RX, the organisers of World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), have announced that the popular ‘Wellbeing Walk-Through’ will return for the 2025 show on 8-10 April. The feature gives visitors to Hamburg Messe an immersive experience where they can stroll around the show floor and learn about the latest products that can enhance passenger health, wellbeing, and comfort.
The Walk-Through is being curated and championed by WTCE Ambassadors – Julianne Ponan, an allergies campaigner and CEO of Creative Nature, Melissa Adamski, a travel dietitian and nutritionist, and Kelly Stevenson, former global wine and beverage manager at British Airways and current CEO of JetVine. The feature will showcase 17 companies presenting food, drink and amenity products that promote a healthier and more comfortable journey.
Stand-out food & drink options
Visitors can explore the WTCE show floor to see (and sample) a wide range of healthy food and drink options. For example, Poshi will be showcasing its freshly marinated vegetable snacks and meals, as well as products from brands it represents, including Oloves Greek olive snacks, Air Cheese crispy snacks, and Dipin dips and spreads.
Keep walking and you can try a range of gluten-free, organic, free from and vegan products including biscuits, crackers and wafers from Crich, an Italian supplier.
Or visit Koppert Cress, which provides cresses that chefs can use to intensify the flavour, aroma and presentation of their dishes.
To quench your thirst, stop by Whittard of Chelsea’s stand, where the team will be showing tea, coffee and hot chocolate options presented in luxurious packaging.
Family values
This year’s Wellbeing Walk-Through will also showcase some family-owned and run businesses that offer food solutions and products to enhance the passenger experience. For example, Manna from Heaven specialises in producing unique handmade frozen foods for the travel sector. The range of sweet and savoury options are all made from scratch, without the use of artificial additives.
You can also stop by Nairn’s Oatcakes, a producer of sweet and savoury biscuits in the UK, which are available in food service formats suitable for onboard services.
Another option is Foodfolk Australia, a catering company that can help transport operators create a personalised service and tailored catering solutions.
If you’re looking for something a little more sweet (or salty), try Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn, a specialist in handmade, air-popped, gourmet popcorn. The company produces over 50 flavours with options of savoury, sweet, vegan friendly and gluten-free, in packaging developed exclusively for airlines.
Meal services
Discover onboard meal services and solutions from En Route International, a global specialist in passenger solutions, supply chain services and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers. En Route will be showcasing its range of products, including options that cater to evolving dietary needs, as well as longer-life packaged products.
Meanwhile, Yummy Karma is a food manufacturer specialising in chilled and frozen prepared meal solutions, made without any additives or preservatives. The range includes fresh meals to go, pots to go, and veggie bites.
Independent airline food solutions company, Foodcase, will also be part of the Wellbeing Walk-Through this year. Foodcase has a broad portfolio, from special meals to sustainable packaging options.
Another exhibitor worth visiting is Kaelis, a provider of onboard products, services and solutions for the airline and railway industries, serving up to 1.5 billion passengers per year. As well as providing onboard services consulting to improve travel experiences, the company also strives to make services more sustainable. The team will be on hand to discuss the latest trends in products and services for the onboard industry.
Amenities & textiles
Buzz, a supplier of premium amenities to the travel industry, designs and creates products to create a more thoughtful, curated travel experience for passengers. Over the last 25 years, the brand has created collaborations between major airlines including American Airlines, Etihad and Emirates.
Also on the trail is Procurall, which will be showing eco-conscious amenity kits, luxury dining essentials, renewable soft goods and innovative tech accessories.
Meanwhile John Horsfall will be showcasing its onboard textiles and exploring the role of design in promoting sustainability and enhancing brand perception. While you’re at their stand, check out the Cool-Feel Pillow, with an innovative heat-wicking fine-knit fabric that helps passengers to regulate their body heat during a flight. Temperature regulation is essential to a good flight’s sleep, and can lessen the physical and mental effects of jet-lag.
A greener future
As sustainability continues to be a key focus within the aviation industry, it is increasingly important for airlines to consider this factor when selecting suppliers. For example, Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio, a producer of monodose olive oil, condiments and Italian wine, is also a pioneer in the field of sustainability. In 2009 it became the first company to obtain the certification of ‘Zero CO2 Emissions’.
Another supplier, Deli Lites, will also be on the trail to share its mission to become an industry leader in premium food on the move, with its range of hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, salads, and artisanal baked goods.
WTCE event manager, Shona Thomson, said of the Wellbeing Walk-Through: “WTCE is delighted to bring back the Wellbeing Walk-Through for the 2025 edition of the show. Curated by our expert team of WTCE ambassadors, the feature offers an immersive journey that highlights how thoughtful innovations in food, drink and amenities can elevate the health and comfort of passengers. WTCE is committed to driving innovation and excellence in the industry, and we’re excited to welcome visitors to experience this immersive trail in Hamburg this year.”
WTCE is co-located with Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX). Both shows will be taking place at the Hamburg Messe from 8-10 April 2025 and will come together to provide passenger experience professionals with the opportunity to network and explore new products, services and solutions.
