Catering Services Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Global Industry Analysis, By Type (In-Flight Food Services, In-Flight Beverage Services), By Application (Economy Class, Business Class, and First Class), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2034

• 

  Request a Free sample to learn more about this report

CATERING SERVICES MARKET OVERVIEW

The Global Catering Services Market size is forecasted to hold a value of USD 129.77 billion, then advance to USD 135.87 billion in 2026, further expanding to nearly USD 196.2 billion by 2034, representing a CAGR of 4.7% across the forecast timeline 2025–2034.

A catering company offers culinary services at events or other locations. Catering services are frequently priced per person. Typically, a catering proposal will specify the times of food service, staff arrival, bar opening and closing, and rental pick-up. The menu options, rental costs for supplies or furnishings, labor costs, and service fees are just a few of the many variables that can affect the cost of catering. The market offers a wide range of food catering services, including event catering, mobile catering, and airline catering.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Shutdown To Restrict Market Growth

The catering services market at the regional and national levels were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer demand is still low, the economic recovery will be gradual, and supply-chain disruptions continue to be problematic. Consumer demand recovers only somewhat, supply-chain disruptions persist, and the economic recovery will be quick. Strong consumer demand, swift economic recovery, and supply-chain problems resolved.

LATEST TRENDS

High Demand in Flights to Stimulate Market Growth

The increased demand for in-flight catering services globally is primarily being driven by the increasing expectations of all passengers, regardless of seating class, to receive wholesome, nourishing cuisine. Additionally, travelers traveling in economy class are now demanding high-quality meals, which is stimulating the for in-flight catering services. These factors are expected to drive the catering services market growth in the coming years.

• According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger numbers crossed 4.5 billion in 2023, increasing demand for in-flight catering as airlines expand food service quality across classes.

• The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported a 44% rise in international tourist arrivals in 2022, boosting catering requirements at hotels, events, and conferences worldwide.

Request a Free sample to learn more about this report

CATERING SERVICES MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the market is divided into In-Flight Food Services, In-Flight Beverage Services. 

By Application

Based on application, the market is classified into Economy Class, Business Class, and First Class.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Urbanization to Accelerate Market Growth

The global fast-food industry is being supported by evolving nutritional preferences, changing lifestyles, increased urbanization, and an increase in nuclear families. As a result of their exposure to many cultures and lifestyles, consumers all over the world are experimenting with new cuisines, which presents a growth opportunity for the global fast-food industry. Since on-the-go foods are becoming more and more popular among their working populations, many developed and developing nations are observing a surge in the popularity of mobile food services providers.

• As per the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 600 million people globally suffer from foodborne diseases annually, pushing catering companies to adopt safer, standardized food handling practices.

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights that over 13 million Americans are employed in food service and catering-related jobs, reflecting the sector’s importance in supporting employment and fueling growth.

Increasing Demand from Food Sector to Foster Market Growth

Services like mobile food services, such as food trucks and vending machines, are not included in catering and food service. Additionally, issues like a busy lifestyle and difficulties with cooking at home are fueling the expansion of the catering and food service industries. Additionally, hotels and restaurants are developing cutting-edge food service catering, which is anticipated to fuel the catering and food service market. The market for catering and food services is also influenced by the fact that people in the 18 to 35 age range prefer to eat outside due to their busy lifestyles

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Operational Difficulties to Hamper to Market Growth

The detrimental effects that catering service businesses had to deal with lessened, which had previously led to constrictive containment measures such the suspension of commercial operations, remote working, and social estrangement, leading to operational difficulties. However, because it is unconnected to enduring or fundamental problems in the market or the global economy, the catering management market growth is anticipated to recover from the background over the forecast period.

• According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), nearly 23% of food businesses in Europe faced supply chain delays in 2022, affecting timely catering service delivery.

• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) notes that about 28% of small catering enterprises face operational cost pressures due to inflation, limiting their market competitiveness.

• Request a Free sample to learn more about this report

•  

CATERING SERVICES MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Growing Demand for Airline Operations to Foster Growth in Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is anticipated to account for the largest catering services market share. Boom in foreign travel and tourism, fast urbanization, a rising level of living to go along with aspirational travel, and a comeback in discretionary spending are all factors that contribute to the regional growth. Additionally, there will likely be major expansion potential for in-flight catering providers due to the region's growing number of airline operators.

Europe is anticipated to have a sizable market share. As more legacy carriers enter the low-cost market in the region, it is expected that demand for in-flight food services on low-cost flights would rise. The increased propensity of travelers to spend money on buying healthy and organic meals and airline partnership with food professionals with practical knowledge are additional variables anticipated to offer considerable catering services market growth potential in the coming years.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Leading Players Adopt Strategies to Stay Competitive

The report covers information about the list of market players and their latest development in the industry. The information includes mergers, partnerships, acquisitions, technological developments, and production lines. Other aspects examined for this market include complete research on companies producing and introducing the latest products, regions they conduct their operations in, automation, technology adoption, generating the most revenue, and making a difference with their products.

• Do & Co (Austria): According to the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO), Do & Co provides catering services to over 60 international airlines and manages food operations at high-profile global sporting events.

• Emirates Flight Catering (UAE): As per the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Emirates Flight Catering prepares more than 225,000 meals daily at Dubai International Airport, making it one of the world’s largest airline catering providers.

List of Top Catering Services Companies

• Do & Co (Austria)
• Emirates Flight Catering (UAE)
• Gategroup (Switzerland)
• LSG Lufthansa Service Holding (Germany)
• Newrest (France)
• SATS (Singapore)

REPORT COVERAGE

This research profiles a report with general studies that explain the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by examining the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, restraints, and others. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change.