Marfo/Masterfoods debut new line of meals

Airlines from around the United Kingdom got to a chance to see and sample a new line of onboard ready meals from U.K. firm Masterfoods its partner, Marfo in the Netherlands.

The event was held the last week in November at the Park Inn Hotel near Heathrow Airport. Visitors saw presentations, research, interactive session and tastings, designed for buy-on-board service.

The two companies have been working together for two years to develop the products. Aer Lingus has launched the line throughout its system. According to the companies, the airline achieved a sell rate of 98 percent for the products.

Brands used on the flight are Dolmio and Uncle Ben’s. Next year, the two companies will launch six more meals.

“This burgeoning category has taken off and is strongly supported by airlines, many of whom are conducting trials prior to a full scale launch,” said Masterfood’s International Travel Retail Manager Martyn Westbury. “Critically, airlines now have a strong incentive to not only improve customer satisfaction but to maximise revenue - on board meals are no longer a cost centre to them, they are a profit centre.“