Gategroup plans to make majority of dishes halal

Gategroup CEO, Guy Dubois, stated the company plans to make the majority of its dishes halal by adjusting its kitchens worldwide (Gulf News, 13-Sep-2010). Gategroup claims it will be the first company based in a country without a large Muslim population to make the switch. The company plans to soon open its first dedicated halal kitchen at London Heathrow Airport. Managing Director, UK and Ireland, Peter van Niekerk, stated the company is now competing for more halal business and plans to consult with existing customers, including British Airways and Cathay Pacific, "to just manage perceptions and manage such a transition". Competitor, LSG Sky Chefs, has had a dedicated halal kitchen at Heathrow for 12 years, but is not planning to make its larger kitchens halal.

Gategroup: "My aim is to make our large hub operations halal-compliant. If I produce everything according to halal standards, I will reduce complexity and increase cost effectiveness. It isn't driven by social or religious considerations," Guy Dubois, CEO. Source: Gulf News, 13-Sep-2010).