As we head into the final stretch of 2015 and into next year's catering and events season, let's take a look at what are sure to be some of the trends up ahead in 2016.
If you have anything you'd like to add to this list please feel free to reach out and let us know. We'd love to hear what your thoughts are on where things are headed, we always welcome reader participation!
If you have anything you'd like to add to this list please feel free to reach out and let us know. We'd love to hear what your thoughts are on where things are headed, we always welcome reader participation!
1. New Technology
Technology continues to develop and change the world at break-neck speed and the catering industry is no different. From new kitchen and prep equipment and technology to better business software that helps food-based businesses leverage computers to increased efficiency and production in the kitchen.
Keep your eye on the tech, and find ways that your company can leverage this revolutionary new power and stay ahead of the competition.
Keep your eye on the tech, and find ways that your company can leverage this revolutionary new power and stay ahead of the competition.
2. Wine Dinners Are Come Back
The classic wine dinner is making a come back, along with many other simple class trends, but this is one that more and more clients are requesting. Be ready for this and plan for it.
3. Fresh and Healthier over Full and Heavy
Food that is fresh and healthy has become a necessity for the survival of any catering business that hopes to have regular clients in the corporate and private events space. This trends continues from previous years but continues to accelerate. More people want to enjoy food and feel like they're doing something good for their body at the same time, so take extra care to nourish your guests and let them know exactly what's on the plate so they can feel good and satisfied that the food you provide not only tastes delicious but contributes to their overall wellbeing.
4. Tasting Stations
Tasting stations are trendy, exciting, and not going anywhere anytime soon. The main dinner meal is more and more becoming the only seated time of the night, while tasting stations are on the rise.
Guests love tastings stations because they foster a community atmosphere where people get to experience things together and participate with the food. Whatever you can do to boost social interaction and audience participation is a huge bonus.
Guests love tastings stations because they foster a community atmosphere where people get to experience things together and participate with the food. Whatever you can do to boost social interaction and audience participation is a huge bonus.
5. Seasonal Menus
Menus that are specially geared towards the season are sure to become a standard in the world of catering in 2016. What used to be done by only a small handful of catering companies is now a standard practice and expected by clients when looking at menus. Having a special menu for weddings that take place in the winter vs the summer is obvious and has always been the case, but what has changed is that the overall expression of this practice has become more seasonal. More styled by seasonal considerations and with the idea of highlighting and celebrating the season and the local fresh ingredients that the time of year brings.
6. Creative Desserts and Dessert Stations
Interactive dessert stations that maximize guest participation and give people a variety of desserts to choose from, that is what any caterer needs to be thinking about in the coming year. People love dessert, so create a varied menu that offers bite-sized options that encourage people to explore and taste test, it's a great excuse for sparking new conversations and merriment all around.
7. Return to classic entrees
Classic entrees are coming back, and I'm sure you've noticed more and more couples asking for them over the past year. Don't expect this trend to go anywhere but up in the coming year. Classic entrees are back. Remember that.
8. Late Night Snacks
Appetizers were eaten long ago, dinner was had, dessert stations came and went but now what? Well, some late night snacks of course, and that is something we are seeing more of than ever as parties and functions expect something a little extra towards the end of the night well after dessert and further libations have been consumed. It's late, maybe people have been dancing or drinking with a little too much enthusiasm. What better way to take care of the guests than serve a little something, unexpected perhaps, but special nonetheless. A sweet treat or even something salty and filling at this time can be a great way to end the night and send people on their way home with something warm and pleasing in their tummy.