Most guests leave corporate events hungry, says Jackson Gilmour survey

03 March 2014 by
Most guests leave corporate events hungry, says Jackson Gilmour survey

Almost 80% of guests go hungry at corporate events, according to research carried out by caterer Jackson Gilmour and the Science Museum.

The result was in stark contrast to the feedback that found just 12% felt they didn't get enough to drink, while around 30% of people said they feel like "they have drunk too much".

The Science of Events Survey also found that 64% of respondents favoured canapés over food stations and bowl food, which both scored around 20%.

Asked about the style of food preferred for a sit-down dinner, 82% said they would opt for "something new and exciting", while 18% preferred "something familiar and comforting".

Francis O'Hagan, Jackson Gilmour director of operations, suggested that event organisers might want to consider putting more emphasis on food and a little less on drinks.

"Our survey results suggest that, in general, people are satisfied with the type and quantities of drinks on offer, but they expressed stronger views about the food," he said. "We try to encourage our clients to be generous with food but with so many demands on budget this important element of the party can get neglected."

Only 32% of those polled said they were concerned by the amount of calories in their food, whereas the majority (85%) were "very" or "moderately" interested in how the caterer sources their ingredients.

Most (57%) were happy with the usual choice of champagne, wine, soft drinks and lagers with just over third (34%) requesting cocktails too. There was a general consensus on drink quantities too with over three quarters (76%) of respondents' content with between two and three glasses of wine at a party.

The attire of front of house staff was also considered important, with 84.5% saying they notice what waiters and waitresses are wearing.

Jackson Gilmour wins Danish Olympic contract at the Natural History Museum >>

Jackson Gilmour joins approved caterers list at British Museum >>

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