I am thrilled to return as an ambassador for ‘Special Diets’ at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) for the second year running. My goal is to be the voice for millions of people with food allergies who deserve to travel without fear of a reaction mid-flight. I am excited to see innovation outside the realms of food and drink, as well as how amenities can be inclusive for people with allergies.
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 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.
As the travel industry continues to innovate, inclusivity has become more crucial than ever. Here are my top eight exhibitors to visit at this year’s WTCE:
Foodcase
First up on my list is Foodcase. Commitment to creativity in every dish, coupled with a strong focus on inclusivity, truly sets it apart. Marc Warde, who has firsthand experience as a Coeliac, brings a deep understanding of special dietary needs, ensuring Foodcase’s 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. The goal is not just about creating great food, it’s about creating food that’s accessible for all.
The company pays attention to special diets and allergen-free options, alongside a strong emphasis on transparency. 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 its 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.
MileOne Group
I’m truly impressed by MileOne Group’s innovative approach with a brand new free-from concept that caters to multiple dietary needs. It’s incredible to see its pioneering, truly ‘free-from’ bag, which is the first of its kind and includes safe products (such as Creative Nature), guaranteeing a stress-free experience without ‘may contain’ labelling. This initiative is a huge step forward in making travel more inclusive and accessible for those with allergies.
AAB-Inflight
Next has got to be AAB-Inflight. I am excited to see new offerings including pizza and savoury tarts. Will there be an option suitable for special diets without compromising on taste? AAB Inflight specialise in snack food concepts for airlines, so I am intrigued to see how the offerings will cater to all.
Bocon
I’m particularly interested to see Bocon’s offerings for gluten-free diets and whether it caters to other allergies. Although there are multiple gluten-free and vegan options available, I’m curious about its approach to dairy-free dishes and how to ensure these are suitable for individuals with milk allergies.
Manna from Heaven
This family-run business has been redefining frozen food solutions for the travel industry since 1998. I am interested to see if I can try its handcrafted sweet and savoury dishes, made entirely from scratch without any artificial additives.
While its SQF and Halal certifications cater to multiple dietary requirements, the question is: how allergy inclusive is Manna from Heaven? Its dedication to crafting clean, flavourful options for travellers makes them a standout in the industry.
Beanstalk
Beanstalk is a trailblazer in high-quality, plant-based food solutions. With a diverse range of over 10 meat and fish alternatives. Its products are not only rich in protein and fibre, but also crafted to deliver “exceptional flavour, taste and texture”.
What makes Beanstalk particularly exciting for me is its 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 its offerings and how these can align with the evolving expectations of onboard catering.
En Route International
Every year, En Route brings something fresh to the table, and I’m particularly intrigued to see what it has in store this time around.
What sets En Route apart is its 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 its latest creations align with these requirements.
I’m especially looking forward to discovering if the company has 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 its stand will be brimming with inspiration for enhancing the passenger dining experience.
Tops Food
Tops Food is another exhibitor I’m particularly excited to explore this year, especially with the launch of its new ambient hot meal range. The range has been specifically designed for individuals with allergies, making it a stand-out 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.
Tops Food’s hot meal offerings cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free. What’s especially impressive is its 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.
I’m excited to see the innovation Intervine continues to bring to pairing snacks with wine. Another stand-out 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, 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 or railways about the value special diets products can have onboard and how they can be positioned to exceed passenger expectations.
