Mar 18, 2025
In this episode of Served., we had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Chidley, Chief Commercial Officer for Compass Group in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. With over two decades in the industry - 17 of those years spent in the UK before moving to APAC - Chris has seen the industry change and adapt in many ways.
Asia is the fastest-growing market for Contract Catering, with expectations for continued expansion in the coming years. The demand for workplace dining solutions is increasing rapidly, driven by economic growth, urbanization, and a strong emphasis on food culture across the region.
From the growing focus on workplace dining to the role of technology and sustainability, our conversation covered the differences between Europe and Asia-Pacific, the future of catering, and what it takes to build a strong career in this business.
How Contract Catering has changed
Chris talked about the major shifts he has witnessed over the last 20 years. "Seventeen years ago, catering was often just an afterthought - something workplaces needed but didn’t value much. Now, it’s an important part of keeping employees happy, engaged, and productive."
The industry has moved far beyond being a commodity. Companies now recognize the role of workplace dining in attracting and retaining talent. Services are no longer just about providing meals but about creating an overall experience that adds value to employees and organizations.
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One of the biggest changes has been making workplace dining more than just a place to grab a meal. Since COVID, there has been a shift toward making the workplace more appealing, with better food, nutrition, and more personalized options.
How Asia-Pacific stands apart from Europe
Chris believes a lot of the amazing stuff going on at East Side will make it into the West Side. "Having been in the UK and now seeing what's available across different markets across Asia Pacific, is a lot of amazing stuff going on on the East Side that I think will make its way into the West Side for sure."
Chris spent most of his career in the UK before stepping into the APAC region, which comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. He described the transition as fast-paced and eye-opening, filled with different food cultures and ways of doing business.
"APAC is so varied. Every discussion and every decision about food starts with local traditions," Chris shared. "In India, for example, every dish has a story and different variations depending on the region. The same is true across Japan, Australia, Singapore, and beyond."
Key differences between Asia-Pacific and Europe
In many APAC countries, food is central to daily life. Workplace dining is often much more than just a meal - it’s part of the culture. In India, Japan, and other regions, the way food is prepared and served is deeply connected to traditions. Unlike in Europe, where workplace dining often revolves around efficiency and convenience, food in APAC carries deep cultural significance and is a key driver of engagement.
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How Operations Differ: Asia-Pacific markets use different catering models. Japan is known for its attention to detail and bento-box culture, while Australia focuses on locally sourced ingredients. India combines traditional catering with large-scale production kitchens (CPUs) to manage high meal volumes efficiently.
Tech in Dining: Asia-Pacific is ahead in mobile-first food ordering. In Hong Kong and Singapore, mobile ordering is a way of life, with apps handling everything from transport to workplace meals. India is also growing in the food-tech space, while Japan is leading the way in robotics and automation.
Sustainability Approaches: Different regions take different approaches to sustainability. In Australia and New Zealand, the focus is on tracking food miles and reducing carbon footprints. In Japan, reducing food waste is already part of the culture, often supported by new technology.
Vending machines are a major aspect of food service in Japan, offering everything from hot coffee to full meals. Unlike traditional vending machines in Europe, these systems are highly advanced, catering to a wide variety of dietary preferences and consumer needs.
The role of AI and technology
Chris believes AI and technology will play a bigger role in catering. "Tech should help us understand what people want and make their dining experience better. Whether it’s reducing waste, improving menus, or making things more convenient, AI can do a lot - if we use it properly."
Japan, which faces labor shortages and an aging population, is also leading the way in automation, from vending machines to robotic food service. "Japan has to find ways to make food service more efficient while keeping quality high."
The future of the industry
Looking ahead, Chris talked about how the industry could work together better. "Tender processes should focus more on long-term partnerships rather than short-term price cuts. If caterers, tech providers, and businesses collaborate more, we can build better, more sustainable solutions."
He also pointed out that many ideas from Asia-Pacific - like mobile-first dining, large-scale food production, and sustainability tracking - will likely spread to Europe and other markets as businesses look for better ways to serve people.
Advice for young professionals
Chris’s advice for young professionals is straightforward: this industry has something for everyone. "Whether you’re into food, tech, marketing, finance, or operations, there’s a path for you. This business is all about growth and opportunity."
"Once you’re in, you rarely leave. It’s an industry where no two days are the same, and there’s always room to grow."
Final thoughts
As we wrapped up, it became clear that the Asia-Pacific market is setting trends that could change catering worldwide. From AI to workplace dining, the industry is evolving fast.
For those in the business, now is the time to adapt, use technology wisely, and work together in new ways. Catering is no longer just about food - it’s about creating great experiences, building workplace culture, and making a real impact.
