Industry Statistics and Trends
Food-Service Contractors in Europe key trends
Office returns boost demand for European canteen food services.
The post-pandemic shift back to the workplace has driven growth, with contract caterers enjoying higher attendance from workers seeking cheaper food alternatives.
Consumer tastes drive change in food and drink offerings.
To please consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable meals, contract caterers have expanded their menus and introduced more options, including healthier, organic food and vegetarian and vegan selections.
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Food-Service Contractors in Europe
Industry Revenue
Total value and annual change from 2012-2030. Includes 5-year outlook.
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Food-Service Contractors in Europe market size (2020-2025)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 2.8 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated €66.8bn in 2025.
Trends and Insights
Contract caterers see a recovery in demand as employee attendance rebounds
- Strict restrictions imposed across European nations during the COVID-19 pandemic severely crunched demand for contract caterers in 2020 and 2021, weakening revenue. For example, leading food-service company Sodexo reported a contraction in revenue over the two years through 2021, a trend seen in the wider industry. The gradual easing of restrictions in 2021 and the complete lifting of restrictions in 2022 boosted a rebound in demand for contract caterers, particularly in the business and industry market segment.
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Food-Service Contractors in Europe outlook (2025-2030)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Corporate outsourcing and improved confidence will support contract caterers in the future
- Despite recent economic uncertainty, easing trade war fears could spur economic growth. Anticipated improvement in European economic conditions will fuel business sentiment and expand budgets, driving spending on contract caterers. European Commission projections from November 2024 forecast that inflation in the EU will come down to the target of 2% in 2026 (from 2.4% in 2025) and that GDP growth will accelerate to 1.8% in 2026 (from 1.5% in 2025). The UK's economic situation is similar, where the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts GDP to expand by between 1.7% and 1.9% annually by 2029, while inflation is expected to hit the 2% target in 2027.
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Revenue
€66.8bn
Employees
1m
Wages
€XX.Xbn
European Leaders & Laggards
Top 5 Countries
- Bosnia & Herzegovina +23.0%
- Spain +7.6%
- Luxembourg +7.2%
- Malta +7.0%
- Lithuania +6.3%
* CAGR values are for the years 2020-2025.
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Biggest companies in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe
| Company | Market Share (%)
2025 | Revenue (€m)
2025 | Profit (€m)
2025 | Profit Margin (%)
2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Compass Group plc | 42,081.6 | 2,543.6 | 6.0 | |
Sodexo SA | 24,471.5 | 992.4 | 4.1 | |
Elior Participations | 5,921.2 | 39.9 | 0.7 |
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Food-Service Contractors in Europe
Products & Services Segmentation
Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.
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Top Questions Answered in this Report
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What is the market size of the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe in 2025?
The market size of the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe is €66.8bn in 2025.
How many businesses are there in the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe in 2025?
There are 73,133 businesses in the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe, which has grown at a CAGR of 1.9 % between 2020 and 2025.
Has the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe has been growing at a CAGR of 2.8 % between 2020 and 2025.
What is the forecast growth of the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe is expected to grow.
What does the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe include?
On-premises food services and Beverages are part of the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe.
Which countries have the most businesses in the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe?
The European country with the most businesses in the Food-Service Contractors industry is Russia.
How competitive is the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe?
The level of competition is high and increasing in the Food-Service Contractors industry in Europe.
Related Industries
This industry is covered in 37 countries
- Food-Service Contractors in Austria
- Food-Service Contractors in France
- Food-Service Contractors in Lithuania
- Food-Service Contractors in Italy
- Food-Service Contractors in the UK
- Food-Service Contractors in Sweden
- Food-Service Contractors in Germany
- Food-Service Contractors in Latvia
- Food-Service Contractors in Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Food-Service Contractors in the UK
- Food-Service Contractors in Germany
- Food-Service Contractors in Greece
- Food-Service Contractors in Romania
- Food-Service Contractors in Norway
- Food-Service Contractors in Hungary
- Food-Service Contractors in Denmark
- Food-Service Contractors in Poland
- Food-Service Contractors in Malta
- Food-Service Contractors in Croatia
- Food-Service Contractors in Slovenia
- Food-Service Contractors in Spain
- Food-Service Contractors in Portugal
- Food-Service Contractors in Serbia
- Food-Service Contractors in the Netherlands
- Food-Service Contractors in Belgium
- Food-Service Contractors in Cyprus
- Food-Service Contractors in Estonia
- Food-Service Contractors in Iceland
- Food-Service Contractors in Europe
- Food-Service Contractors in Luxembourg
- Food-Service Contractors in Russia
- Food-Service Contractors in Slovakia
- Food-Service Contractors in Turkey
- Food-Service Contractors in Ireland
- Food-Service Contractors in Finland
- Food-Service Contractors in Bulgaria
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Industry players provide catering services for clients on a contract basis. Contracts cover the time period, prices and broad menu selections for the services provided.
Related Terms
OUTSOURCINGCANTEENORGANIC FOODWhat's included in this industry?
On-premises food servicesBeveragesMeals for takeaway consumptionCompanies
Compass Group plcSodexo SAElior ParticipationsIndustry Code
5629 - Other food service activities in Europe
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Performance
Key Takeaways
Contract caterers see a recovery in demand as employee attendance rebounds
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Revenue Highlights
Trends
- Revenue
- 2025 Revenue Growth
- Revenue Volatility
Employment Highlights
Trends
- Employees
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Employee
Business Highlights
Trends
- Businesses
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Business
Profit Highlights
Trends
- Total Profit
- Profit Margin
- Profit per Business
Current Performance
Charts
- Revenue in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Employees in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Business in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Profit in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
Analysis
What's driving current industry performance in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry?
Outlook
Analysis
What's driving the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry outlook?
Volatility
Analysis
What influences volatility in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth Matrix
Life Cycle
Analysis
What determines the industry life cycle stage in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Life Cycle Matrix
Products and Markets
Highlights
Trends
- Largest Market
- Product Innovation
Key Takeaways
The healthcare sector drives consistent revenue for caterers. As Europe's population ages, more people require specialised dietary plans in healthcare facilities, ensuring steady demand that remains less vulnerable to economic fluctuations compared to corporate food services.
Products and Services
Charts
- Products and Services Segmentation
Analysis
How are the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry's products and services performing?
Analysis
What are innovations in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry's products and services?
Major Markets
Charts
- Major Market Segmentation
Analysis
What influences demand in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry?
International Trade
Highlights
- Largest Importer
- Smallest Importer
- Total Imports into Europe
- Largest Exporter
- Smallest Exporter
- Total Exports into Europe
Heat maps
- Industry Concentration of Imports by Country
- Industry Concentration of Exports by Country
Data Tables
Value and annual change (%) included
- Number of Imports and Exports by European Country (2025)
Geographic Breakdown
Business Locations
Heat maps
- Share of Total Industry Revenue by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Enterprises by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Employment by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Wages by Region (2025)
Industry Geographic Breakdown
Data Tables
Values and annual change provided for 37 European countries:
- Revenue (2025)
- IVA (2025)
- Enterprises (2025)
- Employment (2025)
- Exports (2025)
- Imports (2025)
Competitive Forces
Highlights
Trends
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
Key Takeaways
There are many companies operating in the industry. The industry is highly fragmented, with many contract caterers operating across Europe. Consumer trends toward healthier eating present opportunities for new entrants.
Supply Chain
Charts
Buyer and supply industries
Companies
Market Share
Charts
- Industry Market Share by Company (2020-2025)
Companies
Data Tables
Top 12 companies by market share:
- Market share (2025)
- Revenue (2025)
- Profit (2025)
- Profit Margin (2025)
Data Tables
- Countries of operation for Compass Group plc
- Countries of operation for Sodexo SA
- Countries of operation for Elior Participations
- Countries of operation for Elior Group SA
- Countries of operation for Aramark Corp
- Countries of operation for CD&R and WSH JVco (UK) Ltd
- Countries of operation for API Restauration SAS
- Countries of operation for Newrest Group Services SAS
- Countries of operation for CAMST Soc. Coop. ARL
- Countries of operation for CIRFOOD s.c.
- Countries of operation for Albron BV
- Countries of operation for Klüh Service Management GmbH
External Environment
Highlights
Trends
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key Takeaways
Contract caterers must comply with stringent food regulations. As food-service contractors deal with food, they have to comply with strict food standards on preparation, storage and disposal.
External Drivers
Analysis
What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry?
Financial Benchmarks
Highlights
Trends
- Profit Margin
- Average Wage
- Largest Cost
Key Takeaways
High costs and demand shifts impact food-service profitability. Inflation and elevated input prices have squeezed margins, but rising demand for nutritious meals allows premium pricing, while companies have also been passing costs onto clients to protect profit.
Cost Structure
Charts
- Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
-
Industry Cost Structure Benchmarks:
- Marketing
- Depreciation
- Profit
- Purchases
- Wages
- Rent
- Utilities
- Other
Analysis
What trends impact cost in the Food-Service Contractors in Europe industry?
Key Ratios
Data tables
- IVA/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Imports/Demand (2015-2030)
- Exports/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Revenue per Employee (2015-2030)
- Wages/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Employees per Establishment (2015-2030)
- Average Wage (2015-2030)
Country Benchmarks
European Leaders & Laggards
Data Tables
Top and bottom five countries listed for each:
- Revenue Growth (2025)
- Business Growth (2025)
- Job Growth (2025)
European Country Performance
Data Tables
Rankings available for 37 countries. Statistics ranked include:
- IVA/Revenue (2025)
- Imports/Demand (2025)
- Exports/Revenue (2025)
- Revenue per Employee (2025)
- Wages/Revenue (2025)
- Employees per Establishment (2025)
- Average Wage (2025)
Structural Comparison
Data Tables
Trends in 37 countries benchmarked against trends in Europe
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
- Volatility
- Capital Intensity
- Innovation
- Life Cycle
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2015-2030)
- IVA (2015-2030)
- Establishments (2015-2030)
- Enterprises (2015-2030)
- Employment (2015-2030)
- Exports (2015-2030)
- Imports (2015-2030)
- Wages (2015-2030)
Methodology
Where does IBISWorld source its data?
IBISWorld is a world-leading provider of business information, with reports on 5,000+ industries in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe and China. Our expert industry analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build an accurate picture of each industry.
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and IBISWorld's proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
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