The event as always welcomes prime contractors - such as Gategroup, DHL Supply Chain, and LSG Sky Chefs - and specialist niche suppliers involved in the lucrative onboard services sector. However, this year has witnessed an increase in the number of new companies wanting to break into the onboard services sector as it is set to see record growth; the airline sector alone is expecting a rise of 31 per cent in passenger demand by 2017 according to a recent IATA industry forecast.
One of the event's first-time exhibitors is New York Delhi that is set to add an exotic flavour to the exhibition floor with its inimitable range of snacks, inspired by New York delicatessens, British, Indian and Irish-American cuisine. Initially a premium spice provider, the company traded upon the strength of its Magic Spices range which included flavours such as; spice salt, masala and turmeric.
"We are very excited about showcasing our premium snacks at World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo", said Co-Founder Nina Slattery. "The event is the ideal occasion for us to introduce our ViP brand to the onboard services sector - especially the airline industry, whose focus on VIP treatment is perfectly suited to our exclusive, high-quality yet price competitive products".
New York Delhi now supplies a range of premium range snacks across more than 25 countries. At WTCE the company will showcase a diverse range of product ranges including; the award-winning ViPnuts, Wasabi ViPeas, King Cashews and Dark Chocolate Americanos - all products are GMO free and use natural ingredients.
The company's most popular range - ViPnuts - is made from the finest quality jumbo peanuts and flavoured with a range of delicious spices to generate an exciting catalogue of flavours including: Sea Salt, Hot Chilli, Manuka Honey & Mustard, Bollywood BBQ, Chilli Lemon and Masala. The most recent addition to the range - Hot Toffee ViPnuts, infused with caramalised honey and a hint of hot chilli - will also be available for visitors to sample whilst in Hamburg.
Meanwhile the American Muffin Company will showcase its range of 'Muffin in Cups' and 'Mini Loaf Muffins'. The muffins, cookies, cakes, brownies and flapjacks are all available in Gluten Free, Egg Free, Sugar Free & Lactose Free categories to suit different lifestyles and palates. Fairfields Farm Crisps, the award winning British chip manufacturer, will also make its show debut this year. The company will present a high quality all-natural snack in a new and attractive package exclusively designed for the air travel industry.
The multi-cultural diversity of WTCE's new exhibitors is also evident from Falkon Globus Trading Ltd and Elburgfoods BV.
The former is a Hong Kong-based company that will showcase its ETZIO product range of bags and amenity kits which have been designed to harmonise comfort, fashion and eco-friendly credentials. The range - which is characterised by its 100 per cent recyclable, waterproof, resistant, lightweight and durable properties - contains city maps, city guides, passport holders, luggage tags and other accessories such as eye masks. Items on display will include; a bamboo cosmetic bag & passport holder, the Golden Dragon roll amenity kit and the Blue Sky iPad cover amenity kit which offers stylistic yet practical protection.
Netherlands-based company Elburgfoods BV supplies an exciting range of hot snackbox solutions including; crispy southern fried-style chicken with chips, 100% natural chips, nuggets and chips and vegetarian snackboxes. The company's extensive range, which enjoys BRC / IFS and McDonald's certification, also contains chicken kiev, schnitzel, steak and cordonbleu recipes.
"The impressive influx of first-time exhibitors demonstrates the strength of this event which welcomed over 1,000 visitors in 2013", said Exhibition Manager Archana Sharma. "Last year more than 350 buyers and specifiers from 130 airlines and rail operators attended the show and I have no doubt that these figures, in conjunction with the enduring support of key stakeholders within the industry, have motivated businesses to join this unique networking opportunity".
