Forget chicken nuggets, cheese-and-fruit sticks and sandwiches – today’s clued-in caterers are serving up buddha bowls, vegan bites, and mini caprese salads in elegant glasses. Caterers supply food not only for events, but also for schools and airlines. And with such a range of requirements to cater for, everyone is affected by the latest dietary demands. Discover the main catering trends for 2024 with WAS Germany – whether for a party, a food chain or a business meeting.
Catering in 2024:
Less meat, fewer animal products, more vegetables, more pulses and more whole grains: a 2024 catering menu is full of fresh, healthy dishes – including vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free options to suit every preference. Sustainability is also gaining importance in catering, with regional produce and sustainable crockery becoming increasingly the norm.
The main catering trends of 2024
Sustainability
There are countless ways to be more sustainable in catering, including using regional and seasonal ingredients and, of course, reusable/recyclable crockery and packaging. Food waste can also be minimised through the clever planning of portion sizes and careful stock management. For more ideas, take a look at our previous article “Five tips for more sustainable catering”.
Healthy eating
The demand for healthy menu options and the number of special dietary requirements – including vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, low-carb or clean eating – will continue to rise. Caterers should be meeting these demands by expanding their menus with innovative and health-conscious dishes, more meat-free options, creative vegetable dishes and fruit salads.
Plant-based options
This also means the popularity of vegetarian and vegan options is not only set to continue, but to increase even more. The general trend towards plant-based foods is proof that more and more people are concerned about animal welfare and recognise that this type of diet is good for our future and our planet. Caterers should therefore ensure that their menus always include several healthy and tasty plant-based options.
Alcohol-free drinks
Non-alcoholic beverages that are just as delicious and high-quality as their alcoholic counterparts are also currently on trend. Whether beer, wine or cocktails, drinks menus are offering more and more alcohol-free alternatives. Not only are these beverages a safe choice for those who don’t want to or cannot drink alcohol, they are also healthier and often lower in calories. Caterers should keep this trend in mind when putting together their drinks menu for functions and events.
Grazing
In place of traditional buffets, small portions and tasting menus are becoming increasingly popular. This gives everyone the opportunity to try a little bit of everything and to grab a snack at any time without having to queue. In our more flexible and individualised everyday lives, the structure provided by larger meals at fixed times is no longer as important. Instead, “mini-meals” are on the rise. Caterers should therefore stay mindful of the trend towards smaller portions.
Interactive experiences
Guests don’t just want to eat, they also want an experience – be it a cookery show or something more interactive. One example would be a barbecue station where guests can choose their own ingredients and grill their food themselves under the guidance of a professional barbecue master. This enables them to perfect their grilling technique while also being actively involved in the preparation of their food – delivering not only a delicious meal, but also an educational and entertaining experience.
New technologies & challenges
Remote work and working from home present caterers with new challenges. Digital business lunches, for example, mean longer delivery times for suppliers, as they have to travel to each employee separately. Artificial intelligence and other new digital solutions can help you plan purchasing, menus, delivery and staffing better and more efficiently
Cutlery & tableware
The sustainability trend also applies to crockery and cutlery, with increased demand for edible/compostable knives, forks and plates – such as those made from sugar cane. These products are not only environmentally friendly, they are also becoming increasingly stylish and are a good fit for many event concepts.
Summary:
Sustainability meets health & technology
In 2024, catering services will continue to adapt and evolve to meet consumer trends and preferences. Sustainability, health and technology will become increasingly important, changing how we prepare, present and deliver our food. Caterers will need to master the balancing act between providing top-level service and meeting the changing needs of their customers.
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