Three companies have seen their brands take off following attendance at the recent World Travel Catering & Onboard Expo (WTCE) in Hamburg – an air and rail industry onboard services event. As the US market picks up with airline profits expected to hit US$18.7bn in 2014, the exhibition is moving state-side to offer the US market a networking and business hub for the onboard services sector.
The inaugural WTCE Americas opens its doors at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle on 14-16 October and will act as a meeting place for senior personnel from across the rail, cruise and airline operator industries. Suppliers will use the event as a platform to gain brand exposure and discuss potential business deals. Three exhibitors at the Hamburg show, share their high flying experiences:
Global Inflight Products stays top of mind
US company Global Inflight Products, a leading provider of onboard solutions, from dining ware to headphones for inflight entertainment systems, uses WTCE as a platform to raise its brand presence and present new product offerings.
Entrenched in the airline industry, the company sees WTCE as an excellent way to meet its existing clients in one location, as well as welcome new customers and explore new business opportunities.
At the 2014 edition, Global Inflight Products showcased its newly created designs, specifically in the porcelain and amenities categories.
Paulina Chalita-White, Global Inflight Products said: “The quality of visitors at the show is great. We welcome our long-term clients and also have the chance to meet with new customers too, so it’s the best of both worlds.
“WTCE helps us support our brand positioning by highlighting new concepts we’ve developed, along with innovative prototypes used to stimulate the clients’ imagination and vision for their own particular airline.
“The show is a great way to gain an insight into the latest trends in the onboard services industry and is an important date on our calendar. I would definitely recommend exhibiting at WTCE if you want to break into the airline industry.”
Crantock achieves run-way success
Crantock is a manufacturer that supplies food products to customers ranging from blue chip clients to niche consumers. It prides itself on developing chef-driven products and using quality ingredients that are carefully sourced through supply chain partnerships.
Although the company has been working in the airline industry for a decade, it wanted to further penetrate the onboard catering market. Following a visit to WTCE 2013, the company recognized that the show was the perfect platform to move further into the market and raise its profile among international operators. Crantock decided to use WTCE as a launchpad for its range of hot hand-held products including pizzas, wraps, croque monsieurs and other meal solutions.
Exhibiting at the event, Crantock’s products were seen by top buyers from air and rail operators, all keen to see what new products the industry has to offer.
Delighted by the outcome of Crantock’s attendance at WTCE 2014, Matthew Hurry, managing director said: “There was a real sense of goodwill from the other exhibitors and key industry professionals who visited our stand. Everyone enjoyed what they saw and tasted and it was a brilliant opportunity to meet a lot of potential customers and partners.
“It’s still a bit too early to talk in terms of percentage sales but there was so much positive interest and follow-up briefings that, to continue the momentum, we will definitely be taking a stand again next year.”
FBV takes the fast-track to success
Fulfilling Brand Value (FBV) is a unique sales consultancy that helps increase its clients’ market share. The company decided to exhibit at WTCE to increase exposure and awareness of FBV and the brands that sit within its portfolio, as well as enhance relationships with existing trade partners and build new ones.
The company’s brands include food products such as Peppersmith Mints, Wolfy’s Porridge, Cadbury Fingers, Maryland Cookies and Divine Chocolate, offering rail and airline operators a wide range of food services. Prior to the show FBV only had listings with airlines for Cadbury Fingers and the company wanted to expand its reach within the onboard catering industry.
FBV recognized that WTCE offers a unique platform to broaden the company’s understanding of the airline sector, its specific challenges and the wealth of opportunities on offer for brands exhibiting at the show.
Commenting on the success for FBV, Jonny Hayhurst said: “As a direct result of exhibiting at WTCE we have secured new listings with Virgin Trains and Aer Lingus – both huge pieces of business for the company. In addition to this we have been able to broaden our contact database, particularly within European airlines and travel operators.
WTCE also delivers invaluable industry insights. On 14 October the Passenger Experience Conference will offer strategic advice on key issues surrounding cabin innovation, consumer expectations, and strategies for profitability within the cabin. At the end of the day attendees can benefit from a free networking reception where they can take a sneak preview of the exhibition in a more informal environment, while connecting with industry peers.
WTCE Americas is co-located with Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas, which features more than 120 exhibitors from the aircraft interiors industry and over 2,000 industry attendees. Visitors can view the latest and best innovations the industry has to offer, as well as meet with companies from all over the globe.
