FoodService
Europe
The contract catering sector delivers approximately 6 billion meals each year. The industry has an annual turnover of over €25 billion and employs 600,000 people all over Europe.
FoodServiceEurope represents the interests of the European contract catering sector at EU level
FoodServiceEurope was established in 1990 to discuss and address the key issues affecting the contract catering sector.
We are committed tackling the predominant socio-economic challenges that arise and to driving sustainable growth for our industry and for Europe as a whole.
We employ 600.000 people
across Europe.
We deliver 6 billion meals annually.
We serve one in every two meals taken at the workplace.
We prepare more than one in four meals at school.
Latest News and latest Positions
Letta Report: Social Partners in the contract catering sector welcome his views on public procurement
FoodServiceEurope submits 2024 Annual Report for the Code of Conduct
Press Release – FoodServiceEurope publishes Manifesto for the Contract Catering Sector in the 2024-2029 EU Mandate
Position on the revision of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive
FoodServiceEurope believes that fostering fair contractual relations amongst all actors in the supply chain is essential to provide high-quality, safe and affordable food to consumers. The contract catering sector therefore supports balanced and proportionate initiatives aimed at preventing unfair trading practices and strengthening legal certainty across the agri-food chain.
The ongoing revision of Directive (EU) 2019/633 on unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain (UTP Directive) provides a timely opportunity to address these objectives, to update current rules in line with today’s market realities and in particular to close the structural regulatory gap that leaves contract catering operators subject to the Directive’s obligations while excluded from its protection.
Position on the revision of the EU Public Procurement Directive
FoodServiceEurope strongly welcomes the revision of the EU Public Procurement Directive 2014/24. Contract catering encompasses food and ancillary services provided to people working or living in communities – private and public undertakings, schools, universities, hospitals, retirement homes and prisons – under the terms of a contract with the client communities. It is a unique part of the food system and differs significantly from other forms of food service, as services are provided on the premises of the contracting party, which awards contracts through procurement tenders.
We believe that the revision is an opportunity for EU policymakers to build a better, more resilient and more sustainable European society. Accounting for 14% of the EU’s GDP, public procurement is crucial for realizing the strategic goals of the EU. The revised framework should lead to better rules that help the contract catering sector perform its essential and social function, as recognised during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.
Position on the evaluation on the Directive on unfair trading practices
FoodServiceEurope believes that fostering fair contractual relations amongst all actors in the supply chain is essential to provide high-quality, safe, and affordable food to consumers. Therefore, the contract catering sector welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the evaluation of Directive 2019/633 on unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain.
The current Directive does not sufficiently consider the specificities of the contract catering sector and its unique position in the food supply chain. This is because the scope of the Directive only applies to the sale and purchase of food products but not the provision of food services in business-to-business relations. As a result, our sector needs to comply with the requirements and obligations as buyers of food products but does not have equivalent protection in their dealings as suppliers.
We therefore believe that it is essential to revise the Directive as soon as possible to extend its scope to cover the provision of food services.
Our priorities
Public Procurement & Concessions
Public Procurement & Concessions
EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices
EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices
Taxation
Taxation
Our priorities
Public Procurement & Concessions
Public Procurement & Concessions
EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices
EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices
Taxation
Taxation
Consumer Protection
Consumer Protection
Fight against obesity
Fight against obesity
Sustainability
Sustainability
Explore More!
Consumer Protection
Consumer Protection
Fight against obesity
Fight against obesity
Sustainability
Sustainability
Explore More!
Our
Objectives
01
To provide valuable insight on EU policy initiatives and legislation and inform policymakers on the perspective of the European contract catering sector.
Contract catering is directly affected by many aspects of EU legislation. FoodServiceEurope promotes its members’ interests in areas including food hygiene and safety, public procurement and concessions,
02
To provide an EU-level forum for contract caterers.
03
To cooperate with other EU stakeholders on areas of joint interest.
Most frequently asked questions
FoodServiceEurope provides on-going contributions to the EU policymaking process and is in continuous dialogue with decision-makers on the perspective of the European contract catering sector on policy and regulatory developments.