Food Waste Reduction Tips for Catering Events

Food waste is a significant issue in the catering industry, impacting both environmental sustainability and profitability. At Green Fig Catering Company, we strive to be responsible and minimise food waste at every event we cater. So we thought we would let you know a few food waste reduction tips for catering events, and the strategies we employ to reduce food waste.

Accurate Guest Counting

One of the primary causes of food waste is overestimating the number of guests. We emphasise the importance of accurate guest counting to ensure we prepare just enough food without too much excess. One way we manage this is by encouraging clients to provide a final RSVP count closer to the event date to reduce the margin of error. You definitely also don’t want to pay for more people when working with a caterer!

Smart Menu Planning

Thoughtful menu planning plays a crucial role in minimising waste. We design our menus to use seasonal ingredients effectively and offer flexible portion sizes, based on the type and duration of the event. A useful tip is opting for buffet-style serving where guests can serve themselves, reducing the likelihood of food being served but not consumed.

Creative Use of Leftovers

Leftover food can often be repurposed or donated rather than discarded. Where possible, we offer clients the option to have leftover food packaged for guests to take home, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Portion Control

Controlling portion sizes helps to minimise both food waste and costs. Serving sizes may adjust depending on the event being catering for. Provide smaller plates during cocktail hours or buffet settings to encourage guests to take only what they can consume.

Careful Inventory Management

Detailed inventory management helps us track ingredients and minimise overordering items. We maintain close relationships with suppliers to adjust orders based on actual event needs. You can use technology such as inventory tracking software to monitor stock levels and reduce food spoilage accurately.

Reusable and Sustainable Serveware

We prioritise the use of reusable and sustainable serveware to minimise single-use plastic waste. This includes plates, utensils, and glassware that can be washed and reused for future events. You can offer clients eco-friendly options for packaging and serving food, such as compostable plates and utensils made from renewable resources.

Continuous Improvement

Regularly reviewing our food waste reduction strategies allows us to identify areas for improvement and implement new practices. We welcome feedback from clients and guests to refine our approach further.

Get In Touch

At Green Fig Catering Company, we are dedicated to minimising food waste and hope this blog has shown you many food waste reduction tips for catering events. By implementing tips and strategies, we not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also ensure a more efficient and cost-effective catering service. Together with our clients, we can make a significant impact in reducing food waste one event at a time.

Our expert team will handle every aspect of your catering needs, from accurate guest counts and thorough menu planning to professional staffing and beautiful food presentation. With Green Fig Catering Company, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your event is in capable hands. Contact us today to discuss your catering needs. We work with many customers throughout East Sussex and will deliver directly to your venue. Please get in touch if you would like to speak to us about your event.