What’s holding contract catering back? Poll results tell the story

It’s a lot. Others are feeling it too. But there is a way forward.

In our recent webinar on digital transformation in contract catering, focused on scaling operations and delivering standout guest experiences, we asked more than 40 operators how things are going.

82% said they’re “working on it but still have a long way to go.” Only 12% said they felt fully in control of their digital tools and data.

The shift is real

Not long ago, contract catering was mainly about delivering great meals at scale. Today, the landscape has changed. Guests expect speed, convenience, and a polished, personal experience. Operators are under pressure to meet those expectations while staying profitable.

The poll clearly shows the shift: demand is growing for digital tools, flexible services, and data-driven decision-making.

These aren’t isolated challenges. They reflect a bigger wave of digital transformation across the contract catering industry.

So what’s driving it?

There’s no single answer, but two major forces stand out:

• Rising food costs

• Hybrid work becoming the norm

With fewer people working at the office, the competition isn’t just nearby cafés, it’s the home kitchen and the lunchbox. This makes levelling up the guest experience in contract catering more critical than ever.

Data silos are still a major roadblock

When asked, “What is your biggest data-related challenge?” 37% of respondents pointed to disconnected systems between procurement, sales, and operations.

This points to a familiar issue: data silos are holding contract catering businesses back.

As we highlight in our new eBook, creating real growth requires connected systems, open platforms, and data that flows across departments. In other words, a digital setup that actually works together, not just a pile of tools.

And now, with AI entering the contract catering space, this becomes even more important. The potential of AI is huge, but only if you’ve got the right foundation. That means access to complete data: guest preferences, sales trends, inventory levels, cost controls, and food waste.

Curious about how to break down silos and build smarter, more connected operations? Download our free eBook.

Data that connects from farm to fork

The webinar where these polls were held was hosted by Pej and Apicbase, two platforms built for modern contract catering.

Pej helps operators understand their guests, create memorable experiences, cut down on admin, and turn centralised data into smart growth.

Apicbase powers the back-of-house, managing everything from procurement to inventory.

If these solutions are connected, you get brilliant results. Sharper menus, smoother workflows, and guest insights that actually inform day-to-day decisions.

The poll shows progress is happening:

• 33% say they are mostly connected

• 28% are partly connected

• But 5.6% still feel “not really connected”

If you're working in contract catering digital strategy and want to remove silos and modernise your operation, grab the eBook.

Put the guest first — and everything else follows

At Pej, we believe that the best digital strategies don’t start with tools. They start with people - and in contract catering, that means the guest and staff, of course.

Guest experience, digital systems, and operations need to work together. That’s where the real value shows up: in higher sales, repeat visits, and smoother workflows.

Understand guests

With Pej, you can access real-time data on guest preferences, habits, and needs across all your sites. That gives you the insight to serve guests better and smarter.

Deliver standout experiences

Knowing your guests lets you tailor the experience. Segment guests into tiers and offer what actually resonates, whether it's multiple ordering options, custom menus, or something small that makes a big difference (like a Friday treat).

Maximise sales

When your offers hit the mark, sales follow. And when the ordering experience is smooth, more people come back.

Build operational excellence

Pej automates core tasks like subsidy management, loyalty, self-service, and payments, helping you reduce admin and free up staff to focus on quality and service.