Growth in the Healthcare Sector for Catering Companies

There is some serious cash to be made in catering for the healthcare sector, and many are looking for ways to promote growth in the healthcare sector for catering companies. Rising demand and an increase in patient numbers have resulted in an increasing need for excellent catering within the healthcare industry, and many establishments are turning to outsource their services.

Outsourcing

It has traditionally been a slow process for hospitals and schools to outsource catering. However, it has been shown that these facilities have made significant savings by outsourcing the catering side of their services. Contract caterers have almost saturated the business and industry sectors, yet the number of meals served by private sector suppliers in the healthcare sectors remains relatively low. By focusing on meeting the changing needs and demands of hospitals, is very indicative of the healthcare industry as a whole right now.

More than a plastic-packed sandwich

Fifteen years ago, healthcare food facilities were barely more than terrible coffee and poorly packaged sandwiches to take the edge off for those visiting patients. Branding has played a massive part in increasing the overall image of hospital food. By increasing the perception and the branding of eating at hospitals or in any healthcare establishment, the overall level of service and quality of products has increased. People realise they can eat while visiting someone and this brings money into the hospital.

On the public catering sector side, it is expected that private sector contract caterers will push forward into restaurants and fast food over the next few years but could be a slow process. The biggest thing that could derail the growth in the healthcare sector for catering companies is the economic downturn. The tightening of the purse strings in many areas means that the increase in outsourcing catering is likely to be slow until the cost of living crisis ends.

Hurdles

Along with the cost of living crisis, other hurdles could be sustainability options. Trying to ensure that healthcare facilities offer, healthy, sustainable and affordable catering can be difficult. Sourcing great quality produce to fulfil the catering requirements is difficult in any circumstance. As the pandemic and cost of living fade, we would expect to see an increase in the availability of sustainable produce.

If you want to find great opportunities in this rapidly growing industry, get in contact with our team at Cucumber.