The second edition of the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) confirmed its standing as the world’s largest travel catering event by attracting more than 1000 high calibre visitors as well as over 200 exhibiting companies, of which more than 50 made their first appearance at the Hamburg Messe from 9-11 April 2013.

Organised by Reed Exhibitions, WTCE 2013 covered over 5,000 sq m with leading suppliers and caterers including LSG Sky Chefs, gategroup, Servair, DHL Airline Business Solutions, Heineken and Monty’s Bakehouse returning to WTCE to showcase the very latest products in travel catering and onboard services.

With its emphasis on enhancing the overall travel experience from economy to first-class, WTCE confirmed its growing international stature by welcoming a number of new exhibiting companies from around the world, which presented an array of products and services ranging from airline catering through to high-end bedding for passengers.

With over two decades of experience in providing nutritious and affordable meals, Aero Angels is one of Egypt’s largest independent providers of airline catering services, serving two million meals a year to over 30 charter airlines as well as 11 airports in Egypt.  With a solid home market, Aero Angels is now eyeing international expansion to further grow its business base.

“The main reason for exhibiting at WTCE was to raise our profile and to meet international airlines as well as networking with the many visitors who attended the show. We’ve been pleased with the enquiries that we’ve received to date and we plan on returning next year,” said Ashraf Shompi, Chief Executive Officer of Aero Angels.

To counter the perennial effects of jet lag and dehydration, Lifetonics used WTCE to launch its latest drink, Sky Formula. Lifetonics is an international specialist beverage company, currently with offices in Dubai and Hong Kong and production in the UK. Its future expansion plans include establishing branches in USA and Australia.

“Overall, we’ve been amazed at the response we’ve received for our newly-launched Lifetonics Sky Formula. We’ve had numerous enquiries during the show and many visitors have proactively looked us up through word of mouth. The show has far exceeded our expectations and we’ll be returning next year,” said Neil Taylor, Marketing Director at Lifetonics.

After extensive travelling, the company identified a gap in the market and its two-year product development centred on passenger hydration by replacing lost electrolytes and vitamins in a healthy and natural way. At WTCE, Lifetonics received major interest from over 30 flag carriers as well as supply chains.

LSG Sky Chefs also had a great show as it agreed a strategic partnership with Retail in Motion (RIM) whereby the partners will offer end-to-end in-flight retail management solutions to maximise retail revenues while onboard.  The company also unveiled its rebranded food service equipment and logistics division called Spiriant.

John Hyde, WTCE Event Director, said: “The feedback and comments received to date from both exhibitors and visitors alike all confirm that the second WTCE and Passenger Experience Conference have both been a great success. By co-locating WTCE with the Aircraft Interiors Expo, we can provide a seamless passenger experience showcase that addresses all the key issues in meeting the demands of modern passengers. For example, this year’s Taste of Travel theatre highlighted the culinary quality that is shaping the travel catering scene and we look forward to broadening our international pedigree and appeal at next year’s event that takes place at the Hamburg Messe from 8-10 April 2014.”