies Covered ABM Catering Solutions, Amadeus, Aramark, Atalian Servest, Barlett Mitchell, Blue Apple Catering, Camst Group, Caterleisure Ltd., CH&CO Catering, Compass Group PLC, Dine Contract Catering, Elior Group, Fazer Food Services, Interserve, OCS Group Ltd., Sodexo, etc.
Customization Scope 10% Free Customization
Report Price and Purchase Option Single User License: US$ 3899
Five User License: US$ 4899
Corporate License: US$ 5899
Post-Sale Analyst Support 10-12 Weeks
Delivery Format PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request)

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

  • IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the contract catering market from 2018-2032.
  • The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global contract catering market.
  • The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
  • Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the contract catering industry and its attractiveness.
  • Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.

Key Questions Answered in This Report

The global contract catering market was valued at US$ 257.6 Billion in 2023.

We expect the global contract catering market to exhibit a CAGR of 4.5% during 2024-2032.

The growing utilization of contract catering services across numerous sectors, such as education, corporate, healthcare, etc., as a cost-effective way of managing food services in a very less stressful manner is primarily driving the global contract catering market.

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had led to the implementation of stringent lockdown regulations across several nations, resulting in the limitation on various social gatherings, thereby negatively impacting the global for contract catering.

Based on the contract type, the global contract catering market can be segmented into fixed price contracts and cost plus contracts. Currently, fixed price contracts hold the majority of the total market share.

Based on the mode of contract, the global contract catering market has been bifurcated into outsourced and self-operated, where outsourced currently exhibits a clear dominance in the market.

Based on the end user, the global contract catering market can be divided into business and industry, education, healthcare and senior care, defense and offshore, sports and leisure, airports, and others. Among these, business and industry accounts for the largest market share.

On a regional level, the market has been classified into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa, where Europe currently dominates the global market.

Some of the major players in the global contract catering market include ABM Catering Solutions, Amadeus, Aramark, Atalian Servest, Barlett Mitchell, Blue Apple Catering, Camst Group, Caterleisure Ltd., CH&CO Catering, Compass Group PLC, Dine Contract Catering, Elior Group, Fazer Food Services, Interserve, OCS Group Ltd., Sodexo, etc.

Need more help?

  • Speak to our experienced analysts for insights on the current market scenarios.
  • Include additional segments and countries to customize the report as per your requirement.
  • Gain an unparalleled competitive advantage in your domain by understanding how to utilize the report and positively impacting your operations and revenue.
  • For further assistance, please connect with our analysts.
Contract Catering Market Report by Contract Type (Fixed Price Contracts, Cost Plus Contracts), Mode of Contract (Outsourced, Self-Operated), End User (Business and Industry, Education, Healthcare and Senior Care, Defence and Offshore, Sports and Leisure, Airports, and Others), and Region 2024-2032
Purchase options




Benefits of Customization

Personalize this research

Triangulate with your data

Get data as per your format and definition

Gain a deeper dive into a specific application, geography, customer, or competitor

Any level of personalization

Get in Touch With Us
UNITED STATES

Phone: +1-631-791-1145

INDIA

Phone: +91-120-433-0800

UNITED KINGDOM

Phone: +44-753-714-6104

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

Client Testimonials

Aktive Services

IMARC made the whole process easy. Everyone I spoke with via email was polite, easy to deal with, kept their promises regarding delivery timelines and were solutions focused. From my first contact, I was grateful for the professionalism shown by the whole IMARC team. I recommend IMARC to all that need timely, affordable information and advice. My experience with IMARC was excellent and I can not fault it.

Read More
Greenfish S.A.

The IMARC team was very reactive and flexible with regard to our requests. A very good overall experience. We are happy with the work that IMARC has provided, very complete and detailed. It has contributed to our business needs and provided the market visibility that we required

Read More
Colruyt Group

We were very happy with the collaboration between IMARC and Colruyt. Not only were your prices competitive, IMARC was also pretty fast in understanding the scope and our needs for this project. Even though it was not an easy task, performing a market research during the COVID-19 pandemic, you were able to get us the necessary information we needed. The IMARC team was very easy to work with and they showed us that it would go the extra mile if we needed anything extra

Read More
KRISHAK BHARATI CO-OP LTD

Last project executed by your team was as per our expectations. We also would like to associate for more assignments this year. Kudos to your team.

Read More
Zee Media Corp. Ltd.

We would be happy to reach out to IMARC again, if we need Market Research/Consulting/Consumer Research or any associated service. Overall experience was good, and the data points were quite helpful.

Read More
Arabian Plastic Manufacturing Company Ltd.

The figures of market study were very close to our assumed figures. The presentation of the study was neat and easy to analyse. The requested details of the study were fulfilled. My overall experience with the IMARC Team was satisfactory.

Read More
Sumitomo Corporation

The overall cost of the services were within our expectations. I was happy to have good communications in a timely manner. It was a great and quick way to have the information I needed.

Read More
Hameln Rds

My questions and concerns were answered in a satisfied way. The costs of the services were within our expectations. My overall experience with the IMARC Team was very good.

Read More
Quality Consultants BV

I agree the report was timely delivered, meeting the key objectives of the engagement. We had some discussion on the contents, adjustments were made fast and accurate. The response time was minimum in each case. Very good. You have a satisfied customer.

Read More
TATA Advanced Systems Limited

We would be happy to reach out to IMARC for more market reports in the future. The response from the account sales manager was very good. I appreciate the timely follow ups and post purchase support from the team. My overall experience with IMARC was good.

Read More
Stax

IMARC was a good solution for the data points that we really needed and couldn't find elsewhere. The team was easy to work, quick to respond, and flexible to our customization requests.

Read More
DEinternational Egypt

IMARC did an outstanding job in preparing our study. They were punctual and precise, delivering all the data we required in a clear and well-organized format. Their attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines was impressive, making them a reliable partner for our project.

Read More