The number of catering companies at festivals and similar events has increased by large numbers since the year 2011. The Netherlands now has approximately 8.000 of these caterers, according to data from the Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
RTLZ investigated the Chamber of Commerce and found an increase of 3.000 new caterers over the past five years. Events are becoming increasingly popular and entrepreneurs are responding to this. In addition to the companies that focus on drinking and eating during the events, the number of related companies in, for example, festival organization and set construction has also increased: from 10.000 to 13.000 registrations at the Chamber of Commerce.
Existing catering
Koninklijke Horeca Nederland is not surprised by the increased number of catering companies and claims that more and more existing catering establishments are coming up with initiatives such as food trucks. After all, the number of culinary food festivals is increasing and it is a good marketing tool for putting existing restaurants on the map, explains Joris Prinssen, spokesperson for KHN.
food truck
In conversation with RTLZ Sausage bread baker Houben tells his side of the story as a food truck owner. Being at these festivals does not mean that this will bring in a lot of money; the festival audience is very dependent on the weather and there is a lot of competition in this market. However, this challenges them to use and make their own, handmade products, so that the range in the industry remains very diverse and visitors have a lot of choice.
Nevertheless, the work does cost the entrepreneur a lot of time: “You spend one day on construction and you always have to go to a festival with the two of you because you also have to drive back. A festival often lasts from 11.00 a.m. to 23.00 p.m., so that's a long day. You also have to be there earlier to prepare everything. And afterwards you are not ready, because then you still have to clean and pick up the car.”
Via RTLZ
Photos: MultiCulinary Festival
