aggregatering

Aggregatering is a service model in the foodservice industry in which a single platform aggregates multiple catering providers to offer food and beverage services for events, conferences, institutions, and workplaces. The term, a blend of “aggregation” and “catering,” is most commonly used in digital marketplaces and event-management platforms that deploy a network of caterers.

Origins and scope: The model grew with the rise of online marketplaces for services, enabling buyers to compare menus, pricing, and availability from several caterers in one place. Aggregatering aims to simplify procurement, standardize quotes, and coordinate logistics such as delivery windows, staffing, and equipment.

Operations and features: Clients enter event details (date, location, headcount, dietary restrictions), after which the platform presents options from partner caterers, with menus, price estimates, and service levels. The platform handles quotes, booking, payments, and sometimes contractual terms. Logistics integration can include delivery scheduling, on-site staff, and waste management. Ratings and reviews, menu customization, allergen tagging, and compliance tools are common features.

Regulation and safety: Caterers supplied through aggregating platforms must comply with food safety regulations, licensing, insurance, and health department inspections. Platforms may perform verification of credentials, monitor quality, and manage liability through terms of service and insurance requirements.

Market and challenges: Aggregatering can reduce procurement overhead for buyers and expand market access for small caterers, but it introduces reliance on platform governance, quality control variability, and data privacy considerations. Price transparency and service-level guarantees are ongoing areas of focus.

See also: catering, online marketplace, foodservice management, event planning.