We’re proud to be working in association with The Mercurys, the most prestigious awards in worldwide travel catering and this year, they will be holding their judging session at Innoveat, London. Find out more about this award’s provenance and value to the airline industry.
What are The Mercury Awards?
Known as the ‘Oscars’ of the airline onboard service industry, The Mercurys recognise and reward innovation within the business of airline hospitality. They are a much-coveted prize for companies seeking recognition for the top quality food and beverage products and equipment they supply.
Where and when are The Mercurys held?
The 37th edition of The Mercurys will be held in Shangri-La, Abu Dhabi, alongside SIAL Middle East on 10th December 2018. SIAL is the largest food exhibition in the world and is present in seven different countries, so we are excited that Innoveat will have a featured area dedicated exclusively to travel.
What are the categories?
The whole food and drink passenger experience is considered and includes the following:
1. Airline Meals
No matter whether it’s economy or premium class, these meals need to deliver both an impressively delicious experience for the passengers and a practical, yet cost-effective product for the airline.
2. Service Concept
Covering both economy and premium class, new innovations in meal service must balance an enhanced customer experience with efficiencies for crew.
3. Food Product
Divided into three subcategories, these seek out the very best in snacks and convenience food, savoury products used within a meal or as a stand-alone item and, sweet products incorporated into other dishes or as its own product.
4. Beverage
Covering both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, these additions to main meals are just as important to the customer looking for a favourable dining experience.
5. Equipment
Divided into two sub-categories: production and passenger, these awards cover both the practicalities of getting the meal to the consumer and the hardware to deliver the finished product.
The judges are meticulous when it comes to dividing and assigning marks for every product, and each category is strategically split to cover specific criteria. This includes:
- Taste
- Practicality
- Presentation
- Nutritional value
- Environmental impact
- Innovation
- Quality
- Packaging
Who are the judges?
SIAL Middle East obtained the Mercurys in 2013 and added a new line up of judges headed by completely independent experts. It was important that such established awards were completely authentic and transparent and, were being judged by a diverse range of industry professionals. The year’s panel is comprised of:
Jeremy Clark – Chef, Airline Catering Consultant, V.P. Inflair, V.P. African Catering Enterprises, Writer/Columnist
Happy-Keerthi Hapugasdeniya – Founder/CEO, APOT.Asia (Asia Pacific On Board Travel)
Mirko Brenzinger – Senior Manager Catering Commercial Planning, Etihad Airways
Pam Suder-Smith – Director of Sales – GateGroup
Simon Heppner – Founder & Director, The Sustainable Restaurant Association
Werner Kimmeringer – Managing Director Global Catering Services & Logistics –
Culinary Master Chef and Inflight Service Management Specialist
Where can I find out more?
You can find out more information about The Mercurys on their website and look at the full programme for SIAL Middle East here.
Before you leave…
Innoveat, the UK’s only food exhibition specifically catering for buyers in the travel and leisure sectors takes place on Tuesday 16th October 2018 at the Park Inn Hotel, Heathrow. Book your FREE ticket here.