The value of the agreement is about CHF 40-50 million per annum. The agreement for Gate Gourmet, which takes effect on June 1 this year, is for three years with an option for a further two years. Three gategroup brands are involved in providing an innovative operating model extending across the UK for the provision of services to Virgin Atlantic. Pourshins (supply chain management), Supplair (off-airport food assembly) and Gate Gourmet (catering and provisioning) will work in partnership to provide an end-to-end onboard catering solution. Pourshins and Supplair, headquartered near London Heathrow, will manage the menu and service design concept as well as the total food sourcing and distribution and will work with best-in-class food suppliers to ensure that menus include new and original products to strengthen Virgin Atlantic's food offering across its Upper Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Gate Gourmet will provide the "last mile" handling services to and from the aircraft through airport-based facilities. Last mile services will include transport, packing and equipment processing. "We are very pleased to be extending our relationship with Virgin Atlantic, one of the world's leading airlines," said gategroup Chief Executive Officer Andrew Gibson. He added: "We have been able to offer Virgin Atlantic an innovative solution which is leading edge and meets the airline's high-quality brand expectations." Steve Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Atlantic Airways, said: "Over the last few months we've run an open and competitive process to select a supplier for our in-flight catering needs from the UK. We are delighted to have been able to structure this innovative approach to providing the best for our customers with gategroup." gategroup already services Virgin Atlantic Airways at all of its US stations, in India and Australia.

Source: gategoup press release (link)
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gategroup has signed a long-term contract with leading European airline airberlin to provide catering and provisioning services through its Gate Gourmet brand. The new agreement extends Gate Gourmet&s existing business with airberlin for five years to the end of 2016, with the option to renew for an additional five-year term. The value of the agreement is CHF 70 to 80 million per year.

Source: traveldailynews.com (link)
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Atherton will help create a menu which will be available for passengers in both the Club Classic and Club Premier cabins. The menu aims to reflect elements of the culinary traditions of both China and Europe and will be complemented by a specially selected wine list and choice of Chinese teas.

Source: businesstraveller.com (link)
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The agreement not only extends Gate Gourmet's catering and provisioning business for four years with Virgin Australia having the option to renew for two further one-year terms, but also significantly expands the level of services. Virgin Australia last month launched Business Class on most domestic routes, including new premium cabins and gourmet menus designed by Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan. Depending on the cabin, route or fare level, complimentary meals and beverages, as well as food for purchase are available. "It is our privilege to be a part of this step change in Virgin Australia's passenger service and we are proud of our work in helping Virgin Australia accomplish its future vision," said gategroup CEO Andrew Gibson. "These agreements solidify our long-standing relationship with the airline and further strengthen our footprint in Australia." gategroup estimates that the total value to it over the contract period is in excess of CHF 250 million

Source: Press release (link)
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Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad may be the first to kick-start the airline gourmet trend: The New York Times reports that airlines, in the midst of a downward market trend, are investing more in better in-flight food.

Source: thedailymeal.com (link)
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The merger of inflight catering service providers Alpha Flight Group and Lufthansa Service Holding (LSG) has been given the go-ahead following an investigation by the Competition Commission.

Source: dfnionline.com (link)
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Japan Airlines has partnered with Yoshinoya – the largest chain of beef-bowl restaurants in Japan – to bring the chain' trademark dish to passengers on select international flights. The campaign started on March 1st, 2012 and for three months passengers on JAL flights from Tokyo Narita to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London and Frankfurt in every cabin class are served an "Air Yoshinoya box" – the JAL version of the establishment's specialty beef-bowl.

Source: airlinetrends.com (link)
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Passengers flying with the national carrier can now look forward to more variety in dining, be it breakfast, lunch, dinner or high tea. The airline will offer variety of menu to suit all types of palates, Indian and continental.

Source: travelbizmonitor.com (link)
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Do&Co, the company that is behind the food choices on Turkish Airlines flights, is now serving the same menus in restaurants around Hong Kong.

Source: hurriyetdailynews.com (link)
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The airline is offering popular products from Waitrose and Cadburys as well as a selection of smaller high-quality British brands.

Source: iafrica.com (link)
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Voting is underway now for June, which is when the first "winning" beer will be appear on Frontier's flights. The options: Dale's Pale Ale, Upslope Pale Ale, Colorado Native or Crabtree Oatmeal Stout.

Source: USA Today (link)
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