Revolutionising the onboard experience at WTCE: New exhibitors announced for 2024

World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), the leading global event for the inflight catering, onboard services and passenger comfort industries, has announced a roster of over 50 new exhibitors signed-up to the show for the first time.

The companies will bring many never-before-seen onboard products, innovations and services to the show floor, aimed at catching the attention of buyers from the world’s leading airlines, rail operators and inflight catering companies. From food and beverage solutions to amenity and hygiene kits, the show – which returns to Hamburg on the 28-30 May 2024 – is expected to unite over 250 exhibitors and more than 2,750 visitors from around the world.

Sourcing comfort with new exhibitors

Global inflight catering services play a huge role when it comes to providing passengers with the best onboard experience. With the worldwide sector for inflight catering predicted to hit $21.5 billion this year[1], 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.

With Koppert Cress B.V indicating that “Microgreens” and edible plant parts are becoming increasingly important in consumer diets, the company will showcase its range of products that use all-natural, innovative ingredients at this year’s WTCE show. Notably, sprouted seedlings (cress), edible plant parts, leaves, flowers and most recently, “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 award-winning cocktails and beverages which promise to take passengers on a sensory taste journey, along withSerenissima Ristorazione S.P.A., a leader in the commercial catering sector who is approaching in-flight catering with a selection of high-quality semi-finished products using fresh produce without the addition of preservatives or additives.

At this year’s WTCE, attendees can look forward to seeing innovative wellbeing products from new exhibitors, such as Soothing Solutions Ltd, with its Tonstix Travel Pops. Crafted to alleviate travel sickness and promote a sense of calm in younger passengers, its 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 solution for children, 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[2]. The onboard sector is no stranger to this trend, also witnessing a significant technological shift onboard towards catering management platforms and AI.

As a provider of cloud-based catering management solutions utilised by 50% of the world’s leading airlines, Paxia will showcase its next-generation airline catering management platform, Paxia Cloud. As a modern, integrated airline catering management 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), who 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 water packaged sustainably in carton with its personalised ‘Aqualy’ water. Zhejiang Shuangjian, a manufacturer of high-quality aircraft tableware, will also bring its range of air cups, air lunch boxes and air non-slip trays, all made using materials which are environmentally friendly.

Attendees will also be able to discover TUBES – an award-winning company known for its innovative beverage solution contained in a tube. Well-suited for the travel industry, TUBES provides sustainable, ready-made, single-serve tubes that host 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.

WTCE Event Director, Polly Magraw, said: “As the onboard sector evolves in line with emerging trends in the technology and food and drink sector, 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 industry with the perfect opportunity for visitors to source products from emerging companies and 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 the industry-renowned 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.

For more information on World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 2024 and to register your interest, please visit: https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com/en-gb.html