The winners of inflight-catering industry awards, The Mercurys 2016, were announced on Monday 5 December at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri, Abu Dhabi.
The 35th edition of the awards, which took place as part of SIAL 2016, recognised the best inflight catering companies and covered categories ranging from airline meals and equipment, to beverages and food products.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Joanne Cook, managing director, SIAL Middle East said: “Classics never go out of fashion and chicken is a staple for many travellers, it’s always incredibly popular.
“The Mercurys continue to be the premier accolade within the travel food industry and remain one of the most sought after awards for those in the airline catering business. The judging panel of independent experts were highly impressed by the innovative products and the advances companies are making in this highly competitive sector.”
The deadline for entries was 25 November, with product presentations taking place on Sunday 4 December ahead of the prize-giving ceremony.
Etihad was recognised for its textured dessert in the Airline Meal – Premium Class category; Qantas won the award for Service Concept – Economy Class for its Qantas International Dining experience, while Qatar Airways’ Superfood Salad won the Service Concept – Premium Class.
The Best Beverage award was scooped up by Italian coffee maker Caffe di Artisan, while best Food Product – Sweet was awarded to Lithuanian ice cream producer, AB Klaipedos and best Food Product – Snack went to UK supplier, Monty’s Bakehouse.
WINNERS IN FULL:
Category: Airline Meal – Economy
Company: DSI Foods
Title of Entry: Chicken Tikka Masala with Pea Pulao & Daal Tadka
Category: Airline Meal – Premium Class
Company: Etihad
Title of Entry: Textured Dessert
Category: Service Concept – Economy Class
Company: Qantas
Title of Entry: Qantas International Dining Experience
Category: Service Concept – Premium Class
Company: Qatar Airways
Title of Entry: Super Food Salad
Category: Food Product – Snack
Company: Monty’s Bakehouse
Title of Entry: Chinese BBQ Style Chicken Savoury Pastry
Category: Food Product – Savoury
Company: Source Food – Green Gourmet
Title of Entry: Sweet Potato Fries
Category: Food Product – Sweet
Company: AB Klaipedos
Title of Entry: Dione Premium Ice Cream Bar
Category: Beverage
Company: Caffe di Artisan
Title of Entry: Ultimate Food-Tech Coffee Disruption
Category: Equipment – Production
Company: Ministro Vacuum Flask
Title of Entry: Malton
Category: Equipment – Passenger
Company: Faerch Plast
Title of Entry: Airline Modular Concept
The Mercurys rounded off the opening day of 2016 edition of SIAL Middle East, which is taking place from 5 – 7 December at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, the show is organised in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA).
