The 2025 ECEP Trends Report identifies what’s catching on in catering and events
Caviar carts, sensorial cocktails and corporate events that emphasize flexibility. Those are just a few of the 2025 industry trends identified by Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP), a collaborative network of leaders from the world’s top catering and hospitality organizations.
Following are findings from the ECEP 2025 Trends Report, compiled during this year’s ECEP Symposium in Napa, California.
Culinary Trends
- Sensorial Menus and Multi-Sensory Dining
On the flip side of digital fatigue, guests are craving more presence and connection. Sensorial dining delivers cuisine that awakens all senses. Chefs are designing immersive experiences through taste, scent, texture, sound and light. Think dishes served on aromatic platters, ambient soundscapes that shift with each course and lighting that evolves throughout the meal. Even cocktails are getting in on the action, like one memorable example served in a Tibetan sound bowl and stirred by sound waves created by the mixologist.
- Caviar Culture: Indulgence for the TikTok Generation
Caviar is having a cultural revival, moving from elite delicacy to playful lifestyle statement. Fueled by Gen Z’s love of vintage glamour and over-the-top moments, caviar is popping up at events on roaming carts, in caviar tin service, and paired with nostalgic favorites like tater tots, spaghetti and deviled eggs. It’s not just about flavor—it’s about flair, image and turning everyday bites into luxurious rituals.
- Butter, But Make It Bougie
Butter is getting the star treatment. No longer a quiet side note, or something to shun for its cholesterol levels, it’s now front and center with curated flavor flights and tableside butter trolleys. Inspired by restaurants like Emeril’s, butter is becoming the opening act—personalized, nostalgic and delightfully over-the-top. This is comfort food elevated, with a couture twist that invites guests to savor every spread.
Wedding and Corporate Event Trends
- The Luxury Mindset: Aspirational Weddings
Gen Z is redefining luxury with a focus on curated, high-touch experiences. Today’s couples are seeking weddings that reflect their personal style and values—prioritizing uniqueness, exclusivity and emotion over price tags. From designer décor and custom favors to private tastings and immersive storytelling, the luxury mindset is about creating unforgettable, deeply personal moments.
- Corporate Events: The Rise of the Open Format
Corporate gatherings are shifting toward a more casual, fluid structure that encourages meaningful networking in a relaxed environment. While many events retain a core agenda, participation is intentionally flexible—allowing guests to engage at their own pace throughout the day. This open format fosters dynamic interaction, especially when mirrored by interactive food and beverage stations.
- Wellness-Centered Events
Wellness is no longer a trend—it’s an expectation. Couples and corporations desire celebrations that reflect a holistic approach to health and well-being. Menus include nutrient-rich options, and programming often features serene spaces, yoga sessions or spa integrations. These thoughtful inclusions speak to a generation that values mindfulness, sustainability and self-care as part of the celebration experience.
Business Trends
- AI in Hospitality
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping hospitality with tools that enhance personalization, streamline communication and optimize kitchen operations. From predictive analytics and smart inventory to voice-enabled service and automated follow-ups, AI is helping hospitality businesses run more efficiently while delivering elevated guest experiences.
- Marketing: A Return to Print
In a digital-saturated world, caterers are turning to print. High-end menus, stationery, custom invitations and beautifully designed mailers are making a bold statement in brand marketing. Tangible materials offer a sense of intention and craftsmanship, creating emotional impact and reinforcing a brand’s premium positioning.
- The Collaboration Economy: Strategic Partnerships
From rental companies to brand sponsors, catering and event firms are forging new partnerships to create value. These collaborations reduce overhead, amplify marketing reach and unlock access to new client bases. It’s a modern, cooperative approach to growth that reflects the increasingly connected nature of the industry.
About ECEP
Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP) was founded in 2021 by industry experts and leaders from the world’s top catering and hospitality organizations, united by a common goal of propelling the global catering and events industry forward through innovation and bold new ideas. The collaborative global network represents a powerful voice in the market, with more than $615 million in annual revenue among its members.
This year’s Trends Report was compiled by the ECEP Trends Council, which includes Michael Stavros, partner, M Culinary Concepts, Phoenix; Holly Safford, founder, The Catered Affair, Boston; Bridget Bitza, chief revenue officer, Butler’s Pantry, St. Louis; and Santiago Diaz, Best Impressions Caterers, Charlotte, North Carolina.
For more information, visit ecep.org.
