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Event catering is changing as guests want more than good food – they want memorable and meaningful dining experiences. Sustainability is big, with caterers using local ingredients and reducing waste.
Customisation is key, as guests want menus that suit their individual tastes and dietary needs. Inclusivity has become a priority, with catering options that are designed to meet different cultural preferences and dietary restrictions.
These trends reflect that. From plant-based and zero-waste to interactive food stations and varied menus, everyone at an event will feel included and valued. Read on to find out the top trends for 2024!
1. Plant-based and Vegan Menus
In 2024, plant-based and vegan menus are bigger than ever. Finder research estimates there are 2.5 million vegans in the UK (4.7% of the adult population) and 3.1 million vegetarians (5.8%). This growing trend means more people are choosing plant-based diets.
So, event caterers now offer more plant-based options to meet guest expectations. Gone are the days of just simple salads; today’s vegan menus feature classic street food favourites like plant-based burgers and dairy-free desserts. These options are designed to be as satisfying and delicious as the real thing.
The shift to plant-based eating also means a greater focus on sustainability. With growing awareness of the environmental impact of meat production, many event hosts are choosing vegan options to show they are committed to a greener future. Delicious plant-based menus cater to dietary requirements and demonstrate environmental responsibility.
2. Street Food Stations
Street food stations are a big trend in event catering for 2024, and they have several advantages. They offer various food options to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. So everyone will find something they like, from meat eaters to plant-based.
These interactive food stations allow guests to try a variety of international cuisines, with many dishes being prepared in front of their eyes. Street food stations are great for casual gatherings, outdoor festivals, corporate events and weddings. They add a unique touch to big or small events, a fun and engaging dining experience for any occasion.
3. Food Trucks at Outdoor Events
Food trucks are becoming more popular at outdoor and large events, continuing the street food trend. These mobile food kitchen units offer a flexible and dynamic approach to event catering, a new spin on the food experience.
You’ll find multiple food trucks lined up at many events, creating a street food village. This allows guests to try flavours worldwide, from gourmet burgers, Mexican tacos, vegan dishes and sweet desserts.
Along with varied food options, food truck setups often include communal seating areas with tables in the middle of the food truck village. The mobility of food trucks means they can cater to different event sizes and locations, whether it’s a big music festival or a smaller outdoor gathering. They can be set up quickly and serve high-quality food with minimal fuss, making them perfect for any event.
4. Mocktails and Dry Bars
In 2024, alcohol-free options are on the rise at events, and mocktail bars are the new must-have. Mocktails are getting more popular as more guests are looking for stylish alternatives to booze. A YouGov survey found that 39% of 18-24 year olds don’t drink alcohol at all, so the demand for fancy non-alcoholic drinks is growing.
Mocktail bars offer a range of creative, non-alcoholic drinks that are as sophisticated as traditional cocktails. Made with fresh ingredients, mocktails are a high-end experience without the booze. Whether it’s a fruity blend or a mocktail version of a classic cocktail, there’s something for everyone.
This is great for guests who don’t drink or want to drink less. Event hosts can make sure all guests can have elegant and enjoyable drinks by featuring mocktails and dry bars, making the event more inclusive and sophisticated.
5. Local Farm-to-Table Catering
Local farm-to-table catering is also a big trend, with caterers sourcing ingredients from local farms. This not only improves food quality but also reduces the environmental impact of food transportation.
We’re on board with this trend at British Event Catering by using local suppliers. Our Go! Gourmet Range features 100% organic British beef 6oz burgers, pork sausages and thick-cut skin chips, all from local farms. This means our food is fresh and delicious and supports local agriculture.
Farm-to-table catering matches eco-friendly values by serving guests meals that show you care about sustainability. By using fresh, local ingredients, event hosts can deliver a great dining experience that proves you’re serious about food and the environment.
6. Cultural Menus
Cultural menus are on the rise at events as guests are more curious about global flavours. People are more adventurous than ever when it comes to trying new cuisines, and event hosts respond by offering a range of international dishes.
Foodies want more than just familiar flavours – they want to experience the world through food. By offering dishes from different regions, such as spicy Indian, fresh Mediterranean or Mexican, guests can try a world of flavours in one event.
7. Bespoke Customised Menus
In 2024, bespoke customised menus are on the rise in event catering. Caterers work with event organisers to create personalised dishes that fit the event theme and guest preferences.
This means designing menus for each event, whether it’s a corporate, festival or private function. Caterers will work closely with hosts to develop unique dishes for the occasion, from themed starters to special main courses and desserts.
Customised menus add a personal touch and make the event more memorable. By offering food for the event, caterers are enhancing the overall experience and making it more special for everyone.
8. Waste reduction initiatives
Waste reduction and sustainability is key in event catering. With growing awareness of environmental impact, many caterers are implementing ways to reduce waste and go eco-friendly.
Reducing waste helps the environment by cutting down on rubbish and non-recyclable materials. It also saves resources and money and shows you care about being environmentally responsible.
At British Event Catering, we’re focused on sustainability by using biodegradable cutlery, recycled paper serviettes and converting our cooking oil waste into biofuel. Check out our green policy here.
9. Digital Ordering & QR Menus
Technology in catering has brought about QR code menus and digital ordering systems, which simplify service and eliminate the need for physical menus.
Guests can now scan a QR code with their phones to see the event’s food and drink options, eliminating the waste and hassle of printed menus. Digital ordering systems take this a step further by allowing guests to order from their devices, speeding up the process and reducing wait times.
As well as making ordering easy for guests, mobile ordering also allows caterers to gain valuable insights into what’s popular and when guests are ordering. This helps caterers to improve for future events.
10. Allergy-friendly Menus
The final trend we’ll cover in this blog is catering for different dietary requirements. With growing awareness of food allergies and intolerances, event caterers are creating allergy-friendly menus.
Guests expect options that cater to various needs, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets. By offering these options, caterers can ensure everyone can enjoy the meal without worrying about allergens or dietary restrictions.
In fact, 6% of the UK adult population have a food allergy, according to the Food Standards Agency, so it’s clear how important it is to offer inclusive menu options that cater for these dietary needs.
Top Catering Trends for 2024
Keeping up with the trends is key to delivering stand-out events as guest expectations change, so should your approach to catering. Trends like plant-based menus, street food stations and digital ordering are all about more sustainable, inclusive and personal dining.
So get ahead with these trends, and your events will have something for everyone, from eco-friendly to custom menus. Your event hosts will deliver a unique dining experience and stand out and be remembered.
