Planning an event in Sydney is not just about booking a venue and picking a menu. Whether you are hosting a networking event in the city, a team celebration in Parramatta or a beach party on the Northern Beaches people expect a lot from the food. For people who plan events it is really important to know what is trending in catering.
What is Happening in Sydney Corporate Catering
Sydney has different business areas and each one is unique. In the city, people generally want service that’s fast and visually appealing. In Parramatta, people tend to prefer food that’s flexible and good value. On the Northern Beaches, people gravitate towards menus that are fresh and reflective of the coastal environment.
Everywhere in Sydney there are different aspects that people care about when it comes to catering. Being kind to the earth, using food that’s in season and making sure everyone has something they can eat, are generally non-negotiable though.
Using Food That’s in Season
In New South Wales using food that is in season is what people expect. For summer events like Christmas parties it is great to use light and fresh ingredients. Think about grilled prawns, fruit platters and salads with greens and capsicum from local farms.
Using food that’s in season makes the food taste better and helps the local farmers. It is also good for the earth as it reduces logistical resources.
Tip for planners: work with your caterer to create menus that feature food from New South Wales. The food will be fresher, it will taste better, and it will likely cost less.
Reducing Waste in Catering
Being kind to the earth is important to businesses in Sydney and reducing waste’s becoming the norm. Companies want to work with caterers who can reduce waste by planning and executing events carefully.
This means using plates and cups that can be composted or reused, planning food portions so there is waste donating extra food when possible and not using plastic that can only be used once.
For events on the Northern Beaches, where people care a lot about the earth, reducing waste can make your company look good.
Tip: ask your caterer what they do to reduce waste and how they track their impact on the earth.
Making Sure Everyone Has Something to Eat
Sydney is a city with people from different backgrounds and this means there are many different dietary needs. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options should be part of the menu not just added on as an afterthought.
Good catering is about making sure everyone has something they can eat without compromising on quality. A planned menu makes sure every guest has a great experience no matter what their dietary needs are.
Examples include:
- Vegan canapés that everyone will like
- Gluten-free desserts that are just as tasty as the others
- Dishes that are clearly labelled so everyone knows what they can eat
Planner insight: providing options for everyone is not just about meeting expectations it is also about showing respect for your guests.
Finding a Balance Between Professional and Relaxed
Sydney is a city that can be professional and relaxed at the time. Corporate events are no exception. In formal events in the city people want catering that is friendly and engaging.
Food stations where people can interact, shared platters and live cooking are becoming more popular because they help people mingle and make the event more fun.
In Parramatta events are often about being efficient and scalable while on the Northern Beaches people like a casual and outdoor-friendly approach.
Planning for Summer Events
When it is summer in Australia catering needs to adapt. This means choosing food that stays fresh in the heat, picking refreshing options and making sure there is plenty of water for everyone.
Seafood, salads and chilled desserts are great for summer while heavy and rich food is not as popular when it is hot.
Final Thoughts
For people looking for Catering Sydney solutions, the key to success is to know what people expect. By using food that’s in season, reducing waste and making sure everyone has something to eat you can create an experience that people will remember.
Sydney’s event scene is always changing and catering is a part of that. With some planning and a clear understanding of what’s trending your next corporate event can be a success whether it is, in the city, Parramatta or the Northern Beaches.
