The global catering services market continues to show strong growth momentum, reaching a value of USD 164.59 billion in 2024. Supported by rising corporate activities, increasing demand for outsourced food solutions, and the expansion of event-based services, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.60% between 2025 and 2034, ultimately achieving USD 311.87 billion by 2034. The resurgence of social gatherings, hospitality events, and large-scale corporate functions is significantly contributing to the expansion of the catering industry worldwide.The market is segmented by service type into contractual and non-contractual catering. Contractual catering holds a major share owing to its strong presence in offices, educational institutions, hospitals, and industrial facilities. These long-term catering contracts ensure consistent demand, operational stability, and cost-efficiency for service providers. Non-contractual catering, which includes event-based and one-time services, is witnessing steady growth driven by weddings, corporate events, festivals, and private gatherings.
Based on application, the market includes wedding catering, corporate catering, social events catering, and other categories. Wedding catering remains a significant segment due to rising expenditure on premium food services, themed menus, and personalized culinary experiences. Corporate catering is expanding rapidly, supported by increasing office workforce participation, employee engagement programs, and regular business meetings. Social events catering, which includes parties, cultural celebrations, and community meals, also contributes significantly as consumers seek professional services for convenience and enhanced food quality.
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Regionally, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa, with detailed insights into major countries. North America, led by the United States and Canada, remains one of the largest markets due to the strong presence of corporate offices and high demand for institutional catering. Europe also demonstrates robust growth driven by organized event culture, tourism activities, and established catering networks.
The Asia Pacific region, including China, Japan, India, ASEAN, and Australia, is emerging as a high-growth market. Rapid urbanization, expanding hospitality sectors, and rising disposable incomes contribute to increased demand for catering at weddings, festivals, and corporate events. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also showing notable growth as tourism, business activities, and social event spending rise across these regions.
Key players operating in the global catering services market include ISS A/S, Sodexo, Compass Group, Elior Group, Aramark Corporation, AVI Foodsystems, Thompson Hospitality, Albron, Hutten Catering, and others. These companies are expanding their service portfolios, investing in menu innovation, and adopting digital ordering systems to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
With rising consumer expectations, expanding corporate ecosystems, and continuous event-based demand, the catering services market is positioned for sustained global growth through 2034.