Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by Project Party

If you’re in the business of planning events, then you know that food is one of the most important elements. After all, what’s a party without good eats? With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the top 6 food and catering trends that we think will be big in the next decade.

Catering Trends to Watch for in the Next Decade

Catering is a big business, and it’s only getting bigger. As more and more people look to make their events and gatherings unique, the demand for creative and innovative catering experiences has never been higher. And what we’re seeing is that many catering companies are rising to the occasion, offering meals that are much more than just food. Instead, they’re creating interactive and engaging experiences that focus on all of the senses.

From visual displays that are almost too beautiful to eat to delicious aromas that tantalize the nose, to creative flavour combinations that delight the taste buds, these catering companies are taking dining to a whole new level. And guests love it! If you’re looking to make your next event truly memorable, be sure to ask your caterer about their latest trend: making a meal an experience in itself.

1. Creative Presentation Is Key

If you’re looking for a catering trend that will really wow your guests, look no further than a creative presentation. Sure, the food needs to taste good, but let’s face it, we eat with our eyes first. And when it comes to catering, there’s no shortage of ways to get creative with your presentation. Think of displays that double as art installations or edible centrepieces. The possibilities are endless! So if you’re looking to take your catering to the next level, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Your guests will be sure to appreciate your creativity.

Creative catering presentation is perfect for events and parties where the focus is on making a statement. If you want your event to be remembered, then make sure the food is something that people will be talking about long after the party is over.

For example, for corporate events, you could incorporate the company logo or colours into the food presentation. Or, for a wedding, you could create a unique display that reflects the theme or style of the event.

2. Interactive Food Stations Catering Trend

In recent years, interactive food stations have become an increasingly popular catering trend at weddings and other events. These stations allow guests to customize their own dishes, choosing from a variety of ingredients and toppings. This will enable guests to create a dish that is exactly to their taste, and it also adds a fun and festive atmosphere to the event. Interactive food stations can be set up for just about any type of food, from pizza and pasta to tacos and hibachi.

They are also a great way to accommodate guests with special dietary needs, such as allergies or vegans. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that interactive food stations are becoming more and more popular.

The next step with interactive food stations will be to make them even more interactive. For example, we could see stations where guests can cook their own food or choose from a variety of pre-made dishes or even have a dish custom-made for them.

3. Comfort Food With a Twist

Nothing is more comforting than a warm, hearty meal – especially when it’s cold outside. But why settle for the same old dishes when you can have comfort food with a twist? Mac ‘n’ cheese is a classic comfort food, but it’s even better when made with gourmet ingredients like aged cheddar and Gruyere. For a new twist on grilled cheese, try using artisanal bread and cheeses – you’ll be surprised at how much flavour they add to the dish.

And don’t forget about dessert! A simple bowl of ice cream can be transformed into something special with the addition of fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or even a dash of liqueur. So next time you’re in the mood for comfort food, remember that a little creativity can go a long way.

This also ties in with a general movement towards nostalgia in the food world. We are seeing a lot of the catering trend of giving classic dishes a modern twist, as people yearn for the comfort and familiarity of home cooking.

4. Farm-To-Table Catering Trends

Farm-to-table is a catering trend that is here to stay. More and more people are interested in knowing where their food comes from and how it was grown or raised. They also want to be sure that the food they’re eating is fresh and seasonal. As a result, we’re seeing more and more restaurants sourcing their ingredients from local farms and using seasonal menus.

This trend is good for both consumers and farmers. Consumers get to enjoy fresher, tastier food, while farmers get to sell their products directly to restaurants and receive a fair price for their efforts. It’s a win-win situation and one that we expect to see more of in the years to come.

But how can you action this in your event menu? You need to work closely with your caterer to source local and seasonal ingredients. This may require a little extra effort, but it will be worth it in the end. Your guests will be impressed by your commitment to using fresh, local ingredients, and they’ll be able to taste the difference in the food.

5. Experiential Catering

Experiential catering is all about creating a memorable dining experience. From multi-course meals served in the dark to chef’s tables with a front-row seat to the action, this catering trend is all about giving guests a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether it’s an intimate dinner party or a large-scale event, experiential catering can add an element of excitement and intrigue. And with so many options to choose from, there’s sure to be something to suit every taste. So if you’re looking for something different for your next event, consider experiential catering. It’s sure to make your event one to remember.

Some examples of people who create experiential catering environments at events include:

• A dark dining experience where people eat in complete darkness, relying on their other senses to guide them.
• An interactive station where guests can choose their own ingredients and watch as they’re made into a dish.
• A “mystery box” challenge where guests have to guess the ingredients in a dish.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. The sky’s the limit when it comes to experiential catering, so let your imagination run wild.

6. Instagrammable Food

We live in a world where social media is king, so it’s no surprise that food that looks good on camera is becoming increasingly popular in catering. But, what about a menu that is specifically created to be photographed by its diners? While this might sound like a gimmick, there is actually increasing demand for such concepts. After all, what could be more Instagram-worthy than a beautiful plate of food? And, with the right marketing, a caterer that specializes in food photography could quickly become a viral sensation.

Of course, such a chef would need to be more than just a pretty face; the food would need to taste as good as it looks. But, if the concept is executed well, there’s no reason why it couldn’t be a huge success in regard to catering trends.

5 Quick Catering Trends to Watch Out for in 2023: Health, Sustainability, Technology and Mocktails

Finally, a quick list of other predictions:

• Health-conscious catering – As people become more health-conscious, we expect to see a rise in demand for healthier options on catering menus.
• Sustainable catering – With the increasing focus on sustainability, we expect to see more caterers using sustainable practices, such as sourcing local and organic ingredients.
• Technology in catering – We expect to see more and more caterers using technology to streamline their operations and create a more efficient dining experience for their guests.
• Curated mocktails – With the rise of non-alcoholic options, we expect to see more mocktails appearing on catering menus crafted by mixologists for a wide range of taste buds.
• Grazing table options – Grazing tables, where guests can help themselves to a variety of small dishes, are becoming increasingly popular with different options.

These are just a few of the trends we think will be big in the next decade when it comes to catering and food for events. So get ahead of the curve and start planning accordingly! Your guests will thank you for it.

Do you agree with these predictions? What other trends do you think we’ll see in the next decade? Let us know in the comments below!