The catering sector provides the opportunity for an entrepreneur to create a business that resonates to his or her personality. It’s a highly competitive market, but also one in which it is easy to create your own niche, and a service that stands out from the crowd. Catering for events provides even more opportunities, with far lower startup costs than a traditional restaurant.
Whether it’s a party for a dozen people or a corporate event for 500, the overall goal is the same; understand what the customer wants and deliver complete satisfaction. That’s easily said, but what ideas are most in tune with today’s highly demanding consumers?
Organic or eco
The words organic and eco-friendly are closely entwined with the lifestyle of many millennials. As a result, there is more demand than ever for eco-friendly nutrition and catering services, as it reflects health, wellbeing and a socially responsible attitude.
From the sustainability of the food on the plate to the energy that is used in its preparation, it is vital to think green every step of the way. According to the UN Sustainable Development Program, this kind of activity not only creates a positive image of the company but also brings financial benefits.
Kitchen and appliances
Make sure your kitchen is well-equipped with the latest innovations in professional cooking equipment. Modern equipment makes it easier to follow a sustainable approach, as it not only makes the cooking simpler and faster but also saves on energy consumption. Whether you prepare your food in advance or set up an outdoor kitchen, good lighting is absolutely vital. Energy saying LED spotlights like E14 LED bulbs can be an enormous help in maintaining the quality of your dishes as well as keeping your energy consumption under control.
What’s on the menu?
Having eco-friendly food on your menu will require you to choose your suppliers with care. Is the fish sustainable, the meat antibiotic free, the eggs free range, the vegetables organic? Also, think about where it is coming from. The majority of energy that foodstuff uses is in transportation, so shopping locally is the biggest step you can take to improve sustainability.
The demand for local organic produce has never been higher and it is valued by professional food critics and gastronomists. It also serves to boost the local economy, and you can make some great professional connections that will be of mutual benefit. Get out there on social media platforms like LinkedIn and make yourself part of the local food community.
Getting it right on the plate
Of course, buying locally from organic suppliers who take sustainability as importantly as you do is important. But it is equally vital not to take your eye off the ball and to remember the fundamentals of successful catering. Ultimately, nobody is going to want your GM-free vegan tofu if they don’t like the taste. Always remember that above all else, food needs to be delicious and nutritious, or you will never achieve success.