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IFSA sizes up Latin America

Attendees from 18 countries were treated to a February conference that featured a combination of education, networking, and hospitable Latin American culture, in San Jose, Costa Rica put on by the International Flight Services Association

This is the second year of the Global Leadership Conference—Latin America and The Caribbean. Delegates spent three days February 24 – 26 in an event that featured informative education sessions, with leading industry participants

Chef Carlos Gonzalez of Gate Gourmet, won this year’s IFSA Latin America and the Caribbean Chef’s Competition. Chef Carlos’ Aztec Chocolate Cloud Cake with Jalapeno Crème Anglaise and an Orange/Vanilla Sugar Dusted Churros took top honors during an engaging event. Chef Carlos received a commemorative plaque and monogrammed chef’s coat for his winning creation. The other finalists who competed for the honor were Chefs Jan Kuska and Armando Navarette, both of Goddard Catering Group in El Salvador.

Interactive audience sessions or “Hot Topics” touched on several important aspects of catering in the region:
• Standardization in food safety and hygiene audits, presented by Zev Chernilo, Quality Assurance Catering Manager, LAN Chile
• Distribution in Central and South America, presented by Jorge Barreto, Managing Director, Gate Gourmet
• Onboard Service Trends, with Tania Escobar, Logistics & On Board Service Manager, TACA Airlines

Professor Crist Inman, CEO of LaPaz Group based in Costa Rica presented a thought-provoking look regarding trends in the region. Due to the popularity of Professor Inman, he was invited to present the keynote address this year and again provided attendees with very relevant information and assuring a consistent business climate in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Attendees experienced an evening of dinner and entertainment at the Pueblo Antiguo where they caught a glimpse of historic Costa Rica and experience cultural dancing and performance.

A comprehensive session titled “Catering: Controlling Costs” had for panelists Stewart Massiah of Goddard Catering Group; Donna Coles of Gate Gourmet; Jeremy Clark at Inflair Software and Alfred Rigler, LSG Sky Chefs and was moderated by Ken Samara, AMI Inflight, Inc., and vice president of IFSA.

Though the group agreed that the possibilities for financial success in the region appeared good, controlling the costs of energy, freight and labor were a continued challenge. Panelists saw the need to reduce inefficiencies with the help of customers and suppliers. One of the most innovative examples of cost cutting in the region was the installation of solar heating equipment to get rid of the use of boilers and booster heaters.

Finally, Robin Swenson of Northwest Airlines, presented the revised IFSA and AEA (Association for European Airlines) World Food Safety Guidelines. She urged attendees to look over the document, now available for download at www.ifsanet.com.

IFSA Global Leadership Conference - Latin America & The Caribbean is on the search for topics and possible locations for next year’s event. Suggestions or comments on the conference can be sent to IFSA at ifsa@kellencompany.com.