From July 2012 the HOFBURG Vienna will be offering culinary creations from three exclusive new catering partners: international premium caterer DO & CO, established gourmet specialist Gerstner, and Copaloca with its creative, fresh event catering.

“Gala evenings and banquets account for over 15 percent of revenue, and are a rapidly expanding segment in our event mix,” says HOFBURG Vienna Managing Director Renate Danler. Demand for catering is on the rise and customers are looking for a wider variety of culinary options for their delegates. New catering partners DO & CO, Gerstner and Copaloca will give the Hofburg catering a whole new look from July 2012.

As Europe’s leading venue for conferences, banquets, balls and events, the Hofburg’s new catering partners were carefully selected. Renate Danler explains the thinking behind this key strategic decision: “Our aim is to offer customers a more diversified product portfolio and to breathe new life into our culinary offerings.” DO & CO has around 4,800 employees, with a host of customers around the world in the luxury segment. Around 70 percent of all events at the HOFBURG Vienna are international. Long-standing gourmet expert Gerstner stands out for its extensive experience and broad-based customer network. About 60 percent of the Hofburg’s revenue is generated by regular and repeat customers. The final member of the new trio, young and creative event caterer Copaloca, offers excellent value for money.

The contracts with the Hofburg’s current catering partners, Catering’s Best by InterContinental und CLUB.catering, will run until the end of June 2012. The decision to enter into the new partnerships was driven by strategic factors. Annual catering revenue at the HOFBURG Vienna amounts to EUR five to six million, and the conference centre’s net revenue is some EUR 10 million. Every year, the venue hosts 300-350 events that attract a total of 300,000-320,000 visitors.