Aviation and Airlines (Commonwealth Union) _ Air New Zealand’s quest for Snacksperts has garnered significant attention, with a staggering 9,000 applications received for just five positions. The airline’s initiative, known as the Great Snack Off, aimed to revamp its onboard snack menu. Following an earlier call for local suppliers to submit their best snack offerings, the airline shortlisted thirty ideas from over 400 submissions.
The call for Snacksperts, who would play a crucial role in finalizing the new offerings, resulted in a flood of applications from across New Zealand. The final panel of five judges, selected from diverse backgrounds including an 81-year-old with a sweet tooth and a ten-year-old accompanied by their mom, gathered in Auckland for the tasting session.
Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty, expressed amazement at the overwhelming response, noting that individuals ranging from chefs and food bloggers to farmers, firefighters, and doctors applied for the panel positions. The airline recognized the enthusiasm of New Zealanders for snacks and their eagerness to contribute to the selection process.
The judging process, which involved rating snacks on a scale of 1-10 for flavor and texture, concluded with many snacks receiving high scores. Comments from the Snacksperts ranged from enthusiastic endorsements to analytical assessments, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the panel.
While the Great Snack Off carries an element of fun, the inflight menu holds significant importance for Air New Zealand. The carrier initiated the revamp in April with The Great Kiwi Snack Off, emphasizing the strategic and thoughtful approach taken to enhance the onboard dining experience.
With the panel’s feedback currently under review, Air New Zealand is poised to announce the selected snacks in the coming month, reflecting the airline’s commitment to delivering an enjoyable and satisfying inflight culinary experience.
