Category

Catering

Du Nord Social Spirits is the first Black-owned distillery in the US.

Delta revamps seasonal onboard beverage menu

By Catering, FeaturedNo Comments
Du Nord Social Spirits is the first Black-owned distillery in the US.

As of October, passengers flying Delta can choose from a seasonally inspired beverage line-up that spotlights the first US Black-owned distillery, Du Nord Social Spirits, and Une Femme’s 100% women-made wine.

“Working with suppliers who not only provide us with the best products but also help us offer products that are made by people who reflect the communities we serve is a meaningful demonstration of our core values at work,” said Mike Henny, Delta’s Managing Director – Onboard Service Operations.

Du Nord Social Spirits is the first Black-owned distillery in the US, and part of the company’s mission is to diversify the craft alcohol community. Du Nord’s Foundation Vodka will be available for sale on all domestic flights starting October. In 2022, Delta will bring on more Du Nord products and plans to launch the spirits internationally.

Breckenridge Brewery’s newest beer is a unique twist on its Vanilla Porter and is inspired by the world’s favourite shortbread cookie to create an indulgent delight. Breckenridge’s beer will be available for sale on all domestic flights from October through the end of 2021.

Une Femme produces 100% women-made champagne and sparkling wine; for every bottle the company sells, it donates to a charitable organisation with the purpose of improving the lives of women. Une Femme’s sparkling rose “The Callie” will be available for sale on select domestic flights throughout the month of October. Delta plans to bring more Une Femme products onboard in 2022.

Tip Top’s Negroni will be available for sale on select domestic flights throughout the month of October.

The Hopsecutioner IPA is Terrapin Beer Company’s flagship beer and will be available for sale on select domestic flights throughout the month of October.

Vizzy Hard Seltzer is the first hard seltzer made with acerola cherry. At 5% alcohol by volume, Vizzy Hard Seltzer is crafted with only 100 calories and 1 gram of sugar. Delta will serve Vizzy’s Pineapple Mango seltzer, featuring natural flavours of sweet pineapple and juicy mango. Vizzy Hard Seltzer is now available on all domestic flights.

WhistlePig puts a twist on the classic Old Fashioned, pairing its six-year-old PiggyBack Rye Whiskey with an Orange Fashioned Maple Cocktail Syrup that makes a sturdy seasonal cocktail with flavours of cinnamon, citrus and sweetened with real maple syrup.

WhistlePig’s cocktail kit will be available for domestic coast-to-coast and international Delta One customers from October through the end of 2021.

October 12, 2021
Jet2.com has partnered with Carluccio's to introduce the Italian Snack Box

Jet2.com introduces Italian Snack Box from Carluccio’s

By Catering, FeaturedNo Comments
Jet2.com has partnered with Carluccio's to introduce the Italian Snack Box

Leisure airline Jet2.com has partnered with Italian restaurant chain, Carluccio’s, to offer an Italian snack box on its in-flight menu.

The Italian Snack Box includes: Taralli, a traditional savoury snack from Southern Italy made from olive oil, flour and water; two dips (tangy cheese and tomato & garlic); handmade skinny Grissini bread sticks, which have been baked and double dipped in chocolate, and Torcetti, a twisted butter cookie from Piedmont, Northern Italy, hand finished in sugar.

Every Italian snack box also contains a 20% off voucher for Carluccio’s, which can be redeemed in one of over 25 Carluccio’s restaurants and delis across the UK, as well as via the company’s online store.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “The addition of this fantastic Italian Snack Box gives our customers even more great choice when it comes to enjoying a tasty treat onboard. We are delighted to have partnered with one of the UK’s most loved restaurant brands, Carluccio’s, and to be the first UK airline to offer the restaurant’s products in the air, giving passengers the chance to enjoy a true taste of Italy at 35,000 feet.

Sarah Strangeway, Head of Buying at Carluccio’s added: “We are thrilled to be taking Carluccio’s to the skies for the first time with Jet2.com and have created authentic Italian products sourced from artisan producers to give passengers a tasty quality treat on their travels.”

October 5, 2021
Emirates has introduced new cold coffee options onboard.

Emirates expands in-flight coffee menu

By CateringNo Comments
Emirates has introduced new cold coffee options onboard.

Emirates has added two new cold coffee choices onboard for First and Business passengers.

In addition to the classic iced Americano, the airline has introduced Affogato, an Italian coffee-based dessert made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over vanilla ice cream.

Emirates serves up nearly 28 million cups of coffee in an average year across its global network.

In addition to a choice of aromatic coffee blends First Class customers can also enjoy Emirates’ iconic Arabic coffee service paired with a luxury selection of fine dates.

September 30, 2021
Dutch airline Transavia has renewed its catering contract with Newrest,

Transavia renews in-flight catering contract with Newrest

By Catering, FeaturedNo Comments
Dutch airline Transavia has renewed its catering contract with Newrest,

Dutch airline Transavia has renewed its catering contract with Newrest, providing in-flight catering services out of Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Rotterdam.

The two companies have worked together since 2004, when Newrest built an ad-hoc catering unit especially for the airline’s need. A brand-new 10,000 sq m catering production unit was inaugurated  last year at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to support Transavia’s growth.

The unit will supply more than 10,000 meals per day to 13 main customers and has the latest technologies in automated management, security and production, including Cobots (Collaborative Robots).

The contract covers procurement, inventory management, quality control, financial services, digital solutions, sustainability program and fresh food loading program on behalf of Transavia.

September 29, 2021

ANA expands in-flight dining options

By Catering, FeaturedNo Comments

As part of its ANA Future Promise, All Nippon Airways (ANA), is introducing a new expanded menu featuring dishes crafted with the help of ANA’s elite “THE CONNOISSEURS” culinary partners, marking the first time that a collaboration menu will be introduced for special in-flight meals.

From October, ANA will offer four different Diabetic, Low Fat, Low Calorie and Low Salt meals on international flights, created with the help of Hideki Takayama, a famous French-trained chef.

For the Diabetic Meal, Takayama and those in charge of creating the meals worked with the Japan Association for Diabetes Education and Care to ensure that all items met their stringent regulations.

The additional health-conscious menu options follow ANA’s trend of offering an increased selection of specialised dishes for its passengers, a commitment that is also demonstrated by its offering of a diverse set of Halal meals, for which ANA Catering Service has obtained Halal certification.

“Our in-flight menus are constantly updated as we introduce new items based on passenger feedback and demand,” said Junko Yazawa, Senior Vice President, Customer Experience Management & Planning. “As we develop our in-flight dining options, we aim to ensure that delicious and satisfying meals are available to all passengers, regardless of their dietary habits. The need to offer healthy alternatives to traditional meals is growing, and we are proud to partner with world-class chefs to create rich menus that offer excellent choices to all passengers.”

These new meals will be available on ANA-operated international routes departing from Japan for all service classes. Details on these special in-flight meal menu options, including full dietary information will be posted on ANA’s website.

In order to receive one of the special meals, reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the flight through the ANA website or by telephone.

September 28, 2021
Finnair's recently introduced menu has sustainability at its core

Finnair refreshes in-flight dining with sustainability at its heart

By Catering, FeaturedNo Comments
Finnair's recently introduced menu has sustainability at its core

Finnair has introduced refreshed menus, simplicity and sustainability at heart, as part of its goal of reducing waste and weight onboard all flights.

Business class passengers on intercontinental flights, will be served a small amuse bouche and a starter, followed by a main meal, dessert and cheese.

Long-haul business class passengers can also opt for oat milk, as the airline’s new dairy free alternative.  They also have a choice of three main course options – Benella rainbow trout, a Japanese inspired chicken dish or a plant-based option which celebrates the tastes of India.

Business class passengers also receive a lighter second service, snacks and refreshments – along with a beverage and wine selection.

Many of the airline’s dishes on long-haul flights take inspiration from Scandinavia’s traditional flavours – with a Japanese twist – as the airline makes the most from flavours featured in the destinations they fly to.

Maarit Keränen, Finnair Head of Inflight Food and Beverage Concept, said: “We’re really excited to reveal our refreshed in-flight menu and we’ve found that a little twist of Japanese cuisine works well with the Scandinavian flavours.

“Sustainability is a key focus for us, which is why we’ve also introduced wooden cutlery onboard and streamlined our service offering to reduce the amount of waste onboard.

“We’ve already halved the amount of food waste in our catering/kitchen operations and have set ourselves a new goal to reduce food waste by a further 30%.”

Finnair customers travelling in business class on European flights are offered a sandwich, fresh cold meal with bread, or a three-course meal inspired by Nordic flavours – along with a selection of beverages.

The Finnish flag carrier has also introduced a set menu accompanied by a complimentary glass of wine or beer to all economy class customers on intercontinental flights, as the Nordic airline looks to minimise food waste on each flight.

Customers travelling in economy class on European flights are served a glass of Finnair’s famous blueberry juice with new wooden birch cutlery and paper cups accompanying the in-flight service.

The Finnish flag carrier focuses on local ingredients and on return flights from long-haul destinations all meals are made locally.

As well as the refreshed menu, Finnair has also brought back its Nordic Kitchen on board menu, which means passengers can now buy drinks and snacks onboard.

September 27, 2021

Sun Country Airlines brings the Midwest onboard

By Catering, Featured, IFECNo Comments

Sun Country Airlines has introduced a new in-flight menu with a focus on Midwest hospitality.

As part of this announcement, the airline has named Caribou Coffee the Official Coffee of Sun Country Airlines. The partnership includes a US$250,000 investment by Sun Country in equipment upgrades onboard to ensure high flavour quality and consistency across its fleet. In addition to Caribou Coffee ready-to-drink Cold Brew cans that are currently available for purchase, Sun Country will begin offering complimentary fresh brewed hot Caribou Coffee on all flights in early 2022.

“At Caribou Coffee, we’re proud of our Minnesota roots and are thrilled to expand our partnership with Sun Country Airlines. We look forward to enriching the in-flight experience with fresh-brewed coffee,” commented Liva Wolf, VP Commercial Solutions at Caribou Coffee. “Caribou has a significant presence in airports across the country and soon Sun Country fliers can enjoy a delicious, sustainably sourced cup of Caribou from the comfort of their seat in the sky.”

Dot’s Pretzels, a family-owned small business, will also be available onboard. Passengers who purchase tickets in Sun Country’s “best seats,” will receive a complimentary bag of Dot’s Pretzels. Additional bags will be available for purchase onboard.

From September, Sun Country Airlines will offer an additional craft beer option from Minnesota-based Fulton Brewing, adding Fulton Sweet Child of Vine IPA to the list of brews available for purchase onboard. Passengers also have the option of purchasing Fulton Lonely Blonde, which was originally brought onboard in 2019.

“As we slowly move forward from COVID, it’s important to support local businesses,” said Corey Shovein, Fulton Brewing National Sales Director. “Being a partner with our local airline, and adding Sweet Child of Vine IPA to the in-flight beer list with our Lonely Blonde Ale, does just that.”

Passengers will also be able to enjoy the “Hometown Flavor Bundle” and save $1 when they purchase any snack along with a Minnesota beer or liquor. Sun Country Airlines also offers Minnesota-based Prairie Organic Gin and Vodka on its inflight menu.

These products are now available onboard any of Sun Country’s more than 95 routes across 65 airports in the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

“We are thrilled to share more of what Minnesota has to offer onboard our flights,” said Sun Country Airlines Chief Marketing Officer, Brian Davis. “With the addition of new local products from our friends at Caribou, Fulton Brewing and new food offerings like Dot’s Pretzels, we can share a little more of our hometown with our guests. We’re also excited to introduce folks from across the country to films that help put Minnesota on the map.”

In addition, Sun Country is offering 15 new, complimentary Minnesota-themed movies like Purple Rain, The Mighty Ducks, Grumpy Old Men, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Juno, and more.

September 27, 2021
Montys Bakehouse Snack Pack chicken

Monty’s Bakehouse unveils new products

By Catering, FeaturedNo Comments
Montys Bakehouse Snack Pack chicken

Monty’s Bakehouse has introduced the Snack Pack, a ‘freeze-thaw’ concept designed by its in-house chefs to “deliver fresh, great tasting, quality second serve meal solutions.”

Each Snack Pack contains Monty’s Bakehouse soft roll, which it says is co-extruded to completely envelop a generous portion of the sandwich filling. Such a design is claimed to prevent any leakage inside the box during transit or service. Also in the Pack is a moist sweet sponge.

The Snack Pack is hygienically sealed for passenger and crew reassurance, and freshly frozen in the kitchen to lock in freshness and provide a longer shelf life. The Snack Pack is thawed in the catering facility prior to being loaded on board the aircraft, ready to be served, reducing crew handling and preparation time in flight.

Each Snack Pack box is made using bio-degradable, compostable paperboard sourced from sustainably managed forests, and features a new design to differentiate the product from the existing range to aid service on flight.

The Snack Pack is currently available in four recipes:

  • Farmhouse-style chicken, aromatic basil and ripe tomato in a freshly baked roll served with a zesty lemon sponge;
  • Classic egg and sweet tomato in a freshly baked roll served with a rich chocolate sponge, suitable for vegetarians;
  • Creamy and spicy coronation chickpea in a freshly baked roll served with a rich chocolate, also suitable for vegetarians;
  • Chunky chicken salsa in a freshly baked roll served with a zesty lemon sponge.

The company is also introducing Monty’s Croque Monsieur, a twist on the popular classic dish re-designed by the Monty’s Bakehouse chefs.

Monty’s Croque Monsieur consists of layers of fresh ham, tangy mustard and a mature cheddar bechamel sauce topped with Gruyere cheese placed on top of a crispy white bread with chunky, doughy sides. The Monty’s Bakehouse chefs use a unique baking process where the filling is baked into the bread to prevent the cheese oozing out or the ham separating from the sandwich for a delectable clean eat. The doughy sides also prevent greasy fingers.

Also available is vegetarian and halal alternative, the Garlic Mushroom Croque, made with layers of sliced mushrooms, mustard, and a mature cheddar bechamel sauce topped with Gruyere cheese.

The Monty’s Bakehouse team have removed the traditional plastic flow wrap used in the industry, instead serving the Monty’s Croque Monsieur in its signature Barricade Eco packaging which is bio-degradable, compostable paperboard sourced from sustainably managed forests.

September 20, 2021
Telstar Heavenly Cookies from UK-bakery nibnibs

nibnibs extends choice of nibbles

By Catering, FeaturedNo Comments
Telstar Heavenly Cookies from UK-bakery nibnibs

Family-owned Yorkshire bakery nibnibs has launched a new cookie, Telstar, which it hopes will be available on flights soon.

The bakery currently has savoury products on all flights out of Europe for two US carriers.

The Telstar Heavenly Cookies are available in two versions – Caramelised with 88 calories per mini pack or 90 calories for the Chocolate variety.

nibnibs has reduced the sugar content by 30% with no artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives and the product is palm oil free. Both versions are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Fully recyclable packaging options are available.

 

September 20, 2021
SWISS and Too Good to Go will sell unused food as part of a trial to reduce food waste.

SWISS trials food waste reduction concept

By Catering, FeaturedNo Comments
SWISS and Too Good to Go will sell unused food as part of a trial to reduce food waste.

SWISS is trialling a new concept that aims to reduce the volumes of fresh food items which remain unsold on its flights and must therefore be thrown away.

The airline already uses historical sales data for each flight to tailor its fresh product uplifts as closely as possible to likely passenger demand. As part of an existing collaboration, SWISS and partner “Too Good To Go” will offer at reduced prices any fresh food items which remain unsold. To test customer acceptance, a trial of the new approach is being conducted in August and September on the last flights of the day from Geneva on SWISS’s European network.

The new concept consists in offering any fresh food items that remain unsold on certain services at the end of the flight concerned. These items’ availability is communicated via an inflight announcement, and interested passengers are offered a bag containing one, two or three such fresh food items at one third of their usual price. The bag’s contents are not revealed in advance and remain a surprise for the purchaser.

“Managing waste on board is an important part of our commitment to greater sustainability,” said SWISS CCO Tamur Goudarzi Pour. “We hope to significantly reduce unused food on board our aircrafts by introducing this service. Thinking about sustainability in all our products, services and processes is part of our SWISS DNA.”

“The first results from these trials have been promising,” added SWISS’s Head of Western Switzerland Romain Vetter. “The new approach has been well received by our passengers on the flights concerned. We’re now awaiting a final analysis of the trials’ findings to decide if we should extend it to further routes.”

September 16, 2021