A number of exhibitors at this year’s World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) have launched new and exciting product ranges which deliver more choice and health benefits for airlines and passengers alike.

Propercorn is a first-time exhibitor at this year’s WTCE and following the launch of their 20g popcorn bag range in 2011, the company this week unveiled a new and smaller 10g bag, following feedback from airlines. In the cabin, the new range takes up less storage space and for passengers, with each bag coming under 50 calories, the health benefits include: high in fibre; low in salt; natural ingredients; wheat-free and vegetarian friendly.

“I’m finding that passengers now expect a healthy option for snacks and at WTCE this week, we’ve had great interest from major flag carriers in our new 10g bag range, which we developed specifically for the show,” said Aaron Glover, Head of Sales for Propercorn.

Following their success in the 2011 Mercury Awards (Winners Food and Beverage) for “it’s just…my bag of fries”, Green Gourmet targeted WTCE as the biggest show to launch a new range of products under the “it’s just…” brand.

After entering the airline market just two years ago, Green Gourmet have continued to conduct market research and its latest Buy-on-Board and Complimentary additions include southern fried chicken poppers and fries and croque monsieur. The latest products deliver tailor-made solutions for airline operators that are easy to use as well as hitting certain price points.

“We make it possible to deliver “high street” quality products to airline passengers. For example, the latest range of mini-ciabattas that we’ve launched this week can be tailored to suit a number of special dietary requirements, e.g. gluten-free,“ said Neil Humphries, Sales Director at Green Gourmet.

The company confirmed that they had received many enquiries and interest following the launch at WTCE.

FLYHIDRATE is another new exhibitor who identified WTCE as the best showcase to launch a new powdered range of their liquid ready-to-drink hydration system, following extensive feedback from airlines.

The new powdered galley pack replicates the company’s liquid system. With its lightweight design, the galley pack incorporates compact and easy to use packaging; it is also cost-effective as it has a shelf life of two years.

FLYHIDRATE is the result of a two-year collaboration between food innovators, nutritionists, researchers at the University of Otago and funding by the New Zealand Ministry of Science and Innovation. The exceptionally dry air in aircraft cabins is a major reason for the loss of approximately 1 extra litre of water every 5 hours during flying, which has many subsequent effects on body functions. To counter dehydration, the pack has a unique multi-electrolyte composition which enables more effective fluid retention than drinking plain water.