The Top 4 Corporate Event Catering Trends of 2022
For a while, corporate events were put on a standstill as concerns regarding COVID-19 and social distancing took over the world. Now that the worst of the pandemic finally seems to be behind us, in-person events are quickly regaining popularity. However, event catering isn’t how it used to be. In this article, we’ll highlight the top four corporate event catering trends of 2022, and how COVID-19 changed the catering industry.
1. Safety-Centered Event Catering
Although COVID-19 cases have significantly lowered this year, people still want to know that safety is being prioritized during in-person events. This is why safety-centered corporate event catering is at the top of our list for 2022 trends.
Common safety protocols we saw this year include:
- Ensuring Staff Is Wearing Masks & Gloves
- Frequently Sanitizing Tables, High-Touch Areas, & Food Surfaces
- Using EPA-Approved Sanitizers
- Utilizing Single-Use Utensils
- Enforcing Social Distancing When Necessary
- Hosting Events Outdoors When Possible
Most catering companies are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of all attendees during corporate events. If you have concerns about safety when booking your services, be sure to ask the company you’re hiring for a list of their safety procedures.
2. Catering Virtual & In-Person Events
Virtual events were all the rage throughout 2020 and much of 2021, but in 2022, in-person events have made a comeback…with a twist. Known as “hybrid events,” many 2022 corporate events feature a blend of guests who are attending both in-person and remotely via video conferencing software. Catering for these events often means delivering food to multiple locations, and hybrid event catering is a service that more and more companies are starting to offer.
3. Outdoor Event Catering
There are several reasons why the number of outdoor corporate events has increased this year. For one, most people are eager to return to wide-open spaces after spending so much time cooped up inside. Another appeal of outdoor events is the fact that these gatherings are considered safer than indoor gatherings. For these reasons, outdoor event catering is poised to remain a highly popular service throughout the rest of 2022 and many years to come.
4. Sustainable Catering
Modern customers have high expectations of the companies they choose to do business with. To meet these expectations, more and more companies are choosing to host sustainable corporate events. Sustainable catering is designed to reduce as much waste as possible by following certain practices including:
- Preventing food waste by ordering just enough food for everyone attending the event.
- Using recyclable tableware and utensils.
- Offering meatless options.
- Providing recyclable to-go boxes to further reduce food waste.
- Encouraging attendees to bring their own refillable water bottles.
If your business is committed to carbon neutrality, ask your next catering company about their existing sustainable options.
Learn More About Corporate Event Catering From Chef Raymone
For over two and half decades, Chef Raymone has provided reliable, sustainable, and customized corporate event catering services to clients in Michigan. From our world-class chefs to our diverse menus, there are many reasons why you should choose us for your next indoor or outdoor corporate event.
If you would like to learn more about our services, sustainable catering options, or current safety protocols, please contact us today. We look forward to earning your business!
