Supermarket partners with Eurostar to supply on-board refreshments

2013-04-29— /travelprnews.com/ — Eurostar and Waitrose are today announcing a new partnership which will see Britain’s favourite supermarket* supply on-board refreshments to Eurostar’s bar buffets, for passengers travelling in standard class between London and mainland Europe.

A delicious selection of fresh sandwiches, snacks, drinks and hot dishes will arrive on-board all Eurostar services from 30th April. With a range of over 20 products there will be something to satisfy pan-European appetites including mushroom risotto, chicken tikka masala, and a tapas selection, as well as traditional British sandwiches and the French classic Croque Monsieur.

This new culinary collaboration marks Waitrose’s first major move into on-board food and its first significant continental venture. Waitrose Business to Business Director, David Morton, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us to work with such a prestigious brand, which shares our commitment to quality and service.  To be the first food brand that Eurostar’s customers experience when they are visiting Britain is tremendously powerful as we seek to expand our presence within Northern Europe.”

Having recently upgraded both its Standard Premier and Business Premier catering, Eurostar’s partnership with Waitrose completes a trio of changes which will see Eurostar passengers offered the best range of refreshments in the rail operator’s near 20 year history. For many French and Belgian travellers, it will be their first taste of Britain’s new national dishes such as chicken tikka masala.

Julian Welham, Head of On-Board Services, at Eurostar said: “The on-board dining experience is an integral part of our passengers’ travel experience, and our new partnership with Waitrose will bring our customers the highest quality refreshments during their journey. Whilst our British passengers will be well acquainted with Waitrose, we look forward to introducing the brand and many of its British classics to our continental customers.”

Eurostar recently launched a new summer menu for Business Premier passengers in partnership with Culinary Director, Michelin-starred chef, Raymond Blanc. The summer options focus on seasonal flavours, fruits and vegetables and feature several Blanc family recipes. Separately, Eurostar’s Standard Premier passengers can look out for an update to their menu options from April. For more information about Eurostar or to book tickets visit www.eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.

Notes to editors
For more information about Eurostar, please contact:
Catherine Bayles, Media Relations Manager on 07703 687 373 or email Catherine.Bayles@eurostar.com

About Eurostar
1. Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.

2. Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways).  On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR.

3. The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph.  Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 130 million passengers between London and the Continent.  Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet.

4. In March 2013, Eurostar became the first transport provider to be awarded a Sustainable Restaurant Association rating. The SRA rated Eurostar across three main areas: Sourcing, Environment and Society and Eurostar received a One-Star Sustainability Champion rating.

5. Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies.  Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.

About Waitrose
Waitrose, Britain’s favourite supermarket*, has 291 shops in the UK and Channel Islands and is consistently achieving sales growth ahead of the market.**. Its strong performance has been driven by the success of the essential Waitrose range, Brand Price Match, as well as a long term commitment to sourcing the UK’s finest local and regional foods. Waitrose combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop – dedicated to offering quality food that has been responsibly sourced combined with high standards of customer service. www.waitrose.com 

For more information about Waitrose please contact:
Gill Smith, Senior Manager, Corporate PR on 01344 825165 or email gill_smith@waitrose.co.uk
Suzanne Hetherington, Senior Press Officer, Corporate on 01344 824006 or email suzanne_hetherington@waitrose.co.uk

*Which? Annual Supermarket Satisfaction Survey, Verdict annual Consumer Satisfaction Awards and Good Housekeeping Awards** Kantar Worldpanel.

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