Catering for Corporate Events: A Simple Planning Guide

Catering is no longer just about feeding guests—it is about creating an experience. As we step into 2025, event catering is evolving to be more sustainable, personalised, and interactive than ever before. From hyper-local menus to tech-driven service, this year’s biggest trends are all about elevating the dining experience.

Catering is no longer just about feeding guests—it is about creating an experience. As we step into 2025, event catering is evolving to be more sustainable, personalised, and interactive than ever before. From hyper-local menus to tech-driven service, this year’s biggest trends are all about elevating the dining experience.

Whether you are planning a corporate event, wedding, private party, or large-scale celebration, staying ahead of these trends will ensure your catering is fresh, exciting, and unforgettable.

So, what is hot in event catering in 2025? Let’s dive in.

1. Sustainable & Hyper-Local Catering

Sustainability is no longer an option—it is a priority. In 2025, event catering is embracing hyper-local and eco-friendly practices, with a focus on:

• Locally sourced, seasonal produce from nearby farms and suppliers.
• Minimal food waste, with creative ways to repurpose ingredients.
• Eco-conscious packaging such as biodegradable plates and cutlery.
• Carbon-neutral catering that offsets emissions.

Looking for a caterer who prioritises sustainability? At Jarrah Catering, we use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create vibrant menus while minimising environmental impact. Enquire now for a sustainable catering experience.

2. Interactive & Immersive Dining Experiences

In 2025, guests are craving more than just great food—they want an experience. Interactive catering setups bring food to life with:

• Live cooking stations, where chefs prepare meals in front of guests.
• DIY food bars, such as poke bowls, taco stations, or grazing tables.
• Edible cocktails and molecular gastronomy techniques for a touch of theatrics.

3. Elevated Plant-Based & Flexitarian Menus

Plant-based eating is no longer a niche trend—it is mainstream. Even non-vegans are embracing flexitarian lifestyles, reducing meat consumption in favour of plant-forward meals.

Expect to see:

• Hearty, protein-rich plant-based dishes, like miso-glazed eggplant or BBQ jackfruit.
• Alternative proteins, including mushroom-based meat substitutes and chickpea-based seafood.
• Dairy-free and egg-free desserts, like coconut panna cotta and cashew cheesecake.

Want to impress your guests with a plant-based menu? We offer creative, flavour-packed vegan and vegetarian options that even meat lovers will enjoy. Chat with us today.

4. Global Fusion Flavours with a Local Twist

International cuisine is more popular than ever, but 2025 is all about fusion menus that blend global and local influences. This year’s biggest trends include:

• Japanese-Italian fusion, such as miso carbonara.
• Mexican-Korean tacos, featuring kimchi and bulgogi beef.
• Native Australian ingredients infused into global dishes, like wattleseed brownies or lemon myrtle-infused seafood.

5. Bite-Sized & Mini Meal Catering

Guests love variety, and in 2025, small bites and mini meals are taking centre stage. Instead of large plated dinners, expect:

• Mini gourmet burgers and sliders.
• Small-portion meal bowls, such as poke or noodle cups.
• Bite-sized desserts, like mini cheesecakes and chocolate mousse cups.

Want a menu that lets guests sample multiple flavours? Our bite-sized catering options are perfect for cocktail parties, corporate events, and networking nights. Let’s plan your menu.

6. Tech-Driven Catering & Smart Ordering

Technology is making event catering smarter and more efficient. Some of the biggest advancements in 2025 include:

• QR code menus, reducing paper waste and allowing guests to browse options digitally.
• AI-powered food recommendations, personalising menus based on guest preferences.
• Smart food waste tracking, ensuring efficient portioning and minimal leftovers.

7. Dessert Tables & Custom Sweet Stations

Desserts are becoming a centrepiece of event catering, with elaborate dessert tables and custom stations stealing the show. Popular trends include:

• Gourmet doughnut walls.
• DIY dessert bars, like build-your-own ice cream sundaes.
• Mini dessert flights, allowing guests to sample multiple treats.

Want a show-stopping dessert table at your event? Let’s create a visually stunning and delicious spread. Talk to us.

8. Late-Night Comfort Food Bars

For weddings and late-night events, comfort food bars are becoming a must-have. Think:

• Mini gourmet pies and sausage rolls.
• Milkshake stations with fresh-baked cookies.
• Cheese toasties with truffle aioli.

9. Farm-to-Table, Rustic Catering Experiences

For more intimate and high-end events, farm-to-table dining is gaining popularity. Expect:

• Long-table feasts with seasonal produce.
• Rustic bread and cheese platters.
• Family-style serving, encouraging social dining.

Looking for an elegant, farm-to-table experience? Our rustic catering menus bring the best of local produce to your table. Enquire now.

FAQs About Event Catering in 2025

1. What is the biggest trend in event catering for 2025?

The top trend is sustainability and hyper-local catering, with a strong emphasis on seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients and zero-waste initiatives. Interactive food stations and plant-based menus are also gaining popularity.

2. How do I choose the right catering style for my event?

Consider the type of event, guest preferences, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. For formal events, plated meals or elegant canapés work well, while casual or networking events benefit from grazing tables and interactive food stations.

3. What dietary requirements should I consider when planning event catering?

In 2025, more guests will have specific dietary preferences. Common dietary needs include:

• Vegan & vegetarian
• Gluten-free & dairy-free
• Nut-free & allergen-friendly
• Halal & kosher options

It is always best to survey your guests in advance and work with a caterer who can customise menus to suit all dietary requirements.

4. How far in advance should I book event catering?

For large-scale events, it is recommended to book at least 4–6 weeks in advance to ensure availability. For smaller gatherings, 1–2 weeks may be sufficient. Last-minute catering may be available, but options may be limited.

5. How can I make my event catering more eco-friendly?

To make your event more sustainable, consider:

• Using locally sourced, organic ingredients.
• Opting for biodegradable or reusable plates and cutlery.
• Reducing food waste with accurate guest counts and portion planning.
• Partnering with a caterer committed to sustainability, like Jarrah Catering.

Elevate Your Event Catering in 2025

Event catering in 2025 is all about innovation, sustainability, and personalised experiences. From hyper-local ingredients and interactive food stations to plant-based menus and bite-sized indulgences, catering is evolving to be more exciting and guest-focused than ever.

Whether you are planning a corporate function, wedding, or private event, embracing these trends will create a memorable and seamless dining experience. Ready to impress your guests with cutting-edge catering? Jarrah Catering is here to bring your vision to life. Get in touch today to start planning!