The collective catering market in Italy

The foodservice market is a key sector of the food industry, playing a crucial role in providing safe and balanced meals to schools, hospitals, businesses, and public institutions. Its growth is driven by factors such as sustainability, digitization and new food preferences, which are redefining the strategies of industry players.

Globally, the market is constantly expanding. Between 2025 and 2030, its value will grow from $280.6 billion to $346.3 billion, with an annual growth rate of 4.3 percent. In Europe, it is expected to grow by 21 percent, with the market reaching $75.38 billion by 2030. The sector's evolution is supported by theadoption of digital technologies, increasing focus on sustainability and menu customization, elements that are becoming priorities for companies.

In Italy, the sector recorded a turnover of 5.79 billion euros in 2024, with stable demand, supported by the need for catering services for schools, healthcare facilities and businesses. The gradual aging of the population, with a projected growth of 11.6 percent of the over-65s by 2030, is driving an increase in demand for services for care and healthcare facilities. At the same time, there is a change in eating habits, with a growing demand for healthy, organic and ethnic foods, in line with new consumption trends geared toward sustainability. The Italian market is undergoing a phase of concentration, with the gradual downsizing of small entities in favor of large national and international groups. While this trend allows for improved efficiency and cost optimization, it also reduces competitiveness for smaller companies, which must differentiate themselves by focusing on quality and customization of the offer. Currently, there are two prevailing distribution models in the sector: the conventional system, in which meals are prepared directly at the destination facilities, and the deferred system, based on centralized kitchens with meal transportation, a solution that provides greater control over quality standards and operating costs.

Technological innovation is transforming the sector, with the introduction of digital systems for managing reservations and payments, which improve efficiency and operations. Sustainability is another priority, with the implementation of strategies to reduce waste, such as theuse of artificial intelligence for inventory management and the integration of blockchain for food traceability. Despite its growth prospects, the sector faces significant challenges.Inflation andrising commodity costs are putting pressure on operating margins, pushing companies to optimize processes to maintain profitability. Regulation is becoming increasingly stringent, with regulations imposing high standards in terms of food safety and sustainability. In addition, demand for customized menus and specific dietary solutions requires greater flexibility in supply management.

Analyst's comment

The foodservice industry is going through a phase of profound transformation, in which the ability to integrate sustainability, digitization and service quality will be critical to the success of companies. Companies that invest in innovation, efficient resource management and supply diversification will have a better chance of consolidating their position. However, progressive market concentration is likely to penalize small businesses, which will have to focus on differentiation strategies based on quality and customization. A further strategic element isinternational expansion. Italian companies can seize new growth opportunities by taking their foodservice model to emerging markets, where demand for high-quality services is booming. In addition, public and private investments, particularly those related to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP) and European policies for ecological transition, represent a key opportunity to accelerate innovation and digitization in the sector.

In the near future, the success of mass catering will depend on the ability of companies to respond flexibly to economic and regulatory challenges, optimizing processes and introducing innovative solutions that ensure a balance between efficiency, quality and sustainability.