Food & beverage: part of the event experience
Like many aspects of events, 2024 saw catering trends to be spectacular, immersive experiences. The 2024 Food & Beverage Trend Report from SupHerb Farms noted some interesting patterns in palates this year: for starters, global flavors are still entering the main stage for new twists on old favorites. Oaxacan, Vietnamese, Nigerian, and North African cuisine have risen to the top (the report suggests Ted Lasso may have had something to do with the spike in interest in Nigerian fare). Japanese fusion food is having a moment, mood-focused wellness food is in demand, and edible packaging is making its way into the mainstream—in fact, sustainability has expanded in the catering sector, now encompassing “social justice, workers' rights, animal welfare, and community involvement as well as environmental- specific issues such as water, air, and soil quality and protection.” Savory profiles, global sauces, nostalgia food, and swicy (sweet and spicy) flavors are still popular as ever, and mushrooms are still wowing crowds with their diversity and health benefits. This year, we also noticed the rise of grazing tables, indicating the maximalist dining experience that attendees desire. Back in January, Catersource predicted the year’s upcoming food trends, starting with cacao, macadamia, and plant-based everything, and we certainly saw our fair share of these items this year. The article also highlighted the rise of regenerative agriculture as a method of sustainable catering practices. Then, in May, Catersource rounded up the trends spotted at Catersource + The Special Event, taking note of popular F&B items such as branded food (namely logoed ice cubes), caviar, candy stations and other confectionary delights, smoke-infused food and cocktails—and even robots entering the catering scene. The SupHerb Farm report best sums up the importance of event pros latching onto the subtle demands that change each year: “Micro trends or food fads are offering both innovation opportunities and challenges for foodservice and retail.” As we’ll highlight in the next section, unique and stunning experiences are here more than ever, and understanding the palates of attendees gives you the opportunity to increase engagement. For more on catering stats, turn to page 18 in the accompanying issue for the Catersource State of the Industry report. For more food and beverage trends, turn to page 04.
2024 could be deemed the "Year of the Espresso Martini." Shown here: the popular cocktail was served at a Chef's Table dinner by 24 Carrots Catering & Events. Photo courtesy Jackie Culmer Photography
Elaborate food stations are popular, like this confectionery table at the 2024 CS+TSE Closing Night Celebration. Photo courtesy Ivan Piedra Photography/AGNYC Productions/SpotMyPhotos
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SPECIAL EVENTS WINTER 2024
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