Holistic well-being improvement programs are also being implemented, which will quickly amount to a better work environment and satisfied customers. An employee wellness program can serve as a key differentiator and critical means of long-term staff retention. In fact, 79% of employees indicated that they would leave a job for one that supported their well-being, said Anthony Lambatos (Footers Catering) during a session on employee well-being during Catersource + The Special Event 2024 (turn to page 41 for Lambatos’ thoughts on employee burnout). “We need to start valuing people for more than the job that they do,” said Lambatos. “It’s not so much a work- life balance anymore, but a work-life blend. I don’t think ‘Personal Anthony’ stays behind and ‘Professional Anthony’ shows up and is ready for work—we need to hold space for both because they are equally important.” These programs aim to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent illness and injury, and improve employee morale and productivity. Studies have shown that 80% of employees at companies with robust health and wellness programs show increased employee engagement. Sustainability in 2024: a green revolution One of the most noteworthy trends in 2024 was the industry’s commitment to sustainability. “As you all know, the new trend supposedly is sustainability,” said Dana Buchanan (Primal Alchemy) during a session on zero-waste events at Catersource + The Special Event 2024. “While we love the fact that it’s a new trend, we don’t like the fact that it might only be a trend—we want it to remain permanent.” Throughout 2024 caterers increasingly prioritized eco- friendly practices, everything from sourcing local and organic ingredients to minimizing food waste (32% of survey respondents indicated that compostable or recyclable products were one of the most requested trends in 2024). Many catering companies implemented composting and recycling programs, aligning with consumer demand for environmentally responsible practices. This shift not only appeals to eco-conscious clients but also improves operational efficiency, demonstrating that sustainability can enhance profitability. “Putting on green events isn’t going to necessarily cost us more green,” said Chef Alyson Zildjian (Zildjian Catering and Consulting) during a session on green events at Catersource + The Special Event 2024. Numbers don’t lie, and 57% of consumers say sustainability practices at least somewhat influence their choices when dining away from home.
During Parléview’s Innovate Canada (which won the Gala Award for Sustainability in Events) guests were served meals with locally- sourced ingredients, including fully vegetarian lunches. Photo courtesy Destination Canada/Johnson Studios
Chef Alyson Zildjian (Zildjian Catering and Consulting) is a committed leader in green business practices and her dedication to sustainability extends beyond the kitchen, teaching and educating the community on the benefits of reducing our impact on the planet. Her passion for clean food leads to supporting local farms and sourcing local and seasonal food. Photo courtesy Zildjian Catering and Consulting
WINTER 2024 ■ CATERSOURCE
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