For any event, one of the most talked about staples will be the food. This can be both a good and a bad thing. Catering businesses have to be ready for change and new emerging trends to keep up with the competition and make sure event attendees are happy and can’t stop raving about the food experience. Here are a few catering trends that are kicking off the decade with a bang.
Destination Based Experiences
Sometimes a really great meal can transport you to the source of inspiration. Imagine taking a bite of carbonara and feeling like you’re eating it from a table in Rome. Offering a menu and experience that will immerse and transport your guests to popular destinations without having to stamp their passport will keep your business in high demand. You can accomplish an immersive experience by targeting all of the senses. Make sure the décor is themed properly, as well as lighting, music, other sounds and smells. Creating an environment that matches your cuisine will delight all of your customer’s sense and truly take them away.
Healthy And Inclusive Dietary Options
1 in 10 adults have food allergies. A Whopping 32 million Americans are affected by these allergies and have to abide by special diets. Not to mention those with food sensitivities as well. While food allergies are a huge component of offering “Free-of” menu items, many people are avoiding certain food items specifically for their health. Offering a diverse menu that’s inclusive of everyone will help your business stand out amongst your competitors. Consider offering fares that:
- Are plant based
- Gluten Free
- Soy Free
- Dairy Free
- Free of MSG
- Free of nuts
- Free of eggs
- Free of fish and shellfish
Fermented Foods
Typically fermented food is something people have shied away from. Bacteria isn’t always a bad thing though! Gut health is a trend that’s likely to stick around with heavy research showing that proper balance of the human microbiome is important to both physical and mental health. Probiotics are becoming more popular than ever. Offering items such as specialty yogurt, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha is a must this catering season.
Buffet Style
Offering food stations as opposed to traditional plated meals is a huge trend that is emerging. It allows event guests to eat what they’d like and get their fill, while avoiding excessive food waste due to plated food that they’re not interested in. It makes each plate completely customizable improving the customer experience.
CBD Menu Options
Currently, you’d probably have a hard time going a full day without seeing some sort of CBD advertisement. CBD oil or Cannabidiol is a chemical compound found in a cannabis plant that has been discovered to have many valuable medical properties. With it’s many advantages, users are looking for many ways to use CBD oil. It’s been incorporated into a variety of health, beauty and food products. Your customers may be interested in seeing some catering menu items that incorporate the oil into your usual offerings. If this is something you’re interested in offering, just be sure to look into state and local laws that may affect your business.
Sustainability
The environment is a hot button issue in all sectors of business, including food services. Customers want to know that their meals are coming from responsible and sustainable sources. Beyond their meals, people want to see a reduction in single use plastics and compostable, recycled paper products. A great way to steer away from single use items is to use items that are completely reusable such as glass plates, metal flatware, glass cups, and washable linens. While these are generally a staple at finer dining events, some more casual venues opt for the ease of single use.
