The Ever-Evolving Catering Industry
The catering industry in the UAE is constantly evolving, shaped by shifting corporate priorities, economic factors, and consumer expectations. At Foodie Holdings, driving both Blast Catering and Dish Catering and Events has given us a front-row seat to these transformations.
Seasonal Trends and Fluctuating Demand
Upon reviewing the catering data for the UAE in 2024, it was evident that the catering market is significantly influenced by external factors, with demand shifting based on economic conditions, cultural events, and unforeseen disruptions. While Q4 consistently saw the highest demand—fuelled by corporate celebrations and social gatherings. The combination of Ramadan and natural disruptions resulted in a decline during the second quarter, while August remained the slowest month due to summer vacations and reduced corporate activity. But what stands out is the shift in choices that catering clients are making compared to the past.
Rising Average Order Value (AOV)
Over the past year, we’ve observed a shift in consumer behavior when it comes to their catering spend. The Average Order Value (AOV) has increased by 26% from 2023 to 2024, a clear sign that businesses and individuals are prioritizing quality and convenience rather than just focusing on price. This isn’t just about spending more—it’s about a demand for premium services, larger event sizes, and an emphasis on curated, bespoke experiences. The post-pandemic landscape has reinforced the need for corporate spending on engagement and culture, leading to greater investments in events.
Changing Event Formats and Preferences
Beyond budgetary trends, the formats of events have also evolved. The dominance of cocktail and canapé receptions remains strong, yet there’s been a remarkable increase in corporate catering—especially for offices and crew catering. Outdoor events like BBQs and live cooking stations have grown in popularity specially for Private clients, providing interactive experiences that go beyond food. But the most interesting shift has been in Bespoke catering, which has experienced the highest growth rate. Clients are looking for curated dishes and unique themes tailored to their event, pushing caterers to offer more flexibility and creativity than ever before.
Key Dietary Preferences in Catering
Another fascinating transformation has been in dietary preferences. Beef continues to be the premier selection for upscale catering, while chicken takes the lead in corporate and budget-conscious menus. Vegetarian choices were already popular, but now plant-based dishes are growing steadily. In contrast, the demand for gluten-free options—once a major trend—has started to decline. This signals a shift in health-conscious eating habits and evolving preferences.
What This Means for Catering Professionals
To thrive in a constantly evolving industry, catering professionals should:
- Adapt to market shifts driven by economic changes, cultural events, and external disruptions.
- Diversify service offerings to cater to different client needs and event formats.
- Leverage data-driven insights to predict demand and adjust operations proactively.
- Embrace innovation and customization to offer unique, high-quality experiences.
- Build long-term corporate relationships to ensure stability in a volatile market.
By staying ahead of trends and remaining flexible, catering businesses can thrive and succeed in a competitive landscape.
Looking at the data, one thing is clear—the catering landscape is evolving at a rapid pace. Businesses and individuals alike are moving towards higher-quality experiences, customization, and a deeper focus on engagement through food. For catering professionals, the key lies in adapting to these changes—offering tailored solutions, expanding dietary options, and embracing the shift towards premium, experience-focused events.
Moving forward, these insights will help catering professionals adapt and grow in an ever-evolving industry. For a more detailed breakdown of these trends, download the full infographic here.
Authored by Garima Sajwan, VP of Product & Marketing at Foodie Holdings.