Catering is a fast-growing sector in Australia’s food industry, with national revenue expected to reach $12.7 billion this year. Demand continues to rise off the back of weddings, business functions, and large-scale events returning in full force. It’s a market full of potential for food entrepreneurs ready to offer convenience, flexibility, and high-quality service.
Unlike traditional hospitality ventures, catering allows for leaner overheads, easier entry into the market, and the chance to build a business around your own schedule. But getting started still involves careful planning, compliance with local regulations, and setting up an efficient kitchen operation. If you’re considering launching a catering business in Australia, this guide will walk you through the essentials.
1. Define Your Catering Niche
Your first step is to decide who you want to serve. Are you focused on corporate functions, weddings, private home events, or a specialised niche such as plant-based menus or multicultural cuisines? The Australian catering scene is rich and varied — for instance, demand for Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines is booming in multicultural hubs like Melbourne and Sydney.
Clarify your niche to tailor your menu, service format, and pricing to meet specific customer expectations. A corporate lunch service has very different needs from a high-end wedding, and your business should reflect those differences from the outset.
2. Understand Local Regulations & Licensing
In Australia, all food businesses — including caterers — must be registered with their local council. Each state or territory has its own health and safety regulations, so check with your local authority. You’ll likely need a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate and must comply with the national guidelines set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
If you’re operating from home or renting a kitchen, make sure your premises are council-approved for food prep. Some states, like Victoria, also require a food premises inspection before you can begin trading. Getting this right ensures you avoid fines and builds trust with clients from day one.
3. Build a Solid Business Plan
Starting with a detailed business plan will give your venture direction and clarity. It should outline your niche, competitive landscape, pricing strategy, marketing approach, and financial forecasts. You’ll also need to map out key operational decisions, including how you’ll handle food production, staffing, and service delivery.
This document will also come in handy if you’re seeking external funding. You might explore local government small business grants or low-interest loans to support your launch phase.
4. Set Up Your Kitchen Operations
While home-based catering is an option that some businesses choose to take, many operators choose to rent commercial kitchens to ensure compliance and scalability. This is where Chef Collective offers a smart solution — our purpose-built catering kitchens across major cities provide flexible, delivery-optimised spaces without the high upfront investment.
Each site is fully licensed, food safety compliant, and designed to help you launch quickly. These kitchens remove the need to build your own premises, so you can put your energy into perfecting your operations and building client relationships.
5. Design Your Menu and Price Smartly
A successful catering menu isn’t just about what tastes good. It’s about what travels well, suits the event type, and meets a wide range of dietary needs. Think adaptable core offerings: grazing platters, build-your-own stations, or multi-course plated options. Here, flexibility is key.
When pricing, calculate all costs — including prep time, packaging, staffing, and transport — and apply a healthy margin. Keep in mind that Aussies value transparency, so offering clearly tiered packages with optional add-ons (e.g. waitstaff, tableware) can make your services more attractive.
6. Market Your Business and Build Relationships
Start by building a clean, mobile-friendly website with professional photos and simple contact forms. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are powerful tools for showcasing your food and connecting with local event planners or venues.
Networking is especially valuable in the catering space. Build relationships with local florists, event managers, and corporate office managers, as many of your first leads will come through referrals. Encourage happy clients to leave Google reviews to build credibility and visibility online.
Launch with Confidence, Cook with Purpose
Starting a catering business in Australia is about more than just good recipes. It’s about creating memorable experiences, understanding the local landscape, and setting up operations that grow with you. With clear regulations, strong food culture, and rising demand, now is a prime time to launch.If you’re ready to take the leap, Chef Collective can support your journey! Our purpose-built catering kitchen spaces take care of compliance, logistics, and scalability. That means you can stay focused on what you do best — delivering delicious food, wherever it’s needed.
