I am thrilled to return as an Ambassador for ‘Special Diets’ at WTCE for the second year running! I’m passionate about being the voice for millions of people with food allergies who deserve to travel without fear of a reaction mid-flight. Along with this, I am excited to see innovation outside the realms of just food and drink, and to see how amenities can be inclusive for people with allergies.
As the travel industry continues to innovate, inclusivity has become more crucial than ever. This year’s World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) has over 200 exhibitors already signed, and I am going to spotlight my top eight below, to showcase the ones I feel are striving to make journeys safer and more enjoyable for everyone. From groundbreaking inflight catering solutions to forward-thinking onboard amenities and services, these companies are setting new standards for allergen-friendly and inclusive travel experiences.
As someone who travels frequently and has lived with severe food allergies my entire life, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate onboard catering safely. This personal experience inspired me to start my own business, focused on creating allergy-friendly solutions, so I deeply understand the complexities involved in catering for those with dietary restrictions.
This is why packaged, allergen-safe foods play such a crucial role, providing peace of mind and inclusivity for passengers like me. It’s not just about meeting dietary needs, it’s about ensuring everyone can enjoy their journey without fear or compromise.
I am particularly interested in talking to the below exhibitors and seeing what they have to offer when I walk around at WTCE 2025!
First up on my list is Foodcase, and for good reason. Their commitment to creativity in every dish, coupled with a strong focus on inclusivity, truly sets them apart. Marc Warde, who plays a pivotal role at Foodcase and has firsthand experience as a Coeliac, brings a deep understanding of special dietary needs, ensuring their offerings cater to a wide range of passengers with specific requirements.
Foodcase offers a comprehensive service from concept development to production and distribution, with a solid presence across Europe, Asia, and North America. They’re not just about creating great food; they’re about creating food that’s accessible for all. Their attention to special diets and allergen-free options, alongside a strong emphasis on transparency, is something I really value. Foodcase recognises the importance of no ‘may contain’ labelling, which ensures trust and peace of mind for those with dietary restrictions.
What excites me most is their ability to stay ahead of food and retail trends, providing insights that help airlines and travel partners evolve. Specialising in everything from BoB (buy-on-board) menus to pre-order services, complimentary offerings, and hybrid concepts, Foodcase is paving the way for inclusive, innovative travel catering solutions that cater to the diverse needs of today’s travellers.
‘May contain’ labels are a major concern for passengers with food allergies, especially when travelling by air, which is why I firmly believe that pre-packaged food options are essential onboard for multiple requirements to ensure you have something safe and nutritious onboard for every passenger that is a paying customer.
That’s why I’m especially excited to visit MileOne Group this year. I’m truly impressed by their innovative approach with a brand-new free-from concept that caters to multiple dietary needs.
It’s incredible to see their pioneering, truly “free-from” bag, the first of its kind, which includes safe products (and even Creative Nature!), guaranteeing a stress-free, no ‘may contain’ experience. This initiative is a huge step forward in making travel more inclusive and accessible for those with allergies.
Next has got to be AAB-Inflight. I am excited to see the new offerings of Pizza and Savoury Tarts; will there be an option for something that is suitable for special diets without compromising on taste? As they say, they specialise in snack food concepts for airlines to distinguish themselves, so I am excited to see how the offerings will cater for all.
Bocon earned a well-deserved spot as one of my top eight exhibitors this year, and I’m particularly interested to see their offerings for gluten-free diets and whether they cater to other allergies. They have multiple gluten-free and vegan options, which is fantastic, but I’m curious about their approach to dairy-free dishes and how they ensure these are suitable for individuals with milk allergies.
Additionally, Manna from Heaven Pty Ltd is making it into my top picks this year. This company is a family-run business that has been redefining frozen food solutions for the travel industry since 1998. I am interested to see if I can try their handcrafted sweet and savoury dishes, made entirely from scratch without any artificial additives, as they say this is bringing restaurant-level standards straight to the skies.
With SQF and Halal certifications making them suitable for multiple dietary requirements, my question will be how allergy inclusive are they? Their dedication to crafting clean, flavourful options for travellers makes them a standout in the industry. They are definitely on my list to check out at WTCE.
Another standout in my top picks this year is Beanstalk, a trailblazer in high-quality, plant-based food solutions. With a diverse range of over 10 meat and fish alternatives, they have said their products are not only rich in protein and fibre but also crafted to deliver exceptional flavour, taste, and texture which I am excited to try for myself.
What makes Beanstalk particularly exciting for me is their potential to cater to vegan dietary requirements while addressing the broader need for products suitable for multiple diets. I’m especially keen to learn more about the nutritional aspects of their offerings and how these can align with the evolving expectations of onboard catering.
With a strong base in Spain and a global footprint spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including offices in Shanghai and New York, Beanstalk is well-positioned to provide innovative plant-based solutions to meet the needs of airlines and railways worldwide. They’re a perfect example of the creativity and inclusivity that is shaping the future of travel catering.
En Route International is a must-visit exhibitor for me this year, as they never fail to impress with their innovative offerings and exciting new flavours. Every year, they bring something fresh to the table, and I’m particularly intrigued to see what they have in store this time around.
What sets En Route apart is their ability to create concepts that not only deliver on flavour but also cater to evolving dietary needs as well as longer life packaged products. With the growing demand for options tailored to special diets, such as gluten-free, vegan, or allergen-free, I’m eager to explore how their latest creations align with these requirements.
I’m especially looking forward to discovering if they’ve developed new concepts that make it easier for airlines to offer inclusive and satisfying meal options onboard. With En Route’s reputation for combining creativity and practicality, I anticipate their stand will be brimming with inspiration for enhancing the passenger dining experience.
Tops Food is another exhibitor I’m particularly excited to explore this year, especially with the launch of their brand-new ambient hot meal range. They’ve specifically designed this range to be suitable for individuals with allergies, making it a standout for inclusive onboard catering. I’m eager to try these meals myself, not only to evaluate the taste but also to dive into their nutritional profile and see how they align with the needs of passengers with dietary restrictions.
Their hot meal offerings cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. What’s especially impressive is their unique microwave technology, which ensures meals are tasty and safe without the need for water or boiling during the food processing. This innovative approach to ambient meals not only guarantees convenience but also supports better health and a more sustainable planet. Tops Food is truly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in travel catering, and I’m excited to see how their new range will shape the future of onboard dining.
Last but not least, I’m excited to see the innovation Intervine continues to bring to pairing snacks with wine. Another standout from last year’s WTCE was POSHI, a supplier offering delicious, innovative snacks that I’m keen to revisit.
This is just a snapshot of what’s on offer at WTCE next year, which will feature over 200 exhibitors. Take the time to wander through the exhibitors and discover the incredible products they’re showcasing; I know I will. I’m especially looking forward to speaking with caterers, suppliers, and airlines/railways about the value special diets products can have onboard and how they can be positioned to exceed passenger expectations.