Growth in the Horeca Sector: Outlook and Opportunities for the Coming Years

March 10, 2025

The HORECA sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the boom in tourism, digitalization, and sustainability. With a projected annual growth of 5.6%, hotels, restaurants, and catering services are facing new challenges and opportunities. Resource optimization, energy efficiency, and innovation in equipment will be key to maximizing profitability. Find out more in this article The trends that will shape the future of the hospitality industry and how to boost its growth with advanced solutions.

At Coreco, we strive to offer some insights into the trends surrounding our industry; that is why this article is part of a series of previously published pieces, such as the one we wrote about the Top Trends for Supermarkets and Gourmet Stores in 2025, such as the entry into force of the 2024 F-Gas Regulation and how it will continue to affect manufacturers in 2025.

A special mention goes to another one that deals with as the gourmet market moves toward a future where sustainability, health, and technology set the pace for the hospitality industry, which highlights the main trends in this market.

A New Phase of Growth for the Horeca Industry

The sector Horeca (hotels, restaurants, and catering) is at a pivotal moment of transformation and growth. According to the latest report from The Business Research Company, the hotel and restaurant industry will see annual growth of 5.6% through 2028, sponsored by New trends in sustainability, digitalization, and energy efficiency.

This growth not only represents greater business opportunities, but also new challenges in terms of infrastructure, cost management, and technology applied to the hospitality industry.

This article will cover:
✔️ Key Facts About Growth in the Horeca Sector
✔️ Trends That Will Shape the Future of the Restaurant and Hospitality Industries
✔️ The Importance of Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
✔️ How Coreco Helps Optimize Professional Kitchens


1. Growth Forecast for the Horeca Sector

The report from The Business Research Company emphasizes that the hospitality sector will experience a sustained growth, with an annual growth rate of 5,6%. By 2028, the global hotel industry market will reach 5.92 trillion dollars, cementing its role as one of the world's most important economic drivers.

📌 Growth Drivers
✅ Tourism on the Rise: increase in international and domestic tourism
✅ Growth of Delivery Services and Digitalization: The Rise of Dark Kitchens and New Technologies
✅ Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: investment in energy-efficient equipment
✅ Changes in Consumer Habits: increased demand for innovative dining experiences

Spain and Europe at the Heart of Growth

In Europe, the hospitality sector is evolving toward more sustainable and digitized models. It is projected that the tourism and fine dining are two of the main drivers of growth in markets such as Spain, France, and Italy.


2. Trends That Will Shape the Future of the Horeca Sector

The growth of the hospitality sector is directly linked to market transformation and adaptation to new demands. Factors such as digitalization, sustainability, and automation will redefine the way hotels, restaurants, and catering services operate in the coming years.

Digitization and Automation in the Hospitality Industry

The use of artificial intelligence, order management software, and process automation will make a difference in the operational efficiency of the hospitality industry.

  • Artificial Intelligence for Service Personalization: Hotels and restaurants are incorporating AI to analyze customer preferences and offer more personalized experiences.
  • Smart Kitchens with Automated Management: The use of sensors and connected technology optimizes cooking times and reduces food waste.
  • Digital Ordering and Payment Systems: The rise of digital menus and contactless payment systems makes for a smoother and faster experience.

🔹 Example: kitchen management systems (KDS – Kitchen Display System) reduce ordering errors and improve the customer experience.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

  • Regulations on energy consumption and emissions reduction are driving investment in energy-efficient equipment.
  • Use of Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants: Modern refrigeration systems use gases that are less polluting and consume less energy.
  • Reducing Food Waste: conservation technologies, such as Coreco blast chillers, allow products to be stored under optimal conditions without spoiling.
  • Designing Efficient Spaces: Professional kitchens are evolving toward models with a lower environmental impact, using sustainable materials and reducing water and energy consumption.

🔹 Coreco Solutions: blast chillers and cold storage rooms with energy-efficient technology, reducing energy consumption by up to 40% Energy Expenditure.

The Rise of Food Delivery and Dark Kitchens

The market for food delivery and ghost kitchens It continues to grow, representing a key opportunity for the hospitality industry.

  • Increased demand for dark kitchens: More and more restaurants are opting for kitchen-only models that focus on home delivery.
  • Optimizing Delivery Logistics: New smart delivery systems reduce wait times and operating costs.
  • Diversification of the Culinary Offerings: The ability to operate multiple brands from a single kitchen is boosting the sector's profitability.

🔹 Essential Equipment: cold storage rooms Coreco Coldrooms and refrigerated display cases and cabinets for better inventory management.

On this topic, we have an in-depth article explaining how dark kitchens are now a reality and one of the major growth trends worldwide.

Focus on the Customer Experience

Consumers are becoming increasingly demanding Unique and personalized dining experiences, which is driving innovation in the HoReCa sector.

  • Open Kitchens and Cooking Demonstrations: The interaction between chefs and customers creates a more immersive experience.
  • Customized menus powered by AI algorithms: High-end restaurants are using artificial intelligence to suggest dishes based on diners' tastes and dietary restrictions.
  • Hotels with Distinctive Cuisine: The trend toward boutique hotels with exclusive dining experiences is booming, driving demand for high-quality amenities.

🔹 Example: restaurants that use interactive experiences, such as augmented reality, to enhance the presentation of dishes.


3. The Importance of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

One of the most significant challenges facing the Horeca sector is the energy efficiency. The Electricity consumption accounts for a very high percentage of operating costs in restaurants and hotels, which has led to a A revolution in equipment selection.

📌 How to Reduce Energy Consumption in Professional Kitchens
✅ Use of blast chillers to preserve food without waste
✅ Energy-Efficient Cooling Systems and advanced thermal insulation technology
✅ Energy Consumption Monitoring with digital control systems

🔹 Recommended Equipment
✔️ Coreco Blast Chillers, which optimize food preservation
✔️ Coreco Coldrooms Cold Storage Rooms, with digital control and energy efficiency
✔️ Refrigerated display cases, tailored to the needs of the gourmet sector

📍 Discover how Coreco optimizes energy efficiency in the hospitality industry
🔗 Coreco Coldrooms


Growth Opportunities in the Horeca Sector

The HORECA sector is in a phase of unprecedented expansion, spearheaded by the tourism, digitalization, and sustainability.

📌 Key Trends to Consider
✅ Automation and Digitization processes
✅ Energy Optimization with energy-efficient equipment
✅ Increased Demand for Dark Kitchens and Delivery
✅ Exclusive dining experiences at hotels and restaurants

To take advantage of to the fullest extent possible, it is essential to invest in efficient and sustainable infrastructure. Coreco offers solutions for professional refrigeration, food preservation, and rapid cooling to ensure the profitability and operational efficiency in professional kitchens.

How to capitalize on the growth of the hospitality sector

In other words, the growth of the hospitality sector opens up new possibilities for businesses looking to maximize efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve the customer experience. Digitalization, sustainability, and automation will shape the future of the industry. Investing in advanced technology and high-performance equipment, such as Coreco's refrigeration systems and blast chillers, will ensure competitiveness in a constantly evolving market. Are you ready to grow your hospitality business? Find out how Coreco can help you optimize your growth.

📍 Discover how Coreco can help you improve your hospitality business
🔗 Coreco Gourmet
🔗 Coreco Coldrooms 🚀

Latest News

Coreco S.A. - C.I.F: ES A-14071559
I.R.M. de Córdoba (Commercial Register), Volume 263 general, 177 of the Public Limited Companies Section, Sheet number 4349 General, 2483 of Public Limited Companies, 1st Entry dated 21-1-86

Scroll to Top
Share to...