How Corporate Catering Shapes Memorable Events: A Survey Conducted by CaterCom

CaterCom conducted an extensive survey with 500 businesses across South Africa to gain insights into how corporate catering affects the success of year-end functions, corporate meetings, and special business events. The aim was to understand what businesses value most in catering services and how it contributes to the overall event experience. Here are the key questions, top responses, and valuable takeaways from the study.

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1. How Essential Is Catering to the Success of Corporate Events?

Top Responses:

• Extremely essential (58%)
• Moderately important (32%)
• Not very important (10%)

Key Takeaway:

Catering plays a pivotal role in event success. A well-curated menu can elevate the atmosphere, boost guest satisfaction, and reflect positively on the company’s brand image.

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2. What Type of Catering Setup Do You Prefer for Corporate Events?

Top Responses:

• Buffet-style for variety (42%)
• Plated meals for formal occasions (28%)
• Finger foods for networking (20%)
• Food stations or themed catering (10%)

Key Takeaway:

Flexibility is key. Companies prefer catering options that align with the event’s purpose—buffets for large gatherings, plated meals for formal dinners, and finger foods for dynamic networking events.

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3. How Does Catering Quality Influence Employee and Client Engagement?

Top Responses:

• Strong positive influence (62%)
• Somewhat influential (28%)
• Minimal effect (10%)

Key Takeaway:

Quality catering enhances engagement. Exceptional food not only satisfies hunger but also fosters a more relaxed, productive environment where employees and clients feel valued.

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4. How Often Are Dietary Restrictions Considered When Booking Catering?

Top Responses:

• Always (54%)
• Occasionally (30%)
• Rarely (16%)

Key Takeaway:

Inclusive catering is critical. Addressing dietary needs reflects thoughtfulness, ensuring all guests feel accommodated, which is especially important for diverse work environments.

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5. How Important Is the Presentation of Food at Corporate Functions?

Top Responses:

• Extremely important (50%)
• Somewhat important (35%)
• Not important (15%)

Key Takeaway:

Visual appeal matters. Beautifully presented food not only looks enticing but also reinforces the professionalism and attention to detail associated with the host company.

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6. What Are the Preferred Beverage Options at Corporate Events?

Top Responses:

• A mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic (47%)
• Non-alcoholic only (38%)
• Alcoholic beverages only (15%)

Key Takeaway:

Diverse beverage options are preferred. Offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks caters to varied preferences and maintains a professional event atmosphere.

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7. Does the Catering Setup Facilitate Better Networking Opportunities?

Top Responses:

• Yes, significantly (55%)
• Somewhat (30%)
• No noticeable effect (15%)

Key Takeaway:

Catering arrangements can enhance networking. Interactive setups like grazing tables or finger foods encourage movement and conversation among attendees.

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8. What Portion of the Event Budget Is Typically Allocated to Catering?

Top Responses:

• 20-30% of the total budget (45%)
• 10-20% (35%)
• Over 30% (12%)
• Less than 10% (8%)

Key Takeaway:

Catering is a priority investment. Businesses allocate a significant portion of their event budgets to ensure the quality and impact of the catering service.

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9. How Do You Measure the Success of Catering After an Event?

Top Responses:

• Guest feedback (52%)
• Quality of food and service (33%)
• Timeliness and presentation (15%)

Key Takeaway:

Guest feedback is invaluable. Post-event reviews provide insights into what worked well and what can be improved, helping refine future catering choices.

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10. Would You Rehire a Catering Service Based on Positive Experiences?

Top Responses:

• Definitely (60%)
• Possibly, depending on future events (30%)
• Unlikely (10%)

Key Takeaway:

Consistency builds loyalty. Catering services that consistently deliver high-quality food, professional service, and reliability are more likely to secure repeat business.

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Conclusion

This survey conducted by CaterCom reveals the significant impact of catering on the success of corporate events. From enhancing guest engagement to fostering networking opportunities, catering is more than just food—it’s a vital element of event planning. Investing in high-quality, inclusive, and well-presented catering not only improves the event experience but also strengthens business relationships and company reputation.