US Online Catering & Food Service Marketplaces Market

The US Online Catering & Food Service Market, valued at USD 27 Bn, is growing due to demand for digital ordering, corporate catering, and health-focused innovations.

Region:North America

Author(s):Rebecca

Product Code:KRAA3833

Pages:83

Published On:September 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

US Online Catering & Food Service Market Overview

  • The US Online Catering & Food Service Market is valued at USD 27 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for convenience, the rise of online food ordering platforms, and the growing trend of corporate events and social gatherings. The market has seen a significant shift towards digital solutions, with consumers preferring to order catering services online for both personal and professional occasions. The adoption of mobile ordering, AI-driven personalization, and on-demand delivery platforms is accelerating this transition, while health-conscious and sustainability-focused menu innovations are further fueling demand .
  • Key players in this market include major metropolitan areas such asNew York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These cities dominate due to their large populations, diverse culinary offerings, and a high concentration of corporate offices and event venues. The urban lifestyle and the increasing number of events in these regions further contribute to the robust demand for online catering services .
  • In 2023, the US government implemented regulations to enhance food safety standards in the catering industry. This includes mandatory training for food handlers and stricter guidelines for food storage and transportation. These regulations aim to ensure consumer safety and improve the overall quality of food services provided by catering companies. TheFood Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food, issued by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2016, is a binding instrument that sets operational requirements for safe food transportation, including training, recordkeeping, and equipment standards for all food service and catering providers .
US Online Catering & Food Service Marketplaces Market Size

US Online Catering & Food Service Market Segmentation

By Type:The market is segmented into various types of catering services, including Corporate Catering, Event Catering, Wedding Catering, Social Gatherings Catering, Meal Prep Services, Buffet Services, Restaurant Catering, and Others. Among these,Corporate Cateringis currently the leading segment, driven by the increasing number of corporate events and the demand for professional catering services. Event Catering follows closely, as social gatherings and celebrations continue to rise in popularity. TheMeal Prep Servicessegment is also gaining traction as consumers seek convenient, healthy, and customizable meal solutions, reflecting the broader industry shift towards health-conscious and time-saving offerings .

US Online Catering & Food Service Market segmentation by Type.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes Corporations, Educational Institutions, Non-Profit Organizations, Private Events, Government Agencies, Individuals, and Others.Corporationsdominate this segment due to the high frequency of business meetings, conferences, and corporate events requiring catering services. Educational Institutions also represent a significant portion of the market, as schools and universities frequently host events that necessitate catering. The rise in private events, such as birthdays and anniversaries, further supports the growth of this segment. Increasing demand from individuals and non-profit organizations is also notable, as online platforms make catering more accessible for smaller-scale events .

US Online Catering & Food Service Market segmentation by End-User.

US Online Catering & Food Service Market Competitive Landscape

The US Online Catering & Food Service Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Grubhub Inc., DoorDash Inc., Uber Eats, Caviar, ezCater, CaterCow, Fooda, Cater2.me, Seamless, ChowNow, HUNGRY Marketplace, Club Feast, Zuppler, Quickgredients, The Sdot Experience, The Happy Bento contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Grubhub Inc.

2004

Chicago, Illinois

DoorDash Inc.

2013

San Francisco, California

Uber Eats

2014

San Francisco, California

ezCater

2007

Boston, Massachusetts

CaterCow

2012

New York City, New York

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Annual Revenue

Revenue Growth Rate

Number of Active Users/Clients

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

Customer Retention Rate

US Online Catering & Food Service Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Demand for Convenience:The US online catering market is experiencing a surge in demand for convenience, with 70% of consumers preferring online ordering for food services. This trend is driven by busy lifestyles, where 60% of working adults report limited time for meal preparation. The convenience factor is further supported by the projected increase in e-commerce sales, expected to reach $1.2 trillion in future, indicating a robust shift towards online purchasing behaviors.
  • Rise in Online Ordering Platforms:The proliferation of online ordering platforms has transformed the catering landscape, with over 50% of catering businesses now utilizing digital platforms for order management. In future, the number of online food delivery users in the US is projected to exceed 120 million, reflecting a growing reliance on technology for food services. This shift is bolstered by advancements in mobile app technology, enhancing user experience and accessibility for consumers.
  • Growth of Corporate Catering Services:Corporate catering services are expanding rapidly, with the market expected to reach $30 billion in future. This growth is fueled by the increasing number of corporate events and meetings, with 80% of companies investing in catering for employee engagement. Additionally, the rise of remote work has led to a demand for flexible catering solutions, allowing businesses to cater to diverse employee needs and preferences, further driving market growth.

Market Challenges

  • Intense Competition:The online catering market faces intense competition, with over 30,000 catering businesses operating in the US. This saturation leads to price wars, impacting profit margins. In future, the average profit margin for catering services is projected to be around 4%, significantly lower than other food service sectors. Companies must differentiate themselves through unique offerings and superior customer service to survive in this competitive landscape.
  • Regulatory Compliance Issues:Catering businesses must navigate complex regulatory compliance issues, including food safety regulations that require adherence to strict guidelines. In future, the FDA is expected to increase inspections by 20%, putting additional pressure on catering services to maintain compliance. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, impacting operational costs and overall business viability, making it a significant challenge for the industry.

US Online Catering & Food Service Market Future Outlook

The future of the US online catering and food service market appears promising, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. As more businesses adopt digital solutions, the integration of AI and data analytics will enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. Additionally, the growing emphasis on health-conscious dining options will likely shape menu offerings, catering to a more diverse clientele. Companies that adapt to these trends will be well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market.

Market Opportunities

  • Expansion into Niche Markets:Catering services can explore niche markets such as vegan, gluten-free, and organic options, which are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers. The plant-based food market is projected to reach $80 billion in future, presenting a lucrative opportunity for catering businesses to diversify their offerings and attract a broader customer base.
  • Partnerships with Local Businesses:Collaborating with local businesses can enhance catering services' visibility and customer reach. In future, local sourcing is expected to be a key trend, with 70% of consumers preferring locally sourced ingredients. By forming partnerships with local farms and suppliers, catering companies can promote sustainability and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, driving growth in this segment.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Corporate Catering

Event Catering

Wedding Catering

Social Gatherings Catering

Meal Prep Services

Buffet Services

Restaurant Catering

Others

By End-User

Corporations

Educational Institutions

Non-Profit Organizations

Private Events

Government Agencies

Individuals

Others

By Sales Channel

Direct Sales

Online Marketplaces

Third-Party Delivery Services

Catering Apps

Restaurant Websites

Others

By Cuisine Type

American Cuisine

Italian Cuisine

Asian Cuisine

Mediterranean Cuisine

Vegan/Vegetarian Cuisine

Latin American Cuisine

Others

By Service Type

Full-Service Catering

Drop-Off Catering

Buffet Catering

Plated Service Catering

Boxed Meal Catering

Others

By Occasion

Corporate Events

Weddings

Birthdays

Holiday Parties

Conferences

Others

By Price Range

Budget Catering

Mid-Range Catering

Premium Catering

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration)

Food Service Operators and Catering Companies

Online Food Delivery Platforms

Food Product Manufacturers

Logistics and Supply Chain Companies

Marketing and Advertising Agencies

Financial Institutions and Investment Banks

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Grubhub Inc.

DoorDash Inc.

Uber Eats

Caviar

ezCater

CaterCow

Fooda

Cater2.me

Seamless

ChowNow

HUNGRY Marketplace

Club Feast

Zuppler

Quickgredients

The Sdot Experience

The Happy Bento

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. US Online Catering & Food Service Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 US Online Catering & Food Service Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. US Online Catering & Food Service Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Demand for Convenience
3.1.2 Rise in Online Ordering Platforms
3.1.3 Growth of Corporate Catering Services
3.1.4 Expansion of Delivery Services

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Intense Competition
3.2.2 Regulatory Compliance Issues
3.2.3 Fluctuating Food Prices
3.2.4 Customer Retention Difficulties

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Expansion into Niche Markets
3.3.2 Partnerships with Local Businesses
3.3.3 Adoption of Sustainable Practices
3.3.4 Technological Innovations in Ordering

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Growth of Plant-Based Catering Options
3.4.2 Increased Focus on Health and Wellness
3.4.3 Customization of Catering Menus
3.4.4 Use of Data Analytics for Customer Insights

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Food Safety Regulations
3.5.2 Labor Laws Impacting Catering Services
3.5.3 Tax Incentives for Small Businesses
3.5.4 Environmental Regulations on Packaging

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. US Online Catering & Food Service Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. US Online Catering & Food Service Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Corporate Catering
8.1.2 Event Catering
8.1.3 Wedding Catering
8.1.4 Social Gatherings Catering
8.1.5 Meal Prep Services
8.1.6 Buffet Services
8.1.7 Restaurant Catering
8.1.8 Others

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 Corporations
8.2.2 Educational Institutions
8.2.3 Non-Profit Organizations
8.2.4 Private Events
8.2.5 Government Agencies
8.2.6 Individuals
8.2.7 Others

8.3 By Sales Channel

8.3.1 Direct Sales
8.3.2 Online Marketplaces
8.3.3 Third-Party Delivery Services
8.3.4 Catering Apps
8.3.5 Restaurant Websites
8.3.6 Others

8.4 By Cuisine Type

8.4.1 American Cuisine
8.4.2 Italian Cuisine
8.4.3 Asian Cuisine
8.4.4 Mediterranean Cuisine
8.4.5 Vegan/Vegetarian Cuisine
8.4.6 Latin American Cuisine
8.4.7 Others

8.5 By Service Type

8.5.1 Full-Service Catering
8.5.2 Drop-Off Catering
8.5.3 Buffet Catering
8.5.4 Plated Service Catering
8.5.5 Boxed Meal Catering
8.5.6 Others

8.6 By Occasion

8.6.1 Corporate Events
8.6.2 Weddings
8.6.3 Birthdays
8.6.4 Holiday Parties
8.6.5 Conferences
8.6.6 Others

8.7 By Price Range

8.7.1 Budget Catering
8.7.2 Mid-Range Catering
8.7.3 Premium Catering
8.7.4 Others

9. US Online Catering & Food Service Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 KPIs for Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Annual Revenue
9.2.4 Revenue Growth Rate
9.2.5 Number of Active Users/Clients
9.2.6 Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
9.2.7 Customer Retention Rate
9.2.8 Average Order Value (AOV)
9.2.9 Market Penetration Rate
9.2.10 Pricing Strategy
9.2.11 Service Level Agreement (SLA) Compliance
9.2.12 Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT/NPS)
9.2.13 Geographic Coverage
9.2.14 Technology Adoption (e.g., mobile app, AI personalization)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Grubhub Inc.
9.5.2 DoorDash Inc.
9.5.3 Uber Eats
9.5.4 Caviar
9.5.5 ezCater
9.5.6 CaterCow
9.5.7 Fooda
9.5.8 Cater2.me
9.5.9 Seamless
9.5.10 ChowNow
9.5.11 HUNGRY Marketplace
9.5.12 Club Feast
9.5.13 Zuppler
9.5.14 Quickgredients
9.5.15 The Sdot Experience
9.5.16 The Happy Bento

10. US Online Catering & Food Service Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Budget Allocation for Catering Services
10.1.2 Preferred Vendors and Contracts
10.1.3 Evaluation Criteria for Bids

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in Catering Technology
10.2.2 Budgeting for Employee Events
10.2.3 Trends in Corporate Catering Expenditure

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Quality of Food
10.3.2 Timeliness of Delivery
10.3.3 Variety of Menu Options

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of Online Catering Services
10.4.2 Comfort with Technology
10.4.3 Feedback Mechanisms

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Measurement of Customer Satisfaction
10.5.2 Analysis of Repeat Orders
10.5.3 Expansion into New User Segments

11. US Online Catering & Food Service Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Business Model Framework


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-Ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands Analysis


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-Sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability Initiatives

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding Efforts

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix Considerations
9.1.2 Pricing Band Strategy
9.1.3 Packaging Solutions

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines for Implementation


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership Considerations

12.2 Partnerships Evaluation


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-Term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 Joint Ventures

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone Planning
15.2.2 Activity Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of industry reports from food service associations and catering industry publications
  • Review of market trends and consumer behavior studies from reputable market research firms
  • Examination of government publications and food safety regulations impacting the catering sector

Primary Research

  • Interviews with key stakeholders in the catering industry, including owners and managers of catering businesses
  • Surveys targeting consumers to understand preferences and spending habits related to online food services
  • Focus groups with event planners and corporate clients to gather insights on catering service expectations

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings through comparison with historical data and industry benchmarks
  • Triangulation of insights from primary interviews with secondary data sources to ensure consistency
  • Sanity checks conducted through expert panel reviews comprising industry veterans and market analysts

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of market size based on national food service revenue and online sales growth rates
  • Segmentation of the market by catering types, including corporate, social, and event catering
  • Incorporation of demographic trends and urbanization effects on catering demand

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of data from leading online catering platforms regarding order volumes and average transaction values
  • Estimation of operational costs and pricing strategies employed by various catering services
  • Volume x cost analysis to derive revenue projections for different market segments

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-factor regression analysis incorporating economic indicators, consumer spending trends, and technological advancements
  • Scenario modeling based on potential impacts of regulatory changes and shifts in consumer preferences
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Corporate Catering Services150Catering Managers, Corporate Event Planners
Social Event Catering100Wedding Planners, Party Coordinators
Online Food Delivery Services120Operations Managers, Marketing Directors
Food Safety Compliance in Catering80Quality Assurance Managers, Compliance Officers
Consumer Preferences in Catering150General Consumers, Food Enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the US Online Catering & Food Service Market?

The US Online Catering & Food Service Market is valued at approximately USD 27 billion, reflecting significant growth driven by the increasing demand for convenience and the rise of online food ordering platforms.

What factors are driving the growth of the online catering market in the US?

Which cities are the largest markets for online catering services in the US?

What types of catering services are most popular in the US?

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