September 28 2020  |  Catering

LSG Sky Chefs New Zealand Ltd. caters KiwiRail

By Rick Lundstrom

LSG Sky Chefs New Zealand Ltd. (LSG NZ) will cater three scenic trains operated by KiwiRail, New Zealand’s state-owned rail operator, the company announced today.

The train services are known as “The Great Journeys of New Zealand.” The service started with the “TranzAlpine” on September 18. Gradually, LSG NZ will also serve the Coastal Pacific (Christchurch – Picton), starting on October 13 and the Northern Explorer (Auckland – Wellington), once the service startup date is confirmed. The contract covers one year.

Meals for the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific journeys are produced in Christchurch, while LSG NZ’s facilities in Auckland and Wellington will supply the Northern Explorer. For the launch period in Christchurch, LSG NZ will cater 126 meals per day.

“Working with KiwiRail is a great opportunity for us and we are looking forward to bringing our catering experience to the tracks,” said Mauricio Novaes, Head of New Zealand & Pacific, LSG Sky Chefs. “The meals on board of the train will be served to guests directly at their seats.

It is similar to serving food on an aircraft,” added Bilal Ozturk, Sales and Services Director, New Zealand & Pacific. “We developed the meals from local produce and with a premium dining experience in mind.”

KiwiRail’s Executive General Manager Tourism and Marketing Ahleen Rayner says KiwiRail is looking forward to working with LSG on the new enhanced service. “We’ve ensured that the menu allows guests to savor the tastes from the regions they pass through, for example Kaikoura crayfish on the Coastal Pacific and Canterbury lamb on the TranzAlpine. “New Zealanders have demonstrated that they’re keen to see their country and our new Scenic Plus service enhances our acclaimed journeys.”

LSG NZ will provide a full offering with a cold breakfast, lunch, cheese platters and farewell canapés. Additionally, the company supported KiwiRail with finding the right equipment such as trays, drawers, tableware, glassware, service ware, napkins and tray mats.

The new business comes at the right time for LSG Sky Chefs in New Zealand. Like the whole aviation industry, the company suffered from the drastic drop in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LSG NZ recently expanded its business to supermarkets and supplies grocery distributor Foodstuffs’ retail franchises New World and PAK’nSAVE with in-store ready-to-heat meals.

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