IRELAND/SWITZERLAND. Retail inMotion has won an Onboard Hospitality Award for the SWISS Saveurs programme it jointly developed with Swiss International Air Lines last year.
The onboard ordering programme gives Economy Class passengers the opportunity to purchase authentic Swiss-inspired dishes, gourmet sandwiches, and a variety of other hot and cold snacks. It won the ‘Catering Innovation of the Year’ award after voting by a panel of industry experts.
Swiss International Air Lines introduced SWISS Saveurs on flights from Geneva in May 2018. Co-developed and managed by Retail inMotion, a new range of perishable products was developed for the programme by the Irish company, together with Swiss retailer and delicatessen chain Globus, and in close partnership with the airline. The focus of the service was on healthy, fresh food, using Swiss ingredients.
Accordingly, the food draws on local favourites, including ‘planchette’ served on a wooden board, and gourmet sandwiches such as the traditional Genevan ‘Maxi délice poulet pavot’ and ‘Geneva Ham Signature Delice’.
All ingredients used are fresh, tested for inflight consistency and quality, and selected to cater for both native Swiss and international passengers.
Retail inMotion said it continues to source new introductions for the SWISS Saveurs programme. From March 2020, the partners will exclusively launch onboard ‘The Beer of Western Switzerland’, a Swiss Pale Ale developed and brewed by La Nebuleuse Microbrewery – a well-known beer brand from Lausanne.
Retail inMotion CEO Stefan Patermann said: “We are honoured to be recognised with this accolade from Onboard Hospitality. We poured inspiration, creativity and expertise into developing the SWISS Saveurs programme.
“The result is a ground-breaking programme, which perfectly demonstrates how a retail programme can underscore an airline’s brand values. With the selection of more than 90% local brands, we have created a programme that reinforces the Swiss brand image, transports the idea of ‘Swissness’ to the passenger in every detail, and develops clear differentiation in the onboard retail segment.”
