GIC International Catering Celebrates 25 Years of Onboard Delights
- Joe Breitfeller
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
GIC International Catering is today celebrating their 25th anniversary. The family-owned business was founded in Kelsterbach, next to Frankfurt Airport, a quarter century ago by brothers Talat and Ferat Yildirim.
On Thursday (October 30, 2025), Kelsterbach, Germany-based GIC International Catering announced the celebration of their 25th anniversary in business, which was officially marked by a special event on October 23rd at Frankfurt Airport. Founded in 2000 by entrepreneurial brothers Talat and Ferat Yildirim as a small production, the second-generation family-owned company has turned into a modern airline caterer, now serving up to 5,000 meals daily for over 20 international airlines. GIC also provisions business jets and private charters, as well as schools and events with freshly prepared meals, upholding highest standards.
The brothers Yildirim came from Turkey to Germany at a young age. Shared family traditions and values such as eating together and appreciation for great cuisines, quality was not about the price but more about a passion for cooking. Additionally, both brothers shared a fascination and passion for aviation, especially for the significance of fresh and varied meals above the clouds. With that mindset but very little capital, they founded GIC in 2000 and laid the groundwork for the success story of the company. Today, 25 years later, GIC has established itself as a highly reputable airline catering brand, which has been nourished over the last quarter century by family values, devotion as well as pure passion for service and pleasure.
Even while still in school, Göksel Yildirim, son of founding father Talat Yildirim and now managing director of the company, and his siblings helped in their parents’ business. While others played football, they learned at a young age what it means to run a business. Göksel Yildirim got involved in managing the business in 2017 and continued the success story with new ideas, a modern structure and a great focus on service quality – with great success, which numerous awards prove, including the ‘Europe’s Most Improved Airline Catering 2025’ recognition from trade magazine PAX International.
In Thursday’s announcement, GIC International Catering’s Managing Director, Göksel Yildirim, said,
“Sure, it wasn’t always easy. We would have also rather played outside instead of helping with the industrial cleaning services of the exhibition grounds in Frankfurt. Looking back, it was a very valuable experience which still comes to use today. What my father and uncle started 25 years ago, we continue today with the same passion. Reliability, high quality standards, and the utmost commitment to our partners and employees are our top priorities. Our credo remains to delight passengers with fresh, creative, and high-quality meals above the clouds.
“With an innovative mindset, a high-quality awareness and a strong family foundation, GIC International Catering has grown from a small family business to a leading airline catering specialist at Germany’s number one airport. We continue to establish this groundwork and look forward to a bright future.”
GIC International Catering Celebrates Their 25th Anniversary at the FRALounge at Frankfurt Airport on Thursday, October 23, 2025 - Courtesy GIC/Classen Communication
On Thursday (October 23, 2025), GIC officially celebrated their 25th anniversary at the FRALounge at Frankfurt Airport. The special event was attended by numerous business partners, media as well as representatives from the industry and politics. Attendees included Nagihan Ilknur Akdevelioglu, the Consul General of Turkey in Frankfurt, and the Mayor of Kelsterbach, Manfred Ockel. Naturally, there was no shortage of exquisite delights, and guests enjoyed meal creations from GIC that took them on a culinary journey of GIC’s story. This included meals from their very first client, Malaysia Airlines, to current signature dishes and the favorite foods of the founders.
With innovative concepts, ingenuity and great dedication, GIC has developed into one of the top-tier airline caterers at Germany’s biggest airport, serving fresh and high-quality meals onboard made possible by the roughly 170 employees and most modern logistics. On a 2,500 square meter production site, up to 5,000 warm, gourmet meals for economy class and budget-friendly snacks are prepared daily.
Source: GIC International Catering/Classen Communication
