Sustainable practices in corporate catering: Reducing waste in office meal delivery
In office meal production, some measures can help make the process more sustainable without compromising the quality of service
Credit: Freepik
Corporate catering serves internal company events, such as meetings and gatherings. In this context, a specialized company is hired to provide meals, cleaning, and other related services.
Globally, the catering industry generated US$72 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$124 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 6.2%.
Given this expansion, the need for sustainable practices in the sector is also increasing, especially in corporate buffets, to reduce waste and minimize environmental impacts.
The growth of corporate catering
According to data from Grand View Research, corporate catering services are expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.8% between 2022 and 2030. Currently, approximately 80% of companies hire these services at least once a month.
In addition to simplifying logistics for corporate events, corporate catering also serves as an attraction for participants. Research shows that the availability of a buffet is a major motivator for 65% of employees to attend internal events.
However, like the broader food industry, the sector faces challenges in making its operations more sustainable, particularly in light of climate change concerns.
Food waste: A challenge for the sector
The food industry continues to struggle with reducing food waste. Only in the United States, approximately 60 million tons of food go unused annually.
This waste occurs at various stages of the production chain, from production and transportation to poor storage practices. Additionally, a lack of efficient control over the amount of food prepared can result in unnecessary leftovers.
In corporate catering, many events end up discarding large quantities of food due to poor organization and inaccurate participant estimates.
Sustainable practices in corporate catering
Companies specializing in corporate buffets can implement strategies to reduce waste and promote sustainability. In a country where 42 million Americans face food insecurity, these efforts become even more crucial.
Key initiatives include:
- Reducing plastic use and other pollutants: around 40% of plastic waste in the environment originates from the food sector. Replacing these materials with sustainable alternatives is one viable solution.
- Offering vegan options: natural and organic foods offer health benefits as well as a lower environmental impact during production, and they are growing in popularity.
- Conserving water: measures to prevent water waste are essential and should be planned with the same level of care given to food.
- Prioritizing local suppliers: sourcing food from local producers supports the regional economy and reduces carbon emissions from transportation, considering that 75% of food sold is transported by truck.
- Utilizing electric vehicles: sustainable transport options help reduce carbon emissions in food delivery logistics.
Challenges and future prospects
Beyond environmental concerns, food waste results in substantial financial losses. In the United States, an estimated US$161 billion is lost annually due to food waste.
For corporate catering companies, adopting sustainable practices can enhance brand reputation and contribute to long-term operational efficiency and financial health.
Experts in the industry suggest that new technologies will transform corporate catering in the coming years, making services more efficient and adaptable. Additionally, the variety of menu options will become an increasingly valued factor.
In general, implementing sustainable practices in the market offers benefits for both businesses and the environment, promoting a more responsible future for the food industry in the U.S. and globally.