It is already nearly four years since Germany enjoyed its ‘Summer Fairy Tale' when it hosted the World Cup. The Fifa World Cup circus has moved on and this year sets up camp in South Africa; the first time that the World Cup is being held on the African continent. Along with it come numerous companies that gained international acclaim for their excellent service provision - all ‘made in Germany' - at the great event in 2006. Among them are Kofler & Kompanie and Arena One.
 
These two German catering companies, who in 2006 were already part of the quartet of caterers appointed by Fifa, have principal responsibility for the VIP and commercial hospitality in the World Cup stadiums. “Of course, the experience that we gained in 2006 was an important plus point when we came to be considered again for this job,” acknowledges Managing Director, Klaus-Peter Kofler. Frank Wassermann, Managing Director of Arena One, can look back not only on the 2006 World Cup (Arena One was in charge of the catering at six stadiums) but also on five years of experience in the hospitality business at that temple of football in Munich, the Allianz Arena.
“Guests in South Africa will expect our work to be of the same quality as in Germany – just that we shall be working 5,000 miles south of Munich,” explains Wassermann. For practical arrangements on the spot, Arena One is relying on the support of local caterers, ‘By Word of Mouth’, a company from Johannesburg, founded in 1993, which has won many awards. Kofler will cooperate with the South African ‘Green Catering Company’. For without local support, nothing will be possible for the German World Cup service providers in South Africa. “On the one hand it was one of Fifa’s stipulations that we work with local companies and on the other hand, it means that it is a win-win situation for both sides: we shall be taking to South Africa a lot of experience and know-how with respect to the organisation of major sporting events, but we are not familiar with the local conditions, be it the legislation, licensing procedures, market conditions or indeed, last but not least, the mentality of the people,” explains Kofler. At the same time, South Africa, which is classified by the World Bank as an emerging economy, does have copious experience as regards major sporting events. “Cricket and rugby events have a long tradition there, but things are different when it comes to a culture of hospitality,” explains Kofler.
“Hospitality services at a World Cup are not an easily manoeuvred sailing ship, which can be trimmed to the wind; they can’t be easily adapted to short-term conditions. They are more like a supertanker. Once it’s underway, it’s not so easy either to turn it round or to slow it down.” The unique magnitude of the tournament, which extends over a month and involves 64 matches which will be followed live in the stadium by an estimated 3 m plus people, will ensure “that there is nothing which does not present a challenge,” says Kofler. Frank Wassermann is relying on his company’s experience with large international events. “Working in a foreign country always presents a challenge, but also has a very special appeal.

www.koflerkompanie.com, www.arena-one.com