Waitrose has signed a deal with Eurostar to supply the train operator’s standard class buffet cars in its first move into Northern mainland Europe.

The grocer will supply sandwiches, snacks and ready meals to the pan-European train service from tomorrow as part of its ambition to expand its business-to-business and export activities internationally.

Waitrose business-to-business director David Morton said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us to work with such a prestigious brand, which shares our commitment to quality and service. To be the first food brand that Eurostar’s customers experience when they are visiting Britain is tremendously powerful as we seek to expand our presence within Northern Europe.”

Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc was appointed culinary director for Eurostar Business Premier menus in October and the operator is looking to improve its dining offer.

Eurostar head of on-board services Julian Welham said: “Our British passengers will be well acquainted with the Waitrose brand, but for many of our continental customers this will be their first experience and we look forward to introducing them to the new range which includes both French and British classics.”

Waitrose grew its export business by more than 20% in the year ending January 2013 and now supplies food to 45 countries worldwide. Last year it added Gibraltar, Trinidad, Ibiza, the Bahamas, the Philippines and the Caicos Islands to the list of nations it supplies.

It operates five branches in the Channel Islands and has nine shops in the Middle East in partnership with Fine Fare Food Market.

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