Hotel uniforms are a subset of the garment industry. The many departments and personnel designations necessitate unique consideration while creating their set of apparel. Hotels and cafés have been a rapidly growing sector in recent decades. A uniform plays an important role in industry since it serves as the brand's identity and demonstrates the workers' professionalism. A well-planned uniform helps the workers appear sophisticated, resulting in a good first impression on the clients. The uniform fits perfectly, allowing the employees to move freely and concentrate on their task without difficulty. In this regard, a well-planned uniform boosts employee productivity and increases business. Another purpose of issuing a uniform is to ensure the safety of the workers. Due to all these factors, according to OMR Research, the market was valued at $1.8 billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach $3.1 billion in 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period (2023-2029).
Industry Demand
A strong economy, rising consumer purchasing power, technological advancements, and the growing purchasing power of individuals have been fueling the growth of the US culinary and hospitality industry. According to the World Bank data, the US GDP PPP (purchasing power parity) has grown tremendously from $15.6 trillion in 2011 to $23.0 trillion in 2021, and is expected to grow further. The tourism and hospitality industry is at the core of the American economy and drives economic growth and development across the country. Almost 15 million Americans work in tourism and hospitality—in hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, and art museums—making it one of the largest industries in the country. The US travel and tourism industry generated almost $1.9 trillion in economic output in 2019 and accounted for 9.0% of all US exports.
Cooks and food preparation workers, as well as food and beverage serving workers, are the most common occupations in the food services and drinking places industry. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for food preparation workers' employment is expected to expand 2% from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite slowing job growth, an average of 145,800 openings for food preparation employees are expected per year over the next decade. According to the same source, chefs and head cooks are expected to increase 15% faster than the average for all occupations between 2021 and 2031. On average, 24,300 jobs for chefs and head cooks are expected per year during the next decade. Additionally, from 2021 to 2031, employment of accommodation managers is expected to expand by 18%, substantially faster than the average for all occupations. With this, it can be deduced that the demand for culinary and hospitality uniforms will also grow further.
Key Trends in the Market
Factors such as increasing trends for fashionable and functional clothing, the increasing workforce base across the hospitality industry, and the growing restaurant and hotel are some of the factors anticipated to drive the growth of the US culinary and hospitality uniform market. Additionally, growing trends of professionalism in workwear fashion, the rising demand for kitchen safety to reduce workplace accidental occurrences, the growing apparel industry, and awareness about hygiene are some other factors anticipated to contribute significantly to the growth of the market. For instance, in December 2021, the federal government of the US introduced a Food Hygiene Law that states everyone working with food has a responsibility to ensure that the prepared food is safe, which means that workers have to wear proper uniforms, including hats, coats, gloves, and others.
Primary Growth Segments of the Market
The market is segmented into format, category, and industry. Based on format, it is divided into rental and purchase. Based on category, the market is divided into back-house and front-house. Further, based on the industry, it is divided into culinary and hospitality.
Based on format, the rental culinary and hospitality uniform market in the US is growing at the highest CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. The market growth is driven by significant benefits such as pickup/drop, fitting, replacements, laundering, and others, offered by uniform service providers for companies of all sizes in both industries.
Based on category, the US front-house culinary and hospitality uniform market held the highest market share of 56.0% and accounted for $982.9 million in 2021, which is estimated to reach $1.7 billion, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. However, the US back-house culinary and hospitality uniform market is growing at the highest CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period (2021-2029).
Key States in the US Culinary and Hospitality Uniform Market
Based on states, the market is divided into California, Texas, Florida, New York, Ohio, and other states. In 2021, the market in California held the highest market share of 14.4%, accounting for a market size of $253.3 million, and is estimated to reach $461.2 million in 2028. The market is driven by the highest number of back- and front-house workers in the state, supported by a significant number of outlets. However, the market in New York is growing at the highest CAGR of 9.9% during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the growing number of restaurant outlets in the state.
Recent Developments
The leading purchase and rental service providers in the US include Cintas Corporation, Chef Works, Aramark Corporation, UniFirst Corporation, and Alsco, generating significant revenues in the market. The market players are offering new uniforms, following mergers and acquisitions activities, and expanding their market reach. Some of the recent developments in the market include-
• In September 2022, Chef Works, Inc. launched a new brand named Mojave Chef Coat, Camo. The coats are specifically designed for chefs working in a hot environment. The products include various features such as a cool vent back panel, an apron tab, and discreet front pockets. The cool vent back panel creates a room to allow airflow and breathability.
• In May 2022, Chef Works launched its sustainable product range in the Middle East. The new product line, Chef Works RE, combines durability, comfort, and quality with an eco-friendly blend of cotton and recycled polyester produced from discarded plastic bottles.
• In April 2022, UniFirst Corporation inaugurated its new 66,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art industrial laundry facility at 6162 Enterprise Park Dr. in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The new customer-servicing facility, built to suit a rising client base in Chattanooga and adjacent regions, incorporates the most recent advances in textile services technology and automation.
• In February 2019, Cintas Corp. collaborated with JW Marriott to launch a new collection of wardrobe essentials across 51 hotel brands globally. Additionally, facilities operating in the US of Marriott also participated in a unique garment-recycling program, which was managed by Cintas, that reused the brand’s retired uniform line.