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2020 is approaching. What corporate events are you planning moving into the new year? Event catering changes from time to time, bouncing between trend to trend. If you want your catering for corporate events to be fresh, unique, and exciting, you need to take a look at the new and emerging trends, and find the trends that are going to work for you.

What trends were new in catering in 2019?

2019 saw a lot of farm fresh goods, locally sourced products, and seasonal goods. People are returning to nature, getting excited about ingredients, and looking for whole, healthy foods.

Many are looking towards catering as art, and "full table" spreads became very common. Foods now have to be "picture worthy," as social media is starting to play a huge role in whether an event garners buzz.

Apart from that, people are also paying more attention to creative, unique cocktails, and cocktails, teas, and other beverages have remained an important part of the entire catering experience.

As a whole, at Laissez-faire, we saw that event catering, decoration, and general planning is having a more "whole" feel, with all elements being tightly integrated, often through unique themes.

What are emerging trends in catering?

For 2020, we can expect some trends to stay the same. A lot of people still love from-scratch, farm fresh food, and that's probably going to continue for a long time to come. At Laissez-faire, we work with local producers to make sure we always have the best seasonal goods.

People are also moving into more experimental food, such as meat substitutes rather than red meats, and unique flavour infusions. Themes are going to remain a powerful way for corporate events to connect their decor to their food and their entertainment.

Rather than full meals, many corporate events are moving towards serving small bites and canapés, as a way to allow guests to sample a large variety of foods. Today, people are moving away from large, full meals in general, and towards a more ala carte system that allows them to enjoy their food while they mingle, rather than all at once.

Themes are going to remain powerful, as they streamline the development and decoration of an event. We are constantly looking out for new and interesting themes that can be used to inform your event planning. And many people like to use a destination, or something equally bold, to centre both their food and their decor.

How can you get started  with your next event?

At Laissez-faire, we are constantly looking for new ideas for our Sydney corporate catering packages. Whether you want your next event to be traditional or hyper-modern, we can do our best to develop the perfect catering menu for your organisation.

Contact us today to find out more about what we can do for you. Make an enquiry today.

Did you know corporate events that take advantage of catering are often far more successful than events that don't provide guests with food and beverages? When guests attend an event, they want to know their time and presence is valued, and there is no better way to do this than by offering them a variety of food and drink options. 

When you take advantage of catering services, such as those offered by Laissez-faire,  you'll be able to save time and money by letting the professionals handle the food and beverage aspects of your event. More so, you'll have more time to focus on other pertinent parts of your event, such as seating arrangements and speeches. Laissez-faire offers a versatile menu and always pays special attention to detail, both of which are paramount to making a statement that is sure to impress your guests. 

For now, let's take a quick look at the top 2018 catering trends for corporate events. 

Branding and Catered Food

No matter the type of corporate event being hosted, you will want to choose foods that positively reflect your business or brand. And because of this, you will want to invest in high-quality catering, which can also aid in promoting the values of your company. You’ll be showing guests you truly care about them by satisfying their appetites.

 

Prawn sliders anyone ? #canapes #event #catering #laissez_faire_catering #cocktail

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Oct 20, 2015 at 3:12am PDT

Gluten Free

Events offering gluten-free choices are rising in popularity. Frozen desserts that are gluten-free are a great choice for your event because they are convenient: simply thaw them and put them on a plate. They come in all different flavors and are a unique treat that allows you to cater to guests with varying dietary needs.

 

What's for dinner? #tasting #catering #event #cateringwedding

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Aug 17, 2016 at 5:04am PDT

Bacon Bacon Bacon!

Even if you choose to lean toward healthy catering for your corporate event, you can still take advantage of an all-time favorite food: bacon. Caterers are adding bacon to the menu in a versatile and creative way to spice up food and beverage offerings. For instance, brussel sprouts and scallops wrapped in bacon will add a small amount of flavor to your dishes and soups, bringing out the taste people love in a healthy dose.

Street Food

Food trucks are becoming a popular option for corporate catering. This type of catering goes beyond burgers and tacos, giving you a wide variety of culinary delights to choose from that are suitable for corporate events. The use of food trucks at events helps to combine convenience and the element of fun all while providing guests with tasty food selections. Even better is that food trucks are a versatile catering option for both outdoor and indoor events.

 

Who said lunch is boring #mexico #lunch #parklunch #picnic #funevents #laissez_faire_catering #cater #eventmanagement #spices #tacos

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 7, 2018 at 3:21am PST

Light Snacks

Corporate events can also take advantage of catering services that serve light snacks, such as vegetables, dips, crackers, and cheese. These are ideal for cocktail parties and networking events. Food stations will help keep your guests fed and happy as they  mingle. If your event has a larger dinner planned, snack stations are the perfect option for satisfying guests before the big dinner is served.

 

Cheese & antipasto bar #laissez_faire_catering #postevent #drinks #cocktails #events #eventplanning #eventprofs #catering

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 7, 2018 at 3:25am PST

Upscale Foods

Offering upscale food selections, like shellfish, prime meat cuts, and fresh wines, are great for corporate dinners. Caterers serving these upscale events often keep the menus very flexible, with options such as:

Chicken and Leek Pot Pies
Ocean Salmon Terrine and Apple Martini Recipe

Offering upscale food options is a great way to surprise your guests and do something fancy for them, which as a result,  increases their trust and loyalty to your brand. 

 

Menu tasting #cater #catering #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfaire #events #menu

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 29, 2018 at 1:08pm PDT

Warm and Hearty Foods

Comfort food is always a big hit at corporate events. Opting for catering services that serve ragu sauces and hearty soup dishes is a great way to provide substantial textures and big flavour to the menu. You’ll also want to make sure you choose a catering service that offers healthy food choices, like lightly fried sweet potatoes, zucchini fritters, and other vegetables that are in season.  

 

What's new #springmenu #new #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfaire #catering #events #menu #lamb #australianlamb #victoria #seasonal

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 4, 2017 at 3:58am PDT

Classic foods

Foods like burgers and spaghetti never go out of style; this makes for a safe catering option for your event. With classic foods, you can take your guests back to their childhood and you are sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Even if you are hosting an upscale corporate event, these food choices will work for any formal experience.

 

Our new pizza menu at YOTS@Australian National Maritime Museum #pompeii #newmenu #catering #view #anmm #museum #venuepartner #cafe #yots

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 29, 2017 at 1:53am PDT

Cocktail and Food Matching

Another corporate event catering trend that is worth investing in is one that crafts cocktails with the specific flavors and tastes of the food selections being served. Cocktail catering is a great way to reflect a themed event. 

 

RUM & FIGS #laissez_faire_catering #catering #cater #cocktail #cocktails #fig #rum #pink #drinks

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 10, 2018 at 10:23pm PST

The Takeaway

If you would like to learn more about the top catering trends for corporate events, please contact  Laissez-faire today. 

Catering Trends in 2015

2015 was the year for caterers. Check out our round-up of the various trends that graced party tables across the globe.

Ingredient fix

This year, some organisers had very specific requests. One that stood out the most was the ingredient fix trend. Ingredient fix is incorporating one ingredient in one food station. For example, the ingredient is cheese and bacon. All the food in that station would be different but incorporate the two main ingredients. You can have an ingredient fix using a healthier option like broccoli and kale which is very popular with health-conscious guests.

Vegetarian Dishes

There seemed to be a new movement in catering this year - the move to balance diet between fatty foods and vegetarian dishes. According to Daily Telegraph Australia, the new trend is being called flexitarian - being vegetarian but eating meat once in awhile.

Going local

Sourcing produce locally was very in this year and probably will still be over the next few years. Aside from the fact that it saves money, it also means food is delivered fresh. This may have limited organisers to the produce of the season though it did not become a deterrent since it’s a healthy option which supports local growers.

Inventive food preparations

Ever heard of a circus-inspired food preparation style? Catering today is all about keeping guests entertained while you fill their stomachs.

Bite size

Bite sized delicacies were one of the biggest contributors to parties this year. Bite sized burgers, bite sized desserts and bite sized gourmet creations; you name it, caterers can make it fit in the palm of your hand. They’re interesting and quite a conversation starter plus they are the best foods to eat while socialising.

Gluten free

Caterers certainly submit to food trends and food requests. And since people are hopping on the healthy lifestyle wagon, giving them a gluten free option for their parties works really well.

Action stations

Food stations were very popular at all kinds of events this year. From simple comfort food to mini gourmet options, food stations are the number one way to get food to guests at an event. One reason these stations are such a good idea is that they add a spectacle to any event. Guests can watch as their food is prepared by a chef at the station.

Ethnic flavours

Bringing culture to the table is certainly one way to add flavour to an event. More caterers are becoming familiar with different cuisines since the number of clients requesting particular flavours reached an all time high this year.

Upscaled comfort food

Comfort food is in! Hors d’oeuvres and gourmet choices may be appropriate at specific events but comfort food took the limelight this year as one of the most requested foods. They are now served with a chef’s twist on the recipe and presentation, usually designed into bite size pieces and dedicated to one single station for the guests who are avid fans of these delectable comfort foods.

Mini cocktails and hors d'oeuvres

Guests love the presentation of mini cocktails along with bite sized hor d’oeuvres. This trend is making its way into many company events. This way, there's not too much booze for a corporate event.

Brunch

This year, clients were aware of costs and tried to find innovative ways to save. Brunch is one way to save on costs since daytime events are almost always less expensive than night time events.

What's in season for 2016?

The future of the catering industry is looking bright, but what’s in store for 2016? Here’s our overview of what to expect:

• Mocktails. Everybody wants cocktails at their event but guests are conscious of staying healthy.
• Crafted cocktails. This trend has crawled its way into the mainstream and now it’s here. Carefully crafted and presented cocktails with small sides of snack food will be a thing of next year.
• Strolling buffets. Portable buffets have been getting a bit of attention this year but next year they will be much more popular.
• Nostalgic desserts. Remember homemade banana pies? Desserts reminiscent of home will be moving into the spotlight. Time to find your copy of grandma’s recipe!
• Multicultural menus. Guests love tasting different flavours. Next year, caterers will be more than happy to cater to this trend. Expect menus inspired by East meets West, European Infused and African recipes.
• Authentic ethnic tastes. Everybody’s tried the semi-authentic ethnic recipes. In 2016, the world will be ready for real ethnic ingredients at their events.
• Healthy over heavy. Looks like the move to healthy food is here to stay with 2016 trends.
• Made-to-order meals. The quest to entertain and engage guests while keeping them filled and satisfied never ends. So 2016 brings you the made-to-order meals (table sides mostly).
• Going local. Going local and supporting sustainability is still in. And it’s here to stay.

Now that 2015 is coming to a close, we’re ready for what catering has to offer in 2016. What’s your own forecast for catering trends for next year?