Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
App
Catering
App-based catering platforms help users remain organized.
3.2
Trend score
Trend
What is the App Catering trend?
App Catering: Some brands are making the process of catering food easier for both businesses and end users through the use of virtual platforms. App-based ordering systems help users plan and organize catered meals with minimal communication.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the App Catering trend
Convenience is extremely important to consumers, particularly when brands use consumers' existing habits (like smartphone use) in order to make consumers' purchase decisions simpler and quicker. As consumers juggle their professional, personal and social responsibilities, they turn to brands that are able to balance both quality and convenience in their offerings.
Trend themes
Themes within the App Catering trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Hyper-Convenient Catering
Virtual platforms are helping businesses and end-users make catering food process easier through app-based ordering systems.
02
Ghost Kitchens
The food industry is developing online order-only restaurant locations to meet the needs of customers who seek quick service.
03
Easy Online Catering Services
Easy online catering services like Instacart's FoodStorm Order Management System make it easier for grocers to offer catering items and manage orders.
Industry implications
What the App Catering trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Food Delivery Platforms
Companies are utilizing food delivery platforms, virtual platforms, food recommendation engines, and catering apps to offer catering services.
For
Tech Industry
The trend towards virtual platforms, online-only restaurant locations, and automation represent incredible opportunities for companies in tech that leverage new technologies.
For
Retail Industry
The retail sector can partner with catering service providers to support the catering needs of their customers.
Workshop question
How could your brand help streamline its customers' purchase journeys?
Trend signals
Trend signals for App Catering
Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 33%, freshness 16%.
Popularity46%
Activity33%
Freshness16%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the App Catering trend
5 featured examples from Dec 8, 2020 to May 18, 2023CategoryBusiness
Online Order-Only Restaurant Locations
Panera To Go Will Have a Small Store Footprint
The fast-casual dining industry can benefit from implementing online order-only locations and adapting to urban-focused concepts.
CategoryBusiness
Easy Online Catering Services
Instacart Customers Can Use the FoodStorm Order Management System
The food and beverage industry can benefit from offering online catering services and adopting order management systems for their operations.
CategoryLifestyle
App-Based Digital Cafeterias
Cloud Cafe Lets Employees Choose and Pay for Their Own Daily Meals
Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Creating tech-driven platforms that enable companies to provide flexible and personalized dining experiences for employees.
CategoryTech
Pairing Catering Apps
Feedr Brings Corporate Business and Local Food Vendors Together
Catering apps can provide healthy food options to enhance wellness programs offered as an employment benefit
CategoryBusiness
Convenience Store Catering Services
The Wawa Catering Program is Launching with ezCater
Convenience stores that offer catering services will see increased demand from corporate workplaces.
