Grocer Waitrose has teamed up with Eurostar to offer food and drinks to all Standard class buffet cars across its network, it has been announced.
From tomorrow, Waitrose sandwiches, snacks and ready meals will be available across Eurostar‘s entire fleet, marking the retailer‘s first move into on-board food as well as into Northern Europe as it continues to eye expansion plans.
Expanding export activities as well as its business-to-business offering is a key part of the grocer‘s strategy to build its market share and the move will see Waitrose join the likes of Michelin-starred Raymond Blanc, who was appointed Culinary Director of Eurostar‘s Business Premier Menus last October.
Head of On-Board Services at Eurostar Julian Welham 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 standard of refreshments whilst on the move.
“Our British passengers will be well acquainted with the Waitrose brand, but for many of our continental customers this will be their first experience and we look forward to introducing them to the new range which includes both French and British classics. “
Waitrose grew its export business by over 20 per cent in the year ending January 2013 and supplies goods to countries including Singapore, Barbados and Taiwan, supplying a total of 45 countries worldwide.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for us to work with such a prestigious brand, which shares our commitment to quality and service,” Waitrose‘s Business to Business Director David Morton said.
“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.”
