Growth of the Horeca sector: prospects and opportunities for the coming years

The Horeca sector is booming, driven by the rise of tourism, digitalisation and sustainability. With a projected growth of 5.6% p.a.hotels, restaurants and catering services are facing new challenges and opportunities. Resource optimisation, energy efficiency and equipment innovation will be key to maximising profitability. Find out in this article the trends that will define the future of the Horeca sector and how to improve its growth with advanced solutions.

At Coreco we try to give some perspectives on the trends of everything that surrounds our sector, that is why this article is part of others already published, such as the one we wrote on the key trends for supermarkets and gourmet shops in 2025as the entry into force of the F-Gas regulation 2024 and how it will continue to affect manufacturers in 2025.

A separate mention goes to another one dealing with how the gourmet market is moving into a future where sustainability, health and technology are setting the pace for the Horeca industryThe main trends in this market are reflected in the report.

A new stage of growth for the Horeca industry

The sector Horeca (hotels, restaurants and catering) is at a key moment of transformation and growth. According to the latest The Business Research Companythe hotel and restaurant industry will register an annual growth rate of 5,6% until 2028driven by new trends in sustainability, digitalisation and energy efficiency.

This growth not only represents increased business opportunitiesbut also new challenges in terms of infrastructure, cost management and hospitality technology.

This article will address:
✔️ Key facts about the growth of the Horeca sector
✔️ Trends that will shape the future of the catering and hospitality industry
✔️ The importance of energy efficiency and sustainability
✔️ How Coreco contributes to the optimisation of professional kitchens


1. Projected growth of the Horeca sector

The report of The Business Research Company highlights that the Horeca sector will experience a sustained expansionwith an annual growth of 5,6%. By 2028, the global market for the hotel sector will reach 5.92 billionconsolidating its role as a one of the world's most important economic engines.

📌 Growth drivers
Tourism in recovery: increase in international and domestic tourism
Expansion of delivery and digitalisationThe rise of dark kitchens and new technologies
Sustainability and energy efficiencyinvestment in energy-efficient equipment
Changes in consumer habits: increased demand for innovative gastronomic experiences

Spain and Europe at the centre of growth

In Europe, the Horeca sector is evolving towards more sustainable and digitised models. It is expected that the tourism and haute cuisine are two of the main drivers of growth in markets such as Spain, France and Italy.


2. Trends that will define the future of the Horeca sector

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

Digitalisation and automation in the hospitality industry

The use of artificial intelligence, order management and process automation software will make a difference to the operational efficiency of Horeca businesses.

  • Artificial intelligence for service personalisationhotels and restaurants are integrating AI to analyse customer preferences and offer more personalised experiences.
  • Smart kitchens with automated managementThe use of sensors and connected technology optimises cooking times and reduces food waste.
  • Digital ordering and payment systemsThe rise of digital menus and contactless payment systems facilitates a smoother and faster experience.

🔹 Examplekitchen management systems (KDS - Kitchen Display System) reduce order 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 refrigerantsModern refrigeration equipment uses less polluting gases and consumes less energy.
  • Reducing food wasteconservation technologies, such as the Coreco temperature controllersThe storage of products in optimal conditions without deterioration.
  • Designing efficient spacesProfessional kitchens are evolving towards models with less environmental impact, using sustainable materials and reducing water and energy consumption.

🔹 Coreco Solutions: blast chillers and cold rooms with energy-efficient technology, reducing up to 40% the energy expenditure.

The rise of delivery and dark kitchens

The market for home delivery and ghost kitchens continues to expand, representing a key opportunity for Horeca businesses.

  • Increased demand for dark kitchensThe following is a recent example: an increasing number of restaurants are opting for a kitchen without a dining room, with a focus on home delivery.
  • Optimisation of delivery logisticsNew intelligent delivery systems reduce waiting times and operating costs.
  • Diversification of the gastronomic offerThe ability to operate multiple brands from a single kitchen is driving profitability in the sector.

🔹 Essential equipment: cold storage chambers Coreco Coldrooms and refrigerated display cabinets and cabinets for better stock management.

On this subject, we have an extensive article where we tell how Dark Kitchens are a reality and one of the major growth trends worldwide.

Focus on customer experience

Consumers are increasingly demanding unique and personalised gastronomic experiencesThis is driving innovation in the Horeca offer.

  • Open kitchens and showcookingsThe interaction between chefs and customers creates a more immersive experience.
  • Personalised menus with AI algorithmsHigh-end restaurants are using artificial intelligence to suggest dishes based on diners' tastes and dietary restrictions.
  • Hotels with differentiated gastronomyThe trend towards boutique hotels with an exclusive gastronomic offer is booming, driving the demand for high quality equipment.

🔹 Examplerestaurants that implement interactive experiences such as augmented reality to improve the presentation of dishes.


3. The importance of sustainability and energy efficiency

One of the most important 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 revolution in the choice of equipment.

📌 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
Monitoring of energy expenditure with digital control systems

🔹 Recommended equipment
✔️ Coreco Temperature Chillersthat optimise food preservation
✔️ Coreco Coldrooms cold roomswith digital control and energy efficiency
✔️ Refrigerated display cabinetsadapted to the needs of the gourmet sector

📍 Find out how Coreco optimises energy efficiency in the Horeca sector
🔗 Coreco Coldrooms


The possibilities for growth in the Horeca sector

The Horeca sector is in a phase of unprecedented expansionThe tourism, digitalisation and sustainability.

📌 Key trends to consider
Automation and digitisation of processes
Energy optimisation with energy-efficient equipment
Increased demand for dark kitchens and delivery
Exclusive gastronomic experiences in hotels and restaurants

To take advantage of to the maximum of this growthit is essential to invest in efficient and sustainable infrastructure. Coreco offers solutions for professional refrigeration, food preservation and temperature control to ensure the profitability and operational efficiency in professional kitchens.

How capitalise on the growth of the Horeca sector

In other words, the growth of the Horeca sector opens up new possibilities for businesses seeking to maximise efficiency, reduce operating costs and improve customer experience. Digitalisation, 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 boost your Horeca business? Find out how to Coreco can help you optimise your growth.

📍 Find out how Coreco can help you improve your Horeca business
🔗 Coreco Gourmet
🔗 Coreco Coldrooms 🚀

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