India Catering Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030)

Market Definition

Catering is the process of creating specially designed menus and food offerings based on the occasion or event needs of the client. These customers include government agencies, businesses, educational institutions, the healthcare, maritime sectors private events, and other end users.

Market Insights & Analysis: India Catering Market (2025-30):

The India Catering Market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 6.1 % during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30. The increase in events and celebrations is the main factor driving the notable expansion of the India Catering Market. Festivities are emphasized in India’s rich cultural tapestry with social gatherings festivals and weddings all playing significant roles in people's lives. Families are increasingly willing to spend on premium catering services for these events as their disposable incomes rise. In addition, the catering service in the hospital sector is also playing a significant role in the Indian catering market.

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Additionally, the catering market presents a robust growth opportunity by introducing untapped traditional and regional cuisine to its menu. India is the land of diversity, hence there is a variety of food choices, by offering personalized taste catering businesses are generating revenue. In addition to it, Airline catering is also an opportunity as the passengers whether traveling in economy or first class, are demanding fresh meals and refreshments during flights. To ensure that meals are nutritious and pleasurable, airline caterers aim to create menus that meet dietary preferences and cultural cuisines. Similarly, Railway catering also presents robust growth opportunities. Also, the market growth is further supported by the involvement of online platforms like social media and websites in catering to a wider consumer base. Likewise, the market is also offering opportunities for sustainable and Health-Conscious Catering Solutions.

The India Catering Market is welcoming the trend of green and eco-friendly catering practices, because of the growing awareness among customers also supported by the Indian government. The consumers are more health-conscious driving the demand for vegetarian and vegan dishes. In response of it, caterers are offering menus that feature locally sourced, organic ingredients and plant-based options. This gradual shift in the market further amplifies the specialized catering services demand and enhances the market growth.

India Catering Market Driver:

Driving Growth Through Increase in Events and Celebrations – The increase in events and celebrations is the main factor driving the notable expansion of the Indian catering industry. Feasts are emphasized in India's rich cultural pattern with social gatherings, festivals, and weddings all playing significant roles in people's lives. As disposable incomes rise at a rate of 14.5 percent for the year 2022-23, more families are prepared to spend money on premium catering for these events. Additionally, the variety of events from wedding celebrations to business gatherings, offers caterers numerous chances to reach a range of markets. In India, there are about 10 million weddings annually with about 80% of them being Hindu weddings that require well-coordinated catering services.

Moreover, various sports events are also amplifying the Indian Catering Market growth. Furthermore, the expansion of the corporate sector creates a consistent need for catering services at events and meetings. Many people now prefer hiring professional caterers for big events due to health and safety concerns. When taken as a whole these elements are driving the Indian catering industry ahead indicating a rising desire for outside food services that improve festivities. For instance,

• As per the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), It is estimated that 48 lakh weddings will take place nationwide in November and December 2024.

India Catering Market Opportunity:

Collaboration with Event Planners and Venues – In the India Catering Market working together with event coordinators and venues offers a big chance for expansion. By collaborating with expert event planners catering services can provide all-inclusive packages that cover not only food but also staffing, logistics, and décor meeting the growing demand for flawless event experiences. Since event planners frequently have existing networks searching for reliable catering services, these partnerships give caterers access to a larger clientele.

Additionally, by collaborating with venues caterers can optimize operations and guarantee that food service perfectly fits the needs and layout of the venue. Additionally, coordinated marketing initiatives among caterers, event coordinators, and venues can increase exposure and draw in new customers making cooperation a calculated move in a competitive industry. Through the utilization of these collaborations, catering companies can establish themselves as essential participants in the event management ecosystem propelling expansion and creativity.

India Catering Market Challenge:

Maintaining Standards for Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance– The major challenge in the catering business is to maintain food safety standards in India proposed by FSSAI at the national level. Also, the catering business has to follow state government regulations for food security. This complex and evolving regulatory landscape leads to an increase in operational costs as businesses are required to invest in staff training. With the changing regulations at both the national and state levels companies have to keep all the updated documentation and licenses to avoid penalties, ultimately increasing the spending. Moreover, increasing awareness about food safety among consumers is also pressuring companies to adhere to high food standards. Lapsing any of the regulatory compliances can cause a loss of customer loyalty and even potential legal consequences. Additionally, consistent compliance is challenging due to the diverse nature of Indian cuisine which necessitates specific handling and storage for different ingredients. For instance,

• January 2024, Food regulator FSSAI has asked airlines and flight caterers to enhance the existing food safety protocols and regulations within the airline catering industry and provide detailed information about items served to passengers through proper labeling.

India Catering Market Trend:

Rising Demand for Multi-Regional Cuisine Including Vegan and Green Foods – One significant trend influencing the Indian catering industry is the growing desire for diversity in Indian cuisine especially the addition of vegan and eco-friendly options. Customers' desire for variety is further heightened by their desire for fusion cuisine which combines traditional Indian flavors with international culinary influences. Customers are looking for multi-regional menu options that accommodate their dietary requirements and lifestyle choices. Veganism is becoming more popular among people who care about animal welfare and the environment in addition to those who are health-conscious. Catering businesses are capitalizing on this trend by providing creative plant-based menu items and utilizing regional organic ingredients to appeal to a wider client base.

In addition, urban populations, and Generation Z consumers prefer vegan options over meat products, considering the environmental impacts of it. As per the survey of NDPI, almost half of the Indian students i.e. 46.5% were planning to shift to a plant-based diet. People are seeking innovative and flavourful dishes that too align with their ethical values. Caterers are redesigning their menu options based on this trend and developing distinctive offerings that appeal to a wide range of customers from corporate gatherings to weddings.

• July 2024, Spice Grill Flame (SGF), has launched a new vegan menu with two categories —100% Plant-Based Protein and Vegan. The dishes in the first category are made with soy, meanwhile, the second category aims to provide wholesome meals meeting plant-based dietary requirements.

India Catering Market (2025-30): Segmentation Analysis

The India Catering Market study of MarkNtel Advisors evaluates & highlights the major trends & influencing factors in each segment & includes predictions for the period 2025-2030 at the global level. Based on the analysis, the market has been further classified as:

Based on Type:

• Outsourced
  • Contractual
  • Non Contractual
• In-House

The outsourced segment, particularly the contractual model is the leading segment in the Indian Catering Market with more than 60% of the market share. Contractual catering is a long-term agreement with corporate clients, educational events, and various event organizations to meet their specific needs and service standards. Also, the non-contractual outsourced segment is growing engaging only to individual smaller gatherings or events. Unlike the contractual segment, the non-contractual segment does not involve any formal agreements. Contractual catering involves a pre-defined scope of services, performance metrics, risk management, and cost structures, providing both parties with legal protections. The segment is likely to grow in the forecasted period also, shaping the future dynamics of the catering market in India.

Based on Form:

• Client Pay B2B
• Consumer Pays/Retail/B2C

Client Pay B2B (Business-to-Business) segment is dominating the India Catering Market, accounting for approximately 60-70% of the total market share. The increasing demand for corporate catering amplifies the segment growth as companies need professional catering services for various corporate functions, meetings, and events. This segment involves contractual agreements to meet the unique needs of the business in the long term. As businesses continue to prioritize professional catering for various corporate functions, the B2B segment is expected to maintain its leading position reflecting a trend toward organized consistent, and scalable catering solutions.

India Catering Industry Recent Development:

• March 2024, Levy has partnered with the Baltimore Ravens to become the team's official food beverage, and hospitality (FandB) partner for M&T Bank Stadium Hospitality.
• January 2024, Elior India Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Kitchen Facility in Hyderabad. This kitchen is built on 20,000 sq ft with the capacity of 25000 meals which can be scaled up to 30,000 meals.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our India Catering Market Report  

1. India Catering Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps businesses gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
2. This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing businesses to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
3. The India Catering Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, businesses can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.

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