Plan for 1.5 to 2 cups per person for a morning event. For an all-day event with multiple breaks, allow 3–4 cups across the day. Here's the full breakdown — including milk alternatives, barista capacity, and what a Sydney CBD crowd actually drinks.

What a Sydney CBD Corporate Crowd Drinks

Based on our experience catering across the Sydney CBD, the drink split for a standard corporate crowd looks like this:

So for 30 guests, plan for approximately 40–45 coffee serves (assuming some people have two). For 50 guests, plan for 60–70 serves across a morning event.

Quantity Guide by Group Size & Event Type

Milk Alternatives

This is the detail most people underestimate. In a Sydney CBD corporate environment in 2025, 25–30% of coffee drinkers will request a non-dairy milk. Oat milk is by far the most popular, followed by almond and soy.

If you're using a mobile barista service, confirm that all three alternatives are stocked. Running out of oat milk 45 minutes into service creates a queue and a poor experience for a significant portion of your guests.

Mobile Barista Capacity

Self-Serve vs Barista Service

For smaller events (under 20 people) or informal office settings, a well-stocked self-serve station with a quality pod machine or filter coffee can work well and costs significantly less. For events where presentation matters — client meetings, board lunches, staff recognition events — a mobile barista service adds a professional, hospitable touch that genuinely elevates the experience.

Zest Catering & Events can arrange mobile barista service for Sydney CBD events as part of a catering package, or as a standalone add-on to your existing catering arrangement.