# App Catering App-based catering platforms help users remain organized. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Aug 20, 2022 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/app-catering ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 8, 2020 to May 18, 2023 - Published: Aug 20, 2022 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the App Catering trend ### Hyper-Convenient Catering Virtual platforms are helping businesses and end-users make catering food process easier through app-based ordering systems. ### Ghost Kitchens The food industry is developing online order-only restaurant locations to meet the needs of customers who seek quick service. ### 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. ## What the App Catering trend means for industry ### For 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 for App Catering Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 33%, freshness 16%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 33% - Freshness: 16% ## Examples of the App Catering trend 5 featured examples from Dec 8, 2020 to May 18, 2023. - [Online Order-Only Restaurant Locations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-to-go): Panera To Go Will Have a Small Store Footprint (Category: Business) Implication: The fast-casual dining industry can benefit from implementing online order-only locations and adapting to urban-focused concepts. - [Easy Online Catering Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodstorm-order-management-system): Instacart Customers Can Use the FoodStorm Order Management System (Category: Business) Implication: The food and beverage industry can benefit from offering online catering services and adopting order management systems for their operations. - [App-Based Digital Cafeterias](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-cafeteria): Cloud Cafe Lets Employees Choose and Pay for Their Own Daily Meals (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Creating tech-driven platforms that enable companies to provide flexible and personalized dining experiences for employees. - [Pairing Catering Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/catering-app): Feedr Brings Corporate Business and Local Food Vendors Together (Category: Tech) Implication: Catering apps can provide healthy food options to enhance wellness programs offered as an employment benefit - [Convenience Store Catering Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wawa-catering-program): The Wawa Catering Program is Launching with ezCater (Category: Business) Implication: Convenience stores that offer catering services will see increased demand from corporate workplaces. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)