There are some indications for optimism in the catering business this year. According to the Johnson Jones Group that monitors wedding venues, owners believe they’ve turned the corner after three years of challenged sales due to COVID. Additionally, other positive signs, such as projections of an improving economy and businesses encouraging employees to return to the workplace, offer further hope for caterers.
Most notable is Circana’s measurement of case sales by food manufactures to both businesses and government entities last year. With the call back to the workplace, sales to businesses and government facilities is continue growth this year.
Circana says case sales of food products to business foodservice operations grew 10% between June ‘23 and ‘24. Sales will grow another 7.7% by June 2025. Similar positive numbers are show for government entities.
Yet the competition remains fierce in the battle for share of the catering business. So how do you get a leg up on the competition? Here are some easy ways to win this year.
Edible Art
Constellation Culinary Group noted as one important trend for the year is edible art. One easy activation in this tactic is the addition of floral shaped butters for weddings and banquets or simple, elegant shaped butters for business catering. One easy activation of this trend is the inclusion of floral-shaped butters, such as our delicate roses and rosettes, perfect for weddings and banquets. For business catering or more formal occasions, our elegant butter balls and medallions provide a sophisticated yet understated touch, aligning beautifully with the simplicity and refinement often desired in corporate settings.
The moment guests see your shaped butters they’ll know they are in for a special occasion.
A presentation of plated shaped butters at a buffet station—paired with bread, pastries, or a breakfast/brunch spread—immediately elevates the dining experience and sets the tone for a memorable meal. These elegant butters can also enhance the tabletop presentation, whether placed alongside bread at formal dinners or used as a finishing touch atop a steak or vegetable dish, signaling sophistication and attention to detail.
Butterball® Farms is the market leader in shaped and embossed premium butters serving restaurants, country clubs and caterers for more than 65 years. The options for finding a shape that speaks to your menu is large and fascinating in the detail of each elegant shape that’s sure to be noticed.
Flavored Butters
Honey Butter Hives are uniquely shaped butters with honey, cinnamon and sugar.
For business catering or breakfast occasions, Butterball Farms’ Honey Butter Hive takes shaped butter to the next level. The perfect pairing of honey, cinnamon and sugar within a premium butter and a unique shape is sure to instantly upgrade a pastry station during brunch or a breakfast bread, pancake or waffle.
Flavored butters can also be used to impart a unique, comforting, and indulgent flavor to proteins and vegetables. Honey butter, for instance, has grown by double digits on restaurant menus since COVID, as operators seek to offer something special to their customers. Our honey butter hive dollop melts beautifully over roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or pork, adding a touch of richness and sweetness that elevates the dining experience.
Butterball Farms portion control flavored butter is another smart option for serving something special. Our Garlic Herb Butter dollops are a perfect example. Garlicky, creamy, and layered with refreshing herbs, they elevate any meal with bold and savory notes. Ideal for steak, fish, pasta, and more, these pre-portioned dollops simplify back-of-house operations, reduce food waste, and ensure a consistent and convenient experience for guests. Whether melting atop proteins or enhancing the flavor of vegetables and grains, Garlic Herb Butter dollops bring effortless sophistication to any dish.
Garlic Herb Butter Dollops atop steak and mashed potatoes—bringing bold flavor, creamy richness, and a touch of elegance.
Shaped and flavored butters make beating the competition easy by through positive memorable occasions easy. This year is shaping up to be filled with great catering opportunities. Jump start your serve with Butterball Farms shaped and flavored butters. All butters are available at your local distributor. Need help locating a distributor? We can help. Contact us today to locate a distributor near you or request your free sample of our shaped butters (this page but update UTM https://www1.butterballfarms.com/club-resort-9-25-2024) to try for yourself!
