2025-08-19 00:00:00
At a corporate event, appetizers are much more than just a bite: they are the first gastronomic impression attendees receive. In 2025, the trend is to offer varied and creative culinary experiences, from cold appetizers for events to hot, liquid, and themed options that surprise and delight.
The catering incorporate event has become a key element to ensure success. Beyond satisfying a gastronomic need, the chosen menu and presentation must adapt to the style of the gathering, the season, the attendees’ profile, and the venue. Today, there are formats that have become essential, as they combine flavor, presentation, and ease of consumption in almost any context.
The trend now is to opt for versatile proposals that unite tradition and creativity, with fresh seasonal ingredients and carefully designed presentation. Working with a specialized event management agency ensures that the gastronomic experience is not just “something to snack on” but a true calling card for the event, fostering interaction and leaving a memorable impression from the very first moment.
They are the star option for events held in spring or summer, and for outdoor gatherings. They stand out for their freshness and their ability to combine flavors and textures that surprise the guest.
Trending examples:
Small glasses of gazpacho or salmorejo with creative toppings such as crispy Iberian ham or microgreens.
Spoons of white fish ceviche with citrus emulsion.
Mini poke bowls with quinoa base and marinated salmon.
Beef or vegetable carpaccio with signature dressings.
Mini Caprese salads with balsamic reduction and fresh herbs.
Ideal for evening events or during colder seasons, they provide comfort and a greater feeling of satiety. The key is to offer bites that are easy to handle and eat while standing.
Current ideas:
Gourmet croquettes with original fillings such as mushrooms, aged cheese, or squid.
Skewers of marinated chicken, tenderloin, or prawns with special sauces.
Mini signature burgers in brioche buns.
Puff pastries stuffed with spinach and goat cheese.
This category has earned a prominent place in corporate catering for business meetings thanks to its sophisticated presentation and ease of consumption. Beyond the classic gazpacho, in 2025 the trend is:
Chilled seasonal vegetable creams.
Vichyssoise with fresh chives.
Creative gazpachos made from watermelon, strawberry, or beetroot.
Served in small glasses or designer cups, they add a modern and refreshing touch.
The way appetizers are presented is no minor detail: it directly influences perceived quality, guest comfort, and the flow of social interaction during the event. In 2025, the trend is to combine different service styles within the same catering, balancing elegance with active guest participation.
The choice of format depends on factors such as the number of attendees, the type of event (formal, networking, product launch, incentive), the space available, and the reception’s duration. Here are the main service styles setting trends this year:
Tray service by waitstaff: A classic for formal cocktails and corporate receptions. Waiters move through the space offering appetizers directly to guests, ensuring everyone has access without interrupting conversations. Advantages: adds elegance, portion control, and an orderly service flow. In 2025, it’s personalized with artisanal tableware or trays decorated to match the event’s visual identity.
Interactive food stations: Fixed points where chefs or experts prepare and serve appetizers live, encouraging interaction and adding culinary spectacle. Current examples: sushi stations, fresh oysters with cava pairing, artisanal cheeses with sourdough bread, gourmet tacos, or live paella cooking. In 2025, poke bars and 100% plant-based options for health-conscious audiences also stand out.
Mobile corners and mini food trucks: An emerging format that adds dynamism and versatility, ideal for creative or outdoor events. These service points move around or are strategically placed to surprise attendees. They may specialize in a specific product (mini burgers, artisanal ice creams, savory crepes) and allow for thematic catering.
Gourmet self-service: High-end tables or buffets where guests serve themselves at their own pace. While less formal, when well-designed they can be just as sophisticated as assisted service, incorporating designer tableware, elegant signage, and artistically displayed food.
Catering is one of the elements attendees remember most about an event—and often what they talk about afterwards. A good appetizer not only satisfies hunger but also acts as the calling card for the entire experience. It’s the first moment when the guest perceives the quality, care, and style of the organizing company, something that directly impacts the overall impression of the event. Partnering with a specialized DMC agency ensures that this first impact is flawless and aligned with the brand’s objectives.
In Catalonia, known for organizing events of all kinds in Barcelona, there is great potential to merge local gastronomy with innovative presentation. In Andalusia, where corporate conventions in Seville or business meetings in Malaga are common, cold appetizers and fresh flavors encourage socializing in warm settings. Meanwhile, events in Madrid often stand out for versatile and elegant menus, designed to suit both formal contexts and more casual gatherings without compromising presentation.
In 2025, companies are choosing proposals that combine flavor, aesthetics, and sustainability: appetizers made with locally sourced ingredients, creative presentations that encourage interaction, and options adapted to specific diets (vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free).
Beyond food, appetizers play a strategic role: they facilitate networking. A well-designed format encourages guests to move, talk, and make professional connections while enjoying easy-to-eat bites. At CREA Group Events, with more than 18 years of experience, we design appetizers that not only delight the palate but also boost the social dynamic of the event. Our approach integrates gastronomy, logistics, and guest experience to make this first moment as memorable as the rest of the program.
They are dishes served chilled or at room temperature, ideal for spring or summer. At CREA Group Events, we pair them with themed stations, enhancing the gastronomic experience and promoting networking in corporate settings.
The choice depends on the season, the event’s format, and the guests’ profile. For outdoor meetings, such as in Barcelona, cold appetizers for events bring freshness, practicality, and visually appealing presentation.
Yes, and it’s a growing trend. At CREA Group Events, we combine textures and flavors, such as beet gazpacho with kale chips, creating innovative proposals that surprise and please attendees at corporate events.
