Commercial catering is a type of catering that offers food that is produced and consumed at the same location. It can be seen at corporate catering events, wedding catering and social events catering. It plays an important role in the hospitality industry and transforms events with its blend of culinary artistry and logistical expertise. In my own experience, I have seen firsthand how incredible the impact of commercial catering in different functions can be.
There are many things you need to know about commercial catering. This blog will cover the following:
My first experience with commercial catering was at a large corporate event for a technology company. The sheer size and exactness of the operation left me gob-smacked. Commercial Catering at the heart of it is a professional food service that allows clients control over the service style, menu, theme etc. It’s different than the typical restaurant experience offering much more flexibility and customization.
There is also significant growth in the commercial catering industry. It’s expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.8 per cent between 2023 and 2030. This is largely due to demand for personalized dining experiences and the outsourcing catering and food services for events.
The emphasis on creating unique experiences is one of the core aspects that distinguishes commercial catering. An example is; I attended a tech startup event that a catering equipment client of mine catered and they had designed a futuristic menu that included molecular gastronomy techniques to align with the company’s image. The event was memorable as the client was able to influence different aspects of the menu and presentation.
With experience in both commercial and non-commercial settings, I can certify that there are major differences between the two. Non commercial catering prioritizes providing sustenance in settings like schools or hospitals. Commercial catering is profit-driven and prioritizes customer satisfaction.
Clients have more control in commercial catering tailoring the menu and choosing the presentation. For instance, I was at a wedding that was catered by a client last year and the couple wished for fusion cuisine on their menu, (blending of cultures). This resulted in an East-meets-West culinary experience that was a huge success with their guests.
In contrast to this, non-commercial catering operates with set menus and there is little personalization. The focus is often more on providing nutritious meals rather than catering to individual preferences.
Statistically, commercial catering makes up 37 per cent of the catering market. The rest (63 per cent) is social catering or B2C catering. This underscores the significant role commercial catering plays in the industry and the likelihood of its growth.
The commercial catering industry is extremely versatile. I have had the privilege of witnessing catering for many different events from large corporate events to intimate dinner parties and all of the different events present their own unique challenges and opportunities for creativity.
Corporate events make up a large percentage of the commercial catering industry. They account for 40 per cent of catering sales. This aligns with my own experience as I have seen a large increase in corporate catering service over the past few years.
An important and common trend that is on the rise is dietary accommodations. This means that caterers need to become more innovative when creating menus. For example, at a recent tech conference catered by a client of mine, they created a menu that included options for vegan, gluten free and halal that were still presented beautifully and bursting with flavour.
The frequency and scale of business catering orders is also worth taking note of. Almost 80 per cent of businesses frequently order business catering with a whopping 32 per cent ordering weekly! The business’ catering event generally serves more than 20 people showing the scale of these commercial catering events. Catering companies often manage multiple large scale corporate events simultaneously especially during peak business seasons.
It is important to choose the right caterer. I usually suggest when choosing a caterer, for the clients to start with a tasting. Most caterers that are confident in their food will happily oblige. I recall a catering company whose client was initially skeptical about their menu for their event. After a tasting session, they became completely convinced, excited and eager in anticipation for the menu and event.
References and particularly reviews are vital for the selection process. I always suggest that catering clients check the reviews online and ask for references. Countless events have been saved by thorough vetting of caterers. Example: a corporate catering client once told me that they avoided a catering disaster by checking references that revealed to them the caterer had a history of late deliveries.
Other things you need to look at when choosing a caterer are:
Working with experienced companies is key to ensuring a successful event.
The equipment in a home kitchen is very different than that in commercial catering. There is a necessity for industrial-grade appliances for high volume cooking. In fact, in my experience, the layout of a commercial kitchen is as paramount as the equipment itself. The storage, prep and cooking can impact service speed and quality. Example: I once worked in a kitchen that was poorly designed; the prep area was far away from the cooking stations. This impacted the timing and temperature of the food. (late and cold food). When they reorganized the layout of the kitchen, there was a significant difference in food quality.
Large orders in particular require the right equipment. 70 per cent of catering orders occur during off peak business hours. It requires equipment that can handle large amounts of cooking and to hold the food at safe temperatures for long periods of time. Example: Using large capacity holding cabinets that keeps food at the desired temperatures for hours.
And of course, clear communication between the client and catering company is essential. Prepare your event details, guest count and any other special requirements that the catering company should be informed of. In my experience, where client and caterer work together as partners is best.
Also important: Ask questions! Communicate! Share your vision!
The best caterers will work with you and not just for you to create your vision. I knew of a client that was hesitant at first to voice opinions or ideas for fear of being demanding. When the lines of communication were open however, the catering company and themselves created a unique event that surpassed their expectations!
The commercial catering industry is thriving and is expected to grow in the future. To make the most of your event, ensure that you choose the right caterer, work WITH them, share your ideas and you will have a successful, personalized, commercially catered event. For caterers, the most success can be narrowed down to online marketing with a keen focus on customer feedback and creating menus based on customer preferences. Work all of this in and the only thing you will do is win!
1. What is commercial catering?
Commercial catering is where the food is prepared and consumed at the location. It includes personalized control over the menu, the beverages, theme and type of service by the clients. It is generally used for wedding events, corporate events and special occasions (such as anniversary party etc,)
2. How do I choose the right commercial caterer?
Checking reviews (easily done online) and references is important and can prevent hiring a sub par caterer. Asking for a tasting before committing is also vital. Look for caterers that have experience in events like yours and ask about their food sourcing.
3. What types of events can commercial caterers handle?
Commercial caterers can manage lots of different types of events from small to large. Includes; corporate, weddings, anniversaries, product launches etc.
4. What equipment is essential for commercial catering?
Equipment by commercial caterers include industrial grade ovens and stovetops, large capacity refrigerators and freezers, commercial dishwashers and tools for prep and presentation. The equipment needed may depend on the exact event that is being catered for.
In conclusion, commercial catering is an industry that combines culinary skill, customer satisfaction and logistical poweress. It will likely grow significantly in the next few years. Whether you’re planning an event or considering setting up a catering company, it is vital to understand the fundamentals that are stated here. They are the key to success in the world of commercial catering.
Remember, the best catering is about more than just delicious food- it’s about experiences that stay with you long after the event has finished. So the next time you’re planning an event, consider the power of commercial catering to elevate your event from ordinary to extraordinary.
Maybe one day you will start a catering company - and maybe one day, you will change a person’s life with the experience of a lifetime. It’s all within your grasp, you just have to take the plunge!
Ciaran Kilbride is the CEO and Founder of Caterboss, Ireland's leading supplier of catering equipment. With years of experience in the food and hospitality industry, Ciaran established Caterboss in 2017 to provide high-quality, reliable equipment tailored to the needs of professional caterers. His commitment to innovation and customer service has helped Caterboss grow into a trusted name, known for anticipating industry trends and consistently meeting the needs of its clients.
