The rising interest in organic products within the out-of-home catering sector is evident, yet their share remains marginal. According to recent findings from the BMEL Nutrition Report, organic items comprise merely 1.3 percent of institutional catering in Germany. At BIOFACH 2025, Dr. Marisa Hübner plans to explore the overlooked opportunities that organic food presents in this arena.
Obstacles and Opportunities in OOH Catering
Daily, over 17 million individuals dine in various communal establishments, including daycare centers, schools, corporate canteens, hospitals, and nursing homes. Paradoxically, about half of the German population perceives that these venues offer insufficient organic options, as highlighted in the 2024 BMEL Nutrition Report. Dr. Hübner, a medical professional and advocate for progressive institutional catering, believes that OOH catering has significant potential to foster a healthier and more sustainable food culture in society. For over a year and a half, she has actively promoted changes in this sector through the Farm-Food-Climate initiative. Challenges such as local availability, increasing costs, and bureaucratic hurdles persist; however, she remains optimistic about the vast opportunities available. According to her, the standard for food quality in institutional settings should encompass healthiness, sustainability, and appeal. She asserts that stakeholders within the system must be empowered to take an active role in driving this change.
In 2025, discussions regarding the transformation within OOH catering will be a focal theme at BIOFACH, recognized as the world’s foremost trade fair for organic food. The exhibition’s leader, Dominik Dietz, points out that OOH serves as a crucial leverage point for the goal of achieving 30 percent organic food by the year 2030. Various innovative concepts and solutions aimed at modernizing institutional catering will be showcased through designated spaces at the event, including a special focus on OOH catering.
Support from Legislation for Organic Offerings in OOH
Despite the increasing demand, the integration of organic food in communal dining remains limited. An inquiry into this underutilization of organic potential in institutional settings is warranted. The introduction of the Organic Out-of-Home Catering Ordinance (Bio-AHVV) in October 2023 marks a significant advancement for increasing the prevalence of organic foods. This regulation facilitates the use of organic ingredients in OOH and allows establishments that transition at least 20 percent of their purchases to organic products to display bronze, silver, or gold seals. Dr. Hübner acknowledges that while the Bio-AHVV acts as a critical stimulus for change, the vision for organic food must incorporate a broader transformation agenda that addresses food waste reduction, an emphasis on plant-based options, and seasonal buying practices.
Evolving Consumer Expectations
Consumer pressure is mounting for enhanced organic offerings. Increasingly diverse target groups are calling for varied options, particularly plant-based alternatives, driven by considerations of cost, health, environmental impact, and transparency. In corporate dining services, Dr. Hübner notes that quality food options are becoming an important aspect of company branding. Conversely, in institutions like daycare centers, schools, and hospitals, monetary constraints still govern decisions, despite the pressing need for health and sustainability in these environments.
In spite of the challenges, Dr. Hübner expresses optimism regarding future developments in OOH catering. She maintains that the knowledge necessary for transformation is already available and emphasizes the importance of cultivating a new outlook and willingness among stakeholders to actively influence the trajectory of institutional dining. She cites positive examples, such as the Kantine Zukunft project in Berlin, which showcases that a higher organic content in menus can be achieved without significantly raising costs. Dr. Hübner argues that OOH catering holds substantial potential to feature healthy and sustainable offerings through innovative recipes and strategies, urging the industry to capitalize on these opportunities.
About BIOFACH
BIOFACH stands as the premier global platform for organic food and products. Since its inception, the event has served as a vital meeting point for the international organic food sector, fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities among industry participants.