LSG Sky Chefs New Zealand Ltd. (LSG NZ) has announced it will provide its catering to KiwiRail, New Zealand’s state-owned rail operator.
LSG NZ will cater three of KiwiRail’s scenic train services, known as ‘The Great Journeys of New Zealand’, which started with the TranzAlpine on September 18 (2020).
Gradually, LSG NZ will also serve the Coastal Pacific (Christchurch – Picton), starting on October 13 (2020), and the Northern Explorer (Auckland – Wellington), once the service start-up 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 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, commented: “We’ve ensured that the menu allows guests to savour the tastes from the regions they pass through – for example Kaikoura crayfish on the Coastal Pacific and Canterbury lamb on the TranzAlpine.”
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.
