Optimum Solutions: Tailoring culinary excellence for the skies
John Allard, Chief Operating Officer, Optimum Solutions (left) with Christine Côté, Owner and Chief Executive Officer at the Optimum Solutions booth at IFSA Global EXPO 2024
Founded with a commitment to high-quality catering solutions for the aviation industry, Optimum Solutions has steadily grown to become a trusted provider for airlines in North America and beyond. Leveraging decades of expertise, the company has carved out a niche in delivering meals and services tailored specifically to the high demands of its airline clientele, balancing innovation with efficiency in a field where quality and logistics are paramount.
At IFSA Global EXPO, PAX International spoke with Christine Côté, Owner and CEO, and John Allard, COO, about the company’s impressive history, vision for the future and its mission to provide the best catering solutions.
Côté explains that Optimum Solutions Canada started in 2006 with a clear mission: to provide airlines with a catering solution of trendy, fresh and local products seven days a week. Over the years, it has honed its operations, assembling a dedicated team of chefs and food professionals who understand the intricacies of inflight catering.
With a focus on fresh, flavourful and diverse menu options, the company continually adapts its offerings to accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements and cultural preferences, ensuring that all passengers—regardless of destination or origin—can enjoy a satisfying meal at 30,000 feet.
For airline and rail catering, Optimum delivers fresh products daily to 17 airports and railway stations. Its dedicated R&D team assists in designing menus, as well as developing and marketing products with long shelf-life, ideal for air and rail. Optimum also works with suppliers to develop and deliver products.
The company’s expertise in logistics allows it to manage large-scale catering operations with precision, ensuring that all meals are delivered on time, fresh and prepared to meet rigorous safety and quality standards. Working closely with airline partners, Optimum Solutions excels at creating customized catering solutions that align with each carrier’s brand identity and service expectations.
This includes everything from designing menus that reflect the carrier’s culinary culture to developing exclusive onboard dining experiences for premium passengers. For Economy, the company emphasizes balanced, comforting meal and snack options that enhance the overall experience.
Optimum Solutions also prioritizes sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices across its production chain. From sourcing ingredients locally where possible to minimizing food waste and optimizing packaging materials, Côté says Optimum demonstrates a commitment to reducing its environmental impact—a priority for many airlines as they seek greener, more responsible business partnerships.
Today, Allard says, Optimum Solutions is not only a provider but a collaborator in the evolving landscape of inflight catering.
It is its ability to stay agile and responsive to market demands, while upholding high standards, that has cemented its reputation as a leading partner for airlines looking to deliver an exceptional inflight dining experience, Côté agrees.
As the company continues to grow, its focus remains on blending culinary creativity with operational excellence, setting the benchmark for what airline catering can and should be.
