As WTCE’s Special Diets Ambassador, I have hand‑picked 10 exceptional exhibitors to visit at World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) in Hamburg on 14-16 April April. These food & beverage companies span innovative food brands, standout drink makers, and forward‑thinking catering concepts.
Each has something unique to offer people with special dietary needs, food allergy considerations, or simply a passion for inclusive and delicious products.
Food brands
Wibble
Wibble is reimagining a classic dessert with plant‑based, low‑sugar jelly crystals and pots, made in the UK perfect for vegan and allergy‑friendly diets. The range is 100% natural with no artificial nasties, and caters to modern lifestyles with its fun yet mindful treats.
Why it’s a top pick: A playful, allergen‑friendly dessert option that bridges nostalgia and ingredients that are better for you.
Life is Bananas
Life is Bananas creates simple, 100% natural freeze‑dried fruit snacks with no added sugars, making them ideal for families, kids, and anyone seeking clean, nutrient‑packed snacks. Their crunchy banana, strawberry, and mango packs are wholesome, tasty, and portable.
Why it’s a top pick: A pure fruit snack with nothing artificial is perfect for kids and those with special diets alike.
No Whey
No Whey makes chocolate and confectionery that is free from the most common allergens (milk, nut, gluten, soy, egg, sesame, etc) and contains zero artificial flavours or colours.
Why it’s a top pick: It brings joy back into desserts for people navigating multiple food allergies.
Nuova Industria Biscotti Crich
Crich is a historic Italian company blends traditional bakery craftsmanship and modern quality with its range of biscuits, crackers and wafers, many of which are made with organic and simple ingredients. With a legacy spanning a century and distribution worldwide, Crich offers authentic European flavours.
Why it’s a top pick: A global bakery brand grounded in tradition, with products that can be tailored to diverse dietary needs.
Drinks brands
Pimentae
Pimentae is a London‑based premium ready‑to‑drink cocktail brand famous for its bar‑quality margaritas, from classic Tommy’s to spicy or refreshing cucumber and grapefruit. The margaritas are all crafted with 100% agave tequila and natural ingredients. The range is vegan, gluten‑free, and made in fully recyclable packaging, with products now stocked in retailers including Waitrose, John Lewis and Ocado.
Why it’s a top pick: Pimentae brings craft cocktail‑level drinks to life in ready-made formats that work in travel environments.
Whittard of Chelsea
Whittard of Chelsea has been a British icon in tea, coffee and hot chocolate since 1886. They curate luxurious blends, artisanal coffees, and creative brewing experiences that elevate every sip.
Why it’s a top pick: Their craftsmanship and range make them a must‑visit at WTCE for anyone who loves deeply considered drinks and inclusive options such as herbal and caffeine‑free blends.
Catering concepts not to be missed
MileOne
MileOne creates bespoke catering solutions for travel and hospitality, from meal boxes to ambient snacks. They focus on sustainable, eco-friendly packaging and tailored offerings, making it easy to deliver inclusive, special-diet-friendly meals on the go.
Why it’s a top pick: MileOne blends innovation, sustainability and convenience. It is one of the first companies to offer a completely top 14 allergen-free snack box that is truly ‘free from’.
En Route
En Route is a global specialist in airline food and onboard dining solutions, providing tailored passenger meal concepts, sourcing and supply chain services for carriers worldwide. With deep experience in designing quality food offerings and inventive packaging, they help airlines elevate the in‑flight dining experience.
The En Route range includes premium snacks, ambient meals, and curated galley boxes – with options that can accommodate gluten‑free, vegan and other dietary preferences.
Why it’s a top pick: En Route’s expertise in creative food solutions and diet‑aware meal options makes it an exciting exhibitor for anyone interested in inclusive catering and passenger‑centric food design.
Foodcase
Foodcase International is a Netherlands‑based full‑service food and beverage solutions provider for the travel industry, specialising in everything from ambient, frozen and chilled food concepts, to bespoke boxed meals and onboard catering solutions.
Foodcase works with more than 400 manufacturer partners across Asia, Europe and North America to deliver snacks, pastries, ready meals and special meals for all cabins, including allergen‑free and diet‑specific options.
The company’s recent developments in inclusive meals make its portfolio especially exciting to me. The range includes special meals designed specifically for passengers with food allergies and dietary requirements, such as gluten‑free, dairy‑free, vegan or other allergen‑friendly formats, with dedicated production environments to help reduce cross‑contamination risks.
Why it’s a top pick: A catering concept that is generating interest for its quality, flexibility, and special diet handling.
Whether you’re seeking allergen‑free treats, plant‑based snack innovations, quality beverages, or pioneering catering solutions, these exhibitors represent innovative concepts and products at WTCE 2026. From everyday snacks to refined culinary offerings, each brand contributes to a more inclusive, thoughtful food landscape, and I’m thrilled to spotlight them.
Julianne Ponan MBE is the owner and CEO of Creative Nature Superfoods, a specialist in creating vegan foods that are free of the top 14 allergens. She is Special Diets Ambassador to World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo (WTCE)
