Gate Gourmet Demonstrates Continuing Commitment to Latin America with New Guayaquil, Ecuador, Flight Kitchen

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador, July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Gate Gourmet, a member of gategroup and the world's largest independent provider of catering and provisioning services for airlines and railroads, has transitioned its airline catering, production and provisioning operations in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to a new facility to meet the growing needs of airlines serving the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport.  

Edwin Garcia, Group Vice President and President of Gate Gourmet Latin America, said, "We are delighted to inaugurate a new facility in Guayaquil to better meet the needs of a market that we have proudly served for more than 10 years.  This investment underscores our support of Ecuador's growing domestic and international passenger traffic and trade, and reflects Gate Gourmet's broader commitment to grow our presence in Latin America."

The new kitchen at Jose Joaquin de Olmedo airport, which was named "Best Airport in Latin America 2008" by BusinessWeek magazine, features a modern, open layout, designed to streamline processes and allow for more warehouse storage area.  In addition, all food production will be performed in approved refrigerated areas that meet HACCP food safety requirements (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).

The safety and security of employees and business partners is Gate Gourmet's top priority, and the new facility emphasizes that commitment with enhanced security features, including an upgraded 24-hour surveillance system.  The building's infrastructure complies with international standards, and the entire facility has been outfitted with energy-efficient light fixtures as well as high-precision appliances, which help reduce water consumption and highlights Gate Gourmet's commitment to eco-friendly practices.  

"Our operation in Guayaquil, Ecuador's major economic hub, plays an important role in Gate Gourmet's network.  Opening a new facility is a fitting tribute to the potential opportunities on the horizon, as well as the solid partnerships we have established over the last decade with our customers and local business partners," said gategroup CEO Guy Dubois, who met with local dignitaries, members of the media, business partners and Gate Gourmet colleagues at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 20, 2010.  

Groundbreaking for the Guayaquil facility, located at Avenida de las Americas 300, began in July 2009.  Construction was completed in June 2010, and the new airline kitchen began full operation on July 6, 2010.  

With nine of Gate Gourmet's flight kitchens serving top Latin America airports, the Company is proud to be the leading airline catering company across the region and the hub caterer for seven countries' major carriers:  Argentina (Aerolineas and LAN Argentina in Buenos Aires), Brazil (TAM in Rio de Janeiro), Chile (LAN Airlines in Santiago), Colombia (Avianca in Bogota), Ecuador (LAN Ecuador in Guayaquil and Quito), Mexico (AeroMexico in Cancun and Mexico City), and Peru (LAN Peru in Lima).  Later this year, when LAN Ecuador launches daily services from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands, it will mean an opportunity to further strengthen that relationship.

Gate Gourmet has served Ecuador since April 1999 and operates a second flight kitchen in Quito at Mariscal Sucre Airport.  The kitchens have long put their name on the map through regularly catering VIP delegations and diplomatic corps, FIFA soccer teams, as well as celebrity charter flights.  

About Gate Gourmet

Gate Gourmet, core brand of gategroup, is the world's largest independent provider of catering and provisioning services for airlines and railroads, serving more than 200 million meals a year to 250-plus customers at some 100 airport locations around the globe.

About gategroup

gategroup is the leading independent global provider of onboard services to companies that serve people on the move. gategroup comprises 11 member companies, which are deSter, eGate Solutions, Elan, Gate Aviation, Gate Gourmet, Gate Safe, Harmony, Performa, potmstudios, Pourshins and Supplair.  Shares of Zurich-based gategroup are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol GATE.  Visit our site at www.gategroup.com.

SOURCE gategroup

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