The DFMi Meals: Elevated by Chef Leyla initiative was unveiled at the 2025 IFSA Global EXPO.
Chef Leyla Wheelhouse prepared and served California-inspired dishes and drinks at a tiki bar within DFMi’s California Dreamin’-inspired pavilion. It also had themed zones inspired by the US’s national parks, Santa Monica Pier, Mid-Century Modern design and coastal California.
Of DFMi Meals: Elevated by Chef Leyla, Kim Brown, Vice President of Marketing at DFMi, said: “It’s a culinary activation designed to showcase what’s possible in airline dining – fresh, elevated and consumer-relevant.”
“DFMi Culinary is a new strategic arm of our business focused on entrée development and culinary innovation. This programme expands our capabilities beyond snacks and beverages to include thoughtfully crafted meal solutions, turnkey co-packing partnerships and RFP support,” explained Brown.
“Under the guidance of Chef Leyla Wheelhouse, we’re reimagining what inflight dining can be – blending operational feasibility with elevated flavour, regional inspiration and on-trend menu design,” she continued.
As many as 45 supplier partner products were displayed at DFM’s booth, including allergen-friendly Partake cookies; BitesWeLove chewy bars and lentil flips with cheese, and Keogh’s truffle chips.
