Contract Catering: The Smart Choice for Feeding Employees in UAE
When it comes to feeding employees, many companies in the UAE rely on contract catering to meet their needs. Whether it’s hotels, big corporations, or oil and gas companies, providing meals through a catering service has become a practical solution.
Why do they choose contract catering? Let’s dive into the details, including the benefits, costs, and how companies like 971Catering excel at keeping clients satisfied.
Why Companies Prefer Contract Catering Over Alternatives
Large organizations often face the challenge of feeding hundreds, if not thousands, of employees daily. Instead of building kitchens, hiring chefs, or giving allowances for food, they partner with contract catering companies.
This option is more economical and hassle-free.
For example:
- Preparing meals in-house requires significant infrastructure, including kitchen space, equipment, and staff.
- Giving employees money for food can lead to uneven spending and dissatisfaction.
In contrast, contract catering offers consistent, cost-effective meal solutions. Prices for these services in the UAE typically range between 12 AED and 27 AED per meal, making it a budget-friendly choice for businesses.
How Contract Catering Works in Different Industries
Hotels
Hotels with large staffs, including housekeeping, kitchen teams, and concierge staff, rely on catering to ensure everyone is well-fed. Most employees work long shifts, and contract caterers provide three meals daily, typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Big Corporations
Corporate offices with hundreds of employees often opt for catering services to boost productivity. Employees don’t have to leave the office for meals, saving time. The menu typically includes a balance of healthy and hearty options to cater to diverse tastes.
Oil and Gas Companies
For industries like oil and gas, employees often live in company accommodations. Here, contract catering becomes even more critical. These companies provide three meals a day, ensuring their workforce is nourished and ready to perform in physically demanding environments.
Why Contract Catering Makes Financial Sense
Providing meals through contract catering is far more cost-effective than other options.
Here’s why:
- Economies of Scale: Catering companies buy ingredients in bulk, reducing costs.
- Eliminating Overhead: Businesses don’t have to invest in kitchen setups or hire chefs.
- Reduced Waste: Caterers optimize portions and ingredients, minimizing food waste.
Imagine feeding 500 employees. Even at the higher end of 27 AED per meal, that totals 40,500 AED per day for three meals—a cost that’s predictable and manageable for companies.
The Role of Nationalities in Menu Planning
The UAE is home to a diverse workforce, and contract catering must accommodate different tastes and preferences.
Here’s how menus are typically distributed:
- Indian and Pakistani: Spicy curries, biryanis, chapati, and daal.
- Filipino: Adobo, rice dishes, and soups like sinigang.
- Arabic: Shawarma, grilled meats, and rice-based dishes like mandi.
- Western: Pasta, salads, and sandwiches.
Contract caterers often rotate menus weekly to keep things fresh and exciting while ensuring every nationality feels included.
The Importance of Balanced Meals
To maintain employee health and satisfaction, contract caterers focus on balanced nutrition.
A typical meal might include:
- A main course (protein like chicken, beef, or fish).
- A side (rice, bread, or pasta).
- Vegetables and salads for fiber.
- Dessert or fruit for a sweet finish.
This approach ensures employees have enough energy for their demanding workdays.
Real-Life Example: Contract Catering in Action
A large oil and gas company in Abu Dhabi, housing 1,000 employees in its accommodations, chose contract catering to provide meals.
Before this, employees received a daily allowance of 50 AED for food, leading to complaints about quality and variety.
Switching to a catering service reduced their costs by nearly 50%, while employee satisfaction improved. The caterer provided a rotating menu with culturally diverse options, ensuring everyone’s preferences were met.
971Catering: A Leader in Contract Catering in the UAE
At 971Catering, we specialize in providing high-quality, affordable meals for businesses across the UAE.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Custom Menus: We work with clients to design menus that reflect their workforce’s tastes and dietary needs.
- Trained Staff: Our chefs and servers are experienced in delivering consistent quality.
- Proven Satisfaction: Over the years, we’ve earned the trust of our clients through excellent service and attention to detail.
From corporate offices to oilfield camps, we’ve helped companies save money while ensuring their employees are well-fed and happy.
FAQs About Contract Catering
What is contract catering?
Contract catering involves hiring a company to provide meals for employees on a contractual basis. It’s a cost-effective solution for businesses needing to feed large groups regularly.
How much does contract catering cost in the UAE?
The cost ranges between 12 AED to 27 AED per meal, depending on menu complexity and service requirements.
What types of cuisines can be offered?
Contract caterers in the UAE typically provide Indian, Arabic, Filipino, and Western dishes to cater to diverse employee tastes.
How are meals delivered?
Caterers often deliver meals hot and ready-to-serve in bulk containers or set up buffets, depending on client preferences.
Why do companies prefer contract catering over giving meal allowances?
Contract catering reduces costs, ensures consistent quality, and eliminates the logistical hassle of employees sourcing their own meals.
In the UAE’s fast-paced business environment, Staff catering has become the go-to solution for feeding employees.
From reducing costs to improving satisfaction, it’s a win-win for both companies and their teams.
If your business needs a reliable partner for catering services, 971Catering is here to help.
With years of experience and a proven track record, we’ll make sure your team is well-fed and satisfied every day.