The history of Simpert Reiter GmbH, based in Augsburg, is a prime example of how a traditional regional company has transformed into a Europe-wide leader in innovation. Founded in 1928, the company initially focused on producing local food products such as baked peas and aspic powder. A decisive turning point came in 1980, when Simpert Reiter—inspired by technological developments in the U.S. space program—became the first European provider to launch freeze-dried ready-to-eat meals in the now-iconic pouch format under the “travellunch” brand. Today, the company operates in Augsburg with modernized facilities and, in addition to the outdoor sector, increasingly serves the professional emergency care sector.

The technological cornerstone of the brand is a sophisticated freeze-drying process. During this process, nearly all of the moisture is removed from the high-quality raw ingredients. The subsequent packaging, which reduces the residual oxygen in the pouch to less than one percent, results in an exceptionally lightweight product with an unusually long shelf life that, according to Simpert Reiter, can be stored without any loss of quality. The product range has expanded steadily since the 1980s and now includes more than 30 main dishes as well as a wide variety of breakfast options, soups, desserts, and bars. To meet the demands of modern nutrition, numerous vegetarian, vegan, and gluten- and lactose-free options are also an integral part of the portfolio.

At INTERSCHUTZ 2026 in Hanover, the company will focus on the specific needs of emergency responders. In extreme situations where time and nutritional content can determine the success of an operation, travellunch offers specialized emergency rations. These ultra-light meals are designed specifically for firefighters, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), and rescue personnel on long-term missions, as they can be prepared in a matter of minutes with hot water directly in the pouch. Another focus of the trade show presence is on modular crisis preparedness concepts. These enable self-sufficient stockpiling over many years, requiring only minimal storage space thanks to the high packing density.

Simpert Reiter has set clear strategic goals for the trade show in Hanover. The focus is on increasing visibility to establish travellunch as the standard for professional emergency catering throughout the German-speaking world. Additionally, the company seeks direct, peer-to-peer dialogue with procurement officers, incident commanders, and volunteer responders. The goal is to tailor the products even more precisely to the demanding daily work of first responders through practical feedback. Ultimately, INTERSCHUTZ 2026 serves as a central networking hub to forge new, long-term partnerships and underscore the company’s role as a reliable partner in civil security.