Upcoming Trade Shows in Netherlands for Catering

In 2024, the catering industry in the Netherlands has positioned itself to be a strong contributor to the nation’s economy by employing 55,432 individuals across 25,106 businesses. This marks a significant increase of 11.9% from the previous year, which highlights the sector’s resilience and clear potential for further expansion. Despite challenges posed by rising costs and economic pressures, the catering industry has demonstrated remarkable growth driven in part by the patronage of younger generations seeking dining experiences as a means of relaxation and social engagement. According to analysis by the Dutch Food Service Institute (FSIN), the total turnover for the catering sector rose by 13% to €11.6 million in 2023, which contributed to the broader food services industry’s overall turnover of €21.5 million. However, this growth is primarily attributed to escalated prices rather than increased demand as consumers grapple with the negative effects of inflation on their spending power. The younger demographic, labeled the convenience generations by FSIN, emerges as a key demographic sustaining the sector with their annual spending on dining out significantly surpassing that of older generations. Director of FSIN, Inga Blokker, emphasizes the intrinsic link between dining out and emotional gratification for younger consumers amidst their fast-paced lifestyles. Yet, despite the buoyancy in turnover, many caterers find themselves grappling with escalating operational costs, including higher wage bills, energy expenses, taxes and compliance with food security and sustainability standards. While the catering industry continues to thrive in terms of revenue, the challenge lies in translating this turnover into sustainable profitability. As Blokker underscores, the sector’s true challenges lie not in customer-facing operations but in addressing the mounting pressures on the backend. In navigating these challenges, the Netherlands’ catering industry must adopt innovative strategies to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate rising costs, and capitalize on evolving consumer preferences.