Caterers are people who arrange the preparation and presentation of food for clients, as well as having the responsibility for the delivery of the food. Some caterers organize large events, including not only the food and drink, but also the decorations, dance floors, tables, chairs, music and lighting.

Catering is one of the fastest growing fields in Europe, Canada, and the United States. This field has continued to grow year after year, with many job openings appearing yearly.

Catering as an industry also has representation in a Union. The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco, and Allied Workers' Association was founded in 1920, having been created from the original International Federation of Tobacco Workers. As of 2005, the IUF encompassed organizations in 120 countries and represents over 12 million workers worldwide.