World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), the global event for the inflight catering, onboard services and passenger comfort industries, has announced that more than 50 first-time exhibitors have signed-up to the show, keen to catch the attention of buyers from airlines, rail operators and inflight catering companies.
WTCE returns to Hamburg on 28-30 May 2024, with over 250 exhibitors and more than 2,750 visitors from around the world due to attend. Product and services will include everything from food and beverage ideas, to amenity and hygiene kits.
Sourcing comfort with new exhibitors
RX, the show’s organisers, say that global inflight catering services – a market predicted to hit US$21.5 billion this year – play a huge role when it comes to providing passengers with the best onboard experience. Passengers will be on the lookout for enhanced inflight experiences and improved food and beverage options, meaning airlines must strengthen their offerings to get ahead of the competition.
So who are these new companies, and what will they be showing?
‘Microgreens’ and edible plant parts are becoming increasingly important in consumer diets, and Koppert Cress B.V will be showcasing its range of products that use all-natural, innovative ingredients. Highlights will include sprouted seedlings (cress), edible plant parts, leaves, flowers and ‘white vegetables’ – all of which can be implemented in dishes to intensify taste and fragrance, and improve presentation.
Also exhibiting its products for the first time will be Signature Cocktail Co., a company that provides cocktails and beverages, with the promise to take passengers on a sensory taste journey. Another new name, Serenissima Ristorazione S.P.A., a commercial caterer that is approaching in-flight catering with a selection of quality semi-finished products using fresh produce without the addition of preservatives or additives.
At this year’s WTCE, attendees can also look forward to seeing innovative wellbeing products from new exhibitors, such as Soothing Solutions, with its Tonstix Travel Pops. Crafted to alleviate travel sickness and promote a sense of calm in younger passengers, these all-natural honey-based pops are infused with ginger, a natural remedy for motion sickness, and L-theanine, an amino acid known for its calming effects. This blend of ingredients provides a safe and effective way to keep children calm, providing comfort without resorting to synthetic alternatives on journeys.
Advances in technology
Technology is revolutionising the airline industry, making processes easier, faster, and more efficient. The onboard sector is in line with this trend, also witnessing a significant technological shift onboard towards catering management platforms and AI.
As a provider of cloud-based catering management solutions, which it says are used by 50% of the world’s leading airlines, Paxia will showcase its next-generation airline catering management platform, Paxia Cloud. As a modern, integrated platform with modular applications that optimise the entire catering operation, the solution has been developed to meet and simplify the evolving needs of airline catering operations.
Another new exhibitor for 2024 is IFCS (In Flight Catering Software), which will be showcasing the newest version of its robust flight provisioning platform, GalleyX. The end-to-end solution, which has been developed following a decade of analysis into industry challenges, will assist passenger airlines and aviation caterers globally, providing a solution to unlock substantial financial and time-based savings.
A sustainable future onboard
With the travel industry’s ongoing efforts to ensure a sustainable future, companies are actively enhancing sustainability measures across every stage of the passenger journey.
Debuting at WTCE 2024, Ly Company Group will highlight the advantages of its ‘Aqualy’ water, packaged in a sustainable carton. Zhejiang Shuangjian, a manufacturer of aircraft tableware, will bring its range of cups, lunch boxes and non-slip trays, all made using environmentally friendly materials.
Attendees will also be able to discover TUBES – a company known for its beverage solution contained in a tube. Well-suited for the travel industry, TUBES provides sustainable, ready-made, single-serve tubes that can hold a variety of beverages, from exclusive wines to flavoured cocktails. Offering passengers a unique beverage experience onboard, the products can be customised to suit consumer preferences, with their efficient size and low weight helping to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions during flights.
Polly Magraw, event director for WTCE said: “As the onboard sector evolves in line with emerging trends in the technology and food and drink sectors, airlines and rail operators are continually on the lookout for the latest onboard solutions and products. That’s why at WTCE, we’re committed to providing the perfect opportunity for visitors to source products from emerging companies and from those who are simply new to the onboard industry, who can provide solutions to ongoing challenges in the industry. This year at WTCE is no different, and we’re thrilled to welcome a selection of new exhibitors, who we’re confident will make some noise in the industry.”
WTCE will be co-located with Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX). Both shows will be taking place at the Hamburg Messe and will come together to provide passenger experience professionals with the opportunity to network and explore new products, services, and solutions.
