United States Catering Market Size, Share and Industry Report - 2034

Insight Pro Analytic
Nov 12
5 min read

United States Catering Market Outlook

According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the United States catering market attained a value of USD 72.67 billion in 2024. Aided by the increasing demand for customized food services, the expansion of corporate events, and the rise in social gatherings and weddings, the United States catering market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a value of USD 132.62 billion by 2034.

Catering services in the United States encompass a wide range of offerings, including corporate catering, social event catering, contract catering, and industrial food services. The industry plays a pivotal role in providing convenient, high-quality food solutions for events, workplaces, institutions, and public gatherings. The market is characterized by its adaptability, evolving with consumer preferences, technological innovation, and changing lifestyles.

United States Catering Market Size and Share

The United States catering market represents one of the largest segments within the country’s food service industry. In 2024, it accounted for a substantial portion of the overall hospitality sector, supported by a robust event culture, expanding business activities, and increasing consumer spending on food services. Corporate catering held the dominant market share, driven by the growing trend of workplace meal services, business conferences, and meetings.

Social and wedding catering continues to capture a significant portion of the market, bolstered by rising disposable incomes, cultural celebrations, and a preference for personalized menus. Meanwhile, institutional and educational catering are steadily growing, supported by the demand for nutritionally balanced meals in schools, hospitals, and government facilities.

Large catering companies such as Compass Group, Aramark, and Sodexo lead the market, but there has been a notable surge in small and medium-sized caterers that focus on niche services such as farm-to-table meals, gourmet experiences, and sustainable catering.

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United States Catering Market Trends

Several key trends are shaping the evolution of the U.S. catering market. One of the most prominent is the increasing emphasis on health and wellness. Consumers are more conscious about their dietary habits and are seeking catering services that offer organic, low-calorie, plant-based, or allergen-free menu options. This trend has led to the incorporation of clean-label ingredients, local sourcing, and transparent food preparation practices.

Another emerging trend is the digital transformation of catering services. The adoption of online booking platforms, mobile apps, and data-driven menu customization tools has revolutionized customer experience. Caterers are leveraging technology to streamline order management, enhance communication, and improve service efficiency. Additionally, artificial intelligence and analytics are being used to predict customer preferences and optimize inventory management.

The rise of hybrid and remote work models has also impacted the catering market. With many companies operating in flexible environments, there is a growing demand for boxed meals, virtual event catering, and on-demand food delivery solutions that can accommodate smaller, decentralized teams.

Sustainability has become another critical trend influencing market dynamics. Caterers are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly practices, such as reducing food waste, using biodegradable packaging, and sourcing ingredients locally. This aligns with consumer values and corporate social responsibility goals, further strengthening brand loyalty.

Drivers of Growth

The growth of the United States catering market is primarily driven by several key factors. First, the expansion of the corporate sector has significantly contributed to increased demand for professional catering services. Businesses are investing in high-quality meal programs for employee engagement, conferences, and corporate events.

Secondly, the growing number of social and cultural events—including weddings, private parties, and community gatherings—has created strong opportunities for catering companies. The increasing desire for customized menus, themed decor, and personalized experiences has encouraged caterers to innovate and diversify their offerings.

The rise in disposable income and the changing lifestyles of American consumers have also played a crucial role. With more individuals prioritizing convenience and quality, catering services are viewed as an essential part of modern event planning.

Furthermore, the hospitality and tourism sector in the United States continues to flourish, boosting demand for catering in hotels, resorts, and convention centers. Large-scale sports events, exhibitions, and festivals also contribute to the industry’s expansion.

Lastly, the ongoing technological advancements in food preparation, logistics, and customer management have made catering operations more efficient and cost-effective, supporting scalability and enhancing customer satisfaction.

United States Catering Market Segmentation

The market can be divided based on by type, services, application and region.

Market Breakup by Type

Contractual
Non-Contractual

Market Breakup by Services

Inhouse
Outsource

Market Breakup by Application

Corporate Catering
Social Events
Others

Market Breakup by Region

New England
Mideast
Great Lakes
Plains
Southeast
Southwest
Rocky Mountain
Far West

Competitive Landscape

Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:

Sodexo
Compass Group
ISS A/S
Aramark
San Francisco Catering Company (Fresh Pulp Holding LLC)
Tres LA Group
Thomas’s Catering
Elaine Bell Catering
DJ's California Catering
Others

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its robust growth potential, the U.S. catering market faces several challenges. One of the most prominent is labour shortages, particularly in skilled culinary and service staff, which has intensified post-pandemic. Rising wages and labour costs have put pressure on profit margins, forcing companies to adopt automation and efficiency-driven practices.

Another key challenge is supply chain disruption. Fluctuations in ingredient prices, transportation delays, and procurement challenges can affect cost structures and delivery timelines. Maintaining consistent food quality while managing costs remains a crucial concern.

Health and safety regulations, especially in the wake of COVID-19, have also led to increased compliance requirements, impacting operational flexibility. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation, such as automation, contactless services, and enhanced food safety systems.

On the opportunity front, the growing demand for specialized catering segments—including vegan, gluten-free, and ethnic cuisine—presents avenues for differentiation and market expansion. The increasing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly catering also offers long-term potential for companies that adopt green practices. Moreover, the expanding event management and tourism industries will continue to generate strong demand for catering services across the United States.

United States Catering Market Forecast

Looking ahead, the United States catering market is poised for steady growth through 2034. With the market projected to reach USD 132.62 billion by 2034, the sector is expected to benefit from the continued rise in corporate activities, lifestyle events, and technological integration.

The future of the industry will likely be defined by sustainability, personalization, and digital innovation. Caterers that invest in smart technologies, data-driven decision-making, and eco-conscious practices will be best positioned to capture emerging opportunities.

Furthermore, the convergence of catering with other hospitality and food delivery services will create new business models and growth pathways. As consumer preferences continue to evolve toward convenience, customization, and sustainability, the catering industry will remain a vital and dynamic component of the U.S. food service landscape.