Catering Services and Food Contractors Market Report 2026

The catering services and food contractors market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $304.52 billion in 2025 to $320.55 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to corporate cafeteria expansion, institutional food service demand, urban workforce growth, event catering popularity, outsourcing of non-core services.

The catering services and food contractors market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $402.08 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to hybrid workplace dining demand, sustainability-driven procurement, digital payment adoption, healthcare food service expansion, standardized contract catering models. Major trends in the forecast period include digital meal ordering platforms, sustainable sourcing and waste reduction, customized corporate meal programs, health-focused menu innovation, contract catering outsourcing growth.

The expansion of food delivery and takeout services is expected to drive the growth of the catering services and food contractors market in the coming years. Food delivery and takeout services involve providing prepared meals from restaurants, cafés, or other food establishments for consumption away from the point of preparation. Catering services and food contractors play a crucial role in supporting these services by acting as key suppliers, offering a wide variety of menu options and efficiently prepared meals. This enables delivery and takeout platforms to broaden their offerings while meeting customer expectations for quality and convenience. For example, in December 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a UK-based government statistics authority, there were 48,190 takeaway and fast-food restaurant businesses operating in the UK as of 2024, representing a 1.5% increase compared with 2023. Therefore, the growth of food delivery and takeout services is driving the expansion of the catering services and food contractors market.

Major companies operating in the catering services and food contractors market are prioritizing the development of technologically advanced solutions, such as large-order fleet management systems, to improve efficiency and address rising demand for timely and high-quality food delivery. Large-order fleet management systems are integrated software platforms designed to optimize logistics and execution for large-scale food deliveries. These systems allow catering providers to monitor deliveries, coordinate multiple vehicles, and ensure on-time order fulfillment, thereby improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. For instance, in April 2024, Zomato Ltd., an India-based food delivery company, introduced a large-order fleet aimed at serving group orders for events and gatherings of up to 50 people. This fully electric fleet is designed to streamline delivery operations and ensure large orders are delivered in optimal condition, with future enhancements planned, including cooling compartments and temperature-controlled hot boxes to preserve food quality during transit.

In July 2025, Compass Group PLC, a UK-based global food services company, acquired Vermaat Groep B.V. for approximately $1.8 billion (€1.5 billion). Through this acquisition, Compass Group sought to strengthen and expand its premium food services presence across Europe by leveraging Vermaat’s well-established multi-sector platform and strong regional footprint. Vermaat Groep B.V. is a Netherlands-based premium food services and hospitality company specializing in customized on-site food concepts, delivered-in solutions, and consumer-oriented retail offerings across several European markets.

Major companies operating in the catering services and food contractors market are Compass Group PLC, Sodexo Inc, Aramark Corporation, Elior Group S.A, Autogrill S.p.A, SSP Group plc, DO And CO Aktiengesellschaft, Shanghai Wagas Catering Co Ltd, Chefs Culinar Nord GmbH And Co KG, BaxterStorey, Kofler And Kompanie GmbH, Searcys, Bon Appetit Catering, Kyiv Catering, Premier Catering, Jezeršek Catering, Wolfgang Puck Catering, CulinArt Group, Oliver And Bonacini Events And Catering, Encore Catering, Presidential Gourmet, Sapore, Nutriplus Alimentação, Banquetería Santa Brasa, Emirates Flight Catering, Royal Catering, Qatar Aircraft Catering Company, Saudi Airlines Catering, Gulf Catering Company, Tsebo Solutions Group, Feedem Group, Servest Catering.

Western Europe was the largest region in the catering services and food contractors market in 2025. North America was the second largest region in the catering services and food contractors market. The regions covered in the catering services and food contractors market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the catering services and food contractors market report are China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, New Zealand, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa.

The catering services and food contractors market includes revenues earned by entities by providing single event-based food services or food services at an institutional, governmental, commercial, or industrial location of others based on contractual arrangements with these types of organizations for a specified period of time. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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