Summer’s in full swing across the UK—and with it comes a busy season of weddings, festivals, corporate dos, and family celebrations. For caterers and event planners, that means one thing: demand is up, and expectations are even higher.
At Holland Bazaar, we supply thousands of catering professionals every week. So if you’re preparing for a packed calendar this summer, here’s a helpful round-up of this year’s catering trends and how we can support your business with the right products, ideas, and stock.
Interactive & Experiential Stations
Live food stations are in high demand — they add a theatrical, social element to any event.
What’s trending:
- Build-your-own bowls: Rice, poke, salad or quinoa bars where guests choose their own base, protein, toppings, and dressings — fresh, healthy, and totally Instagrammable.
- Asian-inspired stations: Sushi or crudo counters with dry-ice flair, or taco bars with bold global flavours like Korean BBQ or bao buns.
- Wood-fired pizzas: The ultimate crowd-pleaser — oven-to-table with irresistible aroma and visual appeal.
Holland Bazaar tip:
Offer modular bulk bundles — like pre-portioned pizza dough, assorted proteins, colourful veg cuts and dipping sauces — to help caterers easily set up flexible live stations.
Passport-Worthy, Plant-Forward & Hyperlocal Menus
Sustainable and global cuisine is leading the way in 2025.
What’s trending:
- Plant-based menus: Jackfruit tacos, beetroot tartare, and vegan sliders are just as popular with meat-eaters as they are with vegans.
- Hyperlocal sourcing: British strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, and artisanal cheeses are in high demand — promoting both freshness and sustainability.
- Global fusion flavours: Think samosa tacos or Mediterranean mezze with a Korean twist — bold, unexpected, and delicious.
Holland Bazaar tip:
Stock up on bundles like organic British strawberries, vibrant hummus varieties, and infused cold-brew concentrates — perfect for trend-driven menus.
Wellness & Low‑ABV Beverage Stations
Wellbeing is no longer a niche — it’s an expectation.
What’s trending:
- Functional drinks: Kombucha, kimchi shots, microgreens juices — wellness meets indulgence.
- Mocktails & low-alcohol bars: Think botanical spritzes, fancy sodas, and zero-proof cocktails with edible flowers or sculptural ice.
- Interactive drink stations: DIY mocktail carts or floral gin-alternative bars add a personal and stylish touch.
Holland Bazaar tip:
Offer mixers, botanical syrups, granita kits, and frozen frosé bases — so caterers can serve up stunning drinks with wellness appeal.
Edible Art & Multi-Sensory Displays
Events are no longer just about taste — they’re about the full experience.
What’s trending:
- Grazing platters & tables: Loaded with cheeses, deli meats, olives, crackers and fruit — ideal for mingling.
- Edible artwork: Floral cakes, mosaic charcuterie, mini pavlovas, lavender panna cotta, and even caviar or oyster carts for luxe touches.
- Immersive details: Pair food with scent diffusers, ambient lighting or live chef demos like sushi rolling or flambé desserts.
Holland Bazaar tip:
Stock up on mini desserts, edible flowers, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and premium tableware — perfect for creating wow-factor displays.
Smart, Sustainable & Guest-Centric Service
Catering is becoming more tailored, tech-savvy, and eco-conscious.
What’s trending:
- Allergen-aware menus: Gluten-free, vegan, halal — all clearly labelled. Many caterers now use QR menus or allow guests to pre-order.
- Eco-friendly packaging: Compostable trays, reusable cutlery, and zero-waste cooking methods are in high demand.
- Tech-savvy service: QR codes, self-serve drink stations and pre-order apps help streamline events and reduce waste.
Holland Bazaar tip:
Provide labelled allergen-friendly packs, compostable disposables, bulk ingredients for low-waste prep, and pre-mix kits for easy ordering.
Why These Trends Matter
- Engagement-driven: Live and interactive stations encourage guest participation and create shareable moments.
- On-trend: Health, sustainability, and bold global flavours are top priorities for UK guests in 2025.
- Efficiency-focused: Caterers love options that are bulk-ready, pre-packed, and easy to scale.
The key to successful summer catering in 2025 is being creative, flexible, and conscious of what guests value—flavour, presentation, and sustainability. Whether you’re serving hundreds at a wedding or dishing up salads at a festival, having the right ingredients and products at hand makes a big difference.
At Holland Bazaar, we’re here to help caterers and chefs thrive. Visit our depots in Croydon, Edmonton and Peterborough, or contact our team for tailored recommendations, fresh produce, and fast delivery.
