Thanksgiving Spirit lands at Heathrow with All-American Pumpkin Pie Surprise

In Partnership with Whole Foods Market, Heathrow has Welcomed its Passengers with a Taste of Home

Delighted passengers on five US-originating flights lit up Wednesday morning, when the baggage claim area of Heathrow Terminal 5 was inundated with classic wicker baskets filled with delicious pies from Whole Foods Market UK. Baggage ambassadors were on hand to garnish slices with dollops of whipped cream and wish everyone a very “Happy Thanksgiving”, with screens throughout the terminal echoing the sentiment.

Teaming up with Whole Foods Market to give many a taste of home, the sweet surprise from Heathrow delighted those from home and away. But they aren’t the only ones getting into the spirit of the day. Driven by the nearly 200,000 strong American expat community (as reported by an Office of National Statistics estimate in 2015), #happythanksgiving has been trending on Twitter in the UK in recent years.

Speaking of the giveaway, Ross Baker, Chief Commercial Officer for Heathrow said: “Heathrow is by far the biggest gateway for Americans travelling into the UK – we are expecting to welcome more than 700,000 passengers from North America into Heathrow between now and the New Year. Whether they are here for business, vacation or visiting family, we’re happy to show them US Hospitality, UK-style and celebrate Thanksgiving with them.”

The surprise and delight moment, which was captured on film and social media, kicks off a very festive holiday season for the airport, which is known for its creative holiday campaigns that celebrate the ability of travel to bring people together.

“Thanksgiving is the busiest time of year for our seven UK grocery stores, as American expats seek out the tastes and traditions of home. And while turkey might get first billing on the day, we know that it’s just not an American Thanksgiving without pie,” said Jade Hoai, Director of Purchasing and Operations for Whole Foods Market UK. “Partnering with the iconic Heathrow to bring the spirit of the day to their travellers has been a great experience for our team.”

 

 


About Heathrow:

Heathrow is North America’s premier European gateway, serving 28 US destinations directly. Nearly 80% of passengers travelling to the UK fly through Heathrow, the largest international market for US airline carriers after Canada and Mexico.

Every year, Heathrow welcomes more than 16 million passengers flying to and from the US.

Heathrow is currently ranked by passengers as the “Best Airport in Western Europe” for the fifth year running and the “Best Airport for Shopping” for 10 years in a row. Terminal 5 holds the title of the “World’s Best Airport Terminal” and Terminal 2 is the airport’s most sustainable, now powered by 100% renewable gas and electricity.


About Whole Foods Market:

• The worldwide leaders in natural and organic foods, with 7 stores in the UK comprising of over 1000+ staff
• Whole Food Market’s 7 UK stores are located in Clapham Junction, Camden, Kensington, Stoke Newington, Piccadilly Circus, Richmond and Fulham
• Stores contain a huge range of products that lead the way in quality, specialty and vegan diets. Stores have butchers, bakeries, fishmongers, cheese mongers and specialist grocers, as well as in-store coffee roasters, organic health and beauty departments, restaurants and cafes.
• Whole Foods Market has two charitable foundations, the Whole Planet Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation
What makes Whole Foods Market food different:
• No artificial flavours, colours, preservatives or sweeteners and no hydrogenated fats or high-fructose corn syrup in any of the food it sells
• Fresh meat from animals never given added hormones, no antibiotics, ever, and assessed for animal welfare
• Only responsibly farmed and sustainable seafood
• Organic, non-GMO and special diet foods throughout the store
• Responsibly Grown, local, Whole Trade and organic produce