The 7 Key Questions You Must Ask Before Deciding Which Corporate Catering Supplier To Choose For Your Business Event

Planning a corporate event can be a logistical challenge. One of the most important elements to get right is the catering.

Your choice of catering supplier can make or break the experience for your guests, and with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to decide who to trust with this crucial part of your event.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this guide outlining the seven key questions you should ask before committing to a corporate catering supplier.

By the end, you’ll feel confident in selecting a provider that meets your needs, delivers exceptional quality, and ensures your event is a success.

Question 1: What Is Their Experience with Corporate Events?

Not all catering companies are created equal, and experience matters when it comes to corporate catering. A supplier may excel at weddings or private parties but lack the expertise to handle the specific demands of a business event.

Why It Matters:

Corporate events often require precision, punctuality, and an understanding of professional environments. Your supplier needs to know how to cater for formal settings, manage tight schedules, and provide service that reflects well on your organisation.

What to Look For:

• Ask for examples of past corporate events they’ve catered.
• Check whether they’ve worked with companies of a similar size or industry to yours.
• Request testimonials or references from previous corporate clients.

For a recent corporate event hosting 200 guests, Sofood! managed every detail from start to finish - sourcing and securing the venue, entertainment, providing refreshments, and delivering a mix of hot and cold food service. In the lead-up to the event, we provided several meetings to ensure every aspect was tailored to the client’s needs.

Our commitment ensured that the event ran smoothly, reflecting positively on our client’s organisation.
Following the event, we received this feedback: “Jane & her team did a great job & were very welcoming. Food was lovely & from everyone I have spoken to, they thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for organising everything for us” Sarah J.

Question 2: Can They Accommodate Dietary Requirements?

In today’s world, dietary requirements are a must-consider aspect of any catering arrangement. From allergies and intolerances to personal preferences and cultural requirements, your catering supplier must be able to provide options for everyone.

Why It Matters:

Failure to cater for dietary needs can result in dissatisfied or excluded guests, and worse, could pose health risks.

What to Look For:

• Ask how they handle special dietary requests.
• Ensure they have a clear plan for managing allergens.
• Check their menu options for diversity, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options.

Sofood!’s online ordering system prompts clients to ask for any allergies or dietary requirements, and also gives a simple YES / NO option to keep all vegetarian food separate on your buffet.

As part of our gluten-free management system, we maintain strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination. We use separate, colour-coded boards and knives stored in an isolation container, along with dedicated prep and fridge areas.

Additionally, we use a separate butter to ensure no risk of gluten exposure from shared sources. This is just one aspect of our comprehensive approach to handling allergens safely and responsibly. 

Question 3: What Is the Quality of Their Ingredients?

The quality of the ingredients used in your catering will directly impact the taste and presentation of the food served.

Why It Matters:

Fresh, high-quality ingredients not only taste better but also reflect positively on your brand and event.

What to Look For:

• Enquire about their sourcing practices—do they use local or organic produce?
• Ask if their menus change seasonally to ensure freshness.
• Check whether they offer sample tastings to assess quality for yourself.

At Sofood!, we invite you to visit our kitchens to meet our chefs, or we will arrange for a sample buffet to be delivered to you.

Question 4: How Flexible Are They with Menu Options?

Corporate events come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll want a catering supplier who can tailor their offerings to your specific requirements.

Why It Matters:

A cookie-cutter approach might not work for your event. You may need a bespoke menu or certain dishes that align with the theme of your event or your company’s ethos.

What to Look For:

• Ask if they offer customised menus.
• Check whether they can adapt their offerings based on your event’s theme or purpose.
• Ensure they’re open to feedback and adjustments during the planning process.

We thrive on the challenge of creating bespoke menus and themed events tailored to our clients' unique needs.

Over the years, we've catered for a wide range of requests, including VIP menus for international guests, healthy lunches complete with printed ingredient and method cards for staff to recreate at home, and themed events such as Valentine’s, Easter, and even a request for Blue Monday!

We love bringing creativity and attention to detail at every event, helping our clients create a memorable experience.

Question 5: Do They Have Liability Insurance & Necessary Certifications?

Great food is important, but ensuring your caterer has the correct insurances and certifications is just as crucial. 

Why It Matters:

Your catering supplier should have proper insurance and certifications to protect your organisation from legal and financial risks related to accidents and food safety. This ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, safeguarding both you and your guests while reflecting the caterer's professionalism and commitment to safety.

What to Look For:

• Ask for proof of current liability insurance coverage.
• Check online at www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk for the local council food hygiene score, confidence in management ratings and the premises structural compliance.
• Any additional organisational bodies they are a member of.
• Sofood! understands that great food goes hand in hand with excellent documentation and procedures, and is committed to exceeding expectations. 

With an ‘Elite’ food hygiene rating, Sofood! has held the top score for consecutive inspections since trading commenced in 2012. Also being a member of the Nationwide Caterers Association and the British Sandwich & Food to Go Association gaining expert advice on the latest compliance, technologies, and best practices.

Question 6: What Are Their Costs and Inclusions?

Understanding the costs involved and what’s included in your catering package is essential for avoiding unexpected charges.

Why It Matters:

Transparent pricing helps you stay within budget and ensures there are no unpleasant surprises after the event.

What to Look For:

• Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, including any additional fees for staff, equipment, or delivery.
• Enquire about their cancellation policy and deposit requirements.
• Check if there are any hidden costs, such as overtime charges.

Sofood! believes in providing a detailed breakdown as standard. A full T&C’s document can be viewed. Our office hours stretch between 7:00am – 17:30pm for any queries. We also pick up any urgent questions by email out of hours.

Question 7: How Do They Handle Logistics?

A successful event depends on more than just great food — timing, setup, and organisation play a huge role as well. Your catering supplier should have a solid plan in place to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Why It Matters:
Logistical errors can disrupt your event, cause delays, and create unnecessary stress.

What to Look For:

• Ask how they handle delivery and setup.
• Check their experience working at your chosen venue.
• Confirm their ability to adapt to unforeseen changes, such as weather or timing adjustments.

Sofood! have a solid, well-structured plan in place from initial consultation and planning, logistics and preparation, quality control and food safety, on-site execution and post-event wrap up for every catering event, ensuring smooth execution from start to finish.

Our fleet of refrigerated vans allows us to safely transport food while maintaining optimal freshness, and our team of experienced catering staff is highly skilled in delivering exceptional service. 
With meticulous preparation and a commitment to efficiency, we handle events of all sizes with precision, reliability, and professionalism.

Conclusion

Choosing the right corporate catering supplier doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By asking these seven key questions, you can ensure that your provider is not only qualified but also aligned with your vision and expectations. 

Remember, the right catering supplier will go beyond simply providing food—they will contribute to the overall success of your event, leaving a lasting positive impression on your guests.

At Sofood!, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional corporate catering services that tick all the boxes. From high-quality ingredients to seamless service, we are here to make your event truly memorable.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs and explore how we can help bring your vision to life.