‘Tasty Blue’ catering concept
Aiming to bring a touch of design to the dining experience in Economy on long-haul flights, KLM this fall will introduce a new catering concept which it has dubbed ‘Tasty Blue’.According to KLM, the new service is based on the concept of a ‘set table’. Says Madeleine Braun, Product Manager Economy Class Long Haul at KLM, “With the new Tasty Blue concept, KLM will set the table for passengers in Economy. And a set table should be colourful and appealing, especially given the important role of packaging today in influencing the perception and experience of consumers.”Similar to the intricate designs of Marcel Wanders for KLM’s Business Class, the ‘Tasty Blue’ design in Economy represents abundant detailing in the form of embossing, colours, textures, hidden proverbs and expressions, detailed patterns and playfully drawn aircraft all concealed in the design.A fresh white tray is combined with a paper traymat, tableware covers and paper boxes that are designed featuring Delftware elements and Neo-Baroque influences from the 17th century (which was the so-called Golden Age in Holland), but with a modern take.The ‘Tasty Blue’ range consists of four designs: Dinner, Breakfast, Asia, and Bistro. Each is linked to a Delft Blue design that also shows up on the panels of KLM’s new, lightweight economy class trolleys.Says Ariane van Mancius from Now|New|Next, who worked with KLM and DeSter on the project, “The design language of today is one of hybrid concepts and mix-and-match, which calls for a variety of layers such as East meets West, technology meets craftsmanship, high-touch versus high-tech and history versus future.”The colourful and detailed designs have been developed by KLM’s Senior Designer Rene Kemper, who is also responsible for the design of the airline’s new livery.