About the ICA

our goal

The International Caterers Association is dedicated to the education of the catering industry. Our organization is committed to supporting, promoting and improving all aspects of the catering business. The ICA pursues this goal by producing publications, seminars, workshops and demonstrations for trade and industry organizations throughout the year.

history

The foundation of the ICA was laid in 1981 when a visionary group of off-premise caterers founded the National Off-Premise Caterers Roundtable. The founders recognized the need for an industry association to facilitate the exchange of ideas and information.

Later renamed the National Caterers Association and finally the International Caterers Association, the organization has grown in both size and scope to become an international force in the industry. Currently we have over 1,000 members throughout the United States , Canada , Mexico , New Zealand , England , Costa Rico, Pakistan , and Puerto Rico . Catering is the fastest growing segment of the food industry and with an estimated 80,000 caterers in North America alone, the ICA is expecting substantial growth in the future.

catersource alliance

In 2004 the ICA formed an Alliance with catersource, to work together to educate caterers on a grand scale. We produce our yearly educational conference and trade show with catersource’s annual January conference, providing our traditional outstanding seminars, the CATIE Awards Celebration, Owner’s Forum, and Member-Only activities including the Resource Room and Club ICA.

member profile

Headquartered in Western New York, the International Caterers Association membership is comprised of both off-premise and on-premise caterers from around the world. Our international focus reflects a worldwide approach to the industry and addresses the need to effectively educate caterers on a global level. Membership is open to all qualified caterers, chefs, students, event planners, bridal consultants, suppliers and vendors.