It was recently announced that Finnair's Business class menu items will be sold in grocery stores, marking an exciting time for the airline and representing a pivot in in-flight dining experiences.
We don't typically associate flying with a decent meal, but Finnair knows that good food is part of what makes a satisfied customer. That's why the airline always attempts to prepare high-end offerings for its Business Class patrons. Now, however, these excellently crafted meals have been recognized and are available in K-Citymarket stores in Finland. The first of the pre-packaged meals to be sold include the Nordic-Japanese-inspired offerings, which features smoked fish and mushroom risotto, and roasted carrots with blue cheese mousse. The cheese component of the mousse is highly unconventional for airline-inspired food, and represents a cultural shift in what's expected from flying experiences.
Retailed Airline Meals
Finnair's Business Class Menu Items Will Be Sold in Grocery Stores
Trend Themes
1. In-flight Dining Experiences - Businesses that provide high-end in-flight dining experiences could explore opportunities in creating pre-packaged meals for retail sale.
2. Combining Cultural and Culinary Elements - Airlines that incorporate unconventional cultural ingredients in their meal offerings, such as cheese mousse, can identify a unique selling point for their brand and products.
3. Premium Retail Food Products - Grocery stores that offer gourmet meal options typically reserved for airline passengers could create differentiation and attract consumers looking for unique culinary experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Airlines - Airlines could leverage their high-end in-flight dining experiences to create new revenue streams by creating pre-packaged meal options for retail sale.
2. Retail - The sale of premium airline meals in grocery stores presents an opportunity for retailers to offer unique food options that cater to consumers looking for gourmet experiences.
3. Food and Beverage - The use of unconventional and culturally diverse ingredients in airline meals could represent a new trend in the industry for businesses looking to set themselves apart from competitors.