As the global airline industry continues its strong upward trajectory, TUTTOFOOD 2026 will introduce a new dedicated focus on onboard catering, designed to facilitate direct connections between food manufacturers and the growing international community of airline Food & Beverage Managers. According to independent research undertaken by SUBU Connect into Global Airline Companies the aviation sector is entering a phase of unprecedented expansion: Over 700 scheduled airlines operate worldwide, supporting 40–42 million flights per year and carried an estimated 9.8 billion passengers in 2025. The in-flight catering market alone was valued at $17.45 billion in 2024, and is expected to rise to $27.62 billion by 2030 (CAGR 5.9% % from 2023 to 2030).
This growth is reshaping the onboard catering ecosystem. Major global carriers — including Delta, United, American, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, KLM, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines to name but a few serve an ever-expanding international customer base, while the shift toward premium services is driving demand for higher-quality food offerings and enhanced passenger experience. Within this context, TUTTOFOOD 2026 will introduce a dedicated focus on the airline catering sector, designed to support targeted engagement across the industry. This curated focus will take shape through a dedicated conference, a networking event, and one-to-one meetings between airline professionals and exhibitors active in fresh produce, processed foods, ready-to-eat solutions, organic and natural products, bakery & snacks, and specialty items. The initiative aims to facilitate meaningful, high-value interactions between food manufacturers and operators specifically interested in the onboard catering channel.
The initiative aligns with three major industry dynamics:
- Significant improvements in onboard food quality in recent years, driven by passenger expectations and competitive differentiation.
- The positioning of in-flight catering as a premium channel, where brands can reach high-value consumers in a captive environment.
- The rise of food storytelling in aviation, with airlines increasingly seeking products that express authenticity, origin, sustainability and memorability.
Early confirmations from key industry players highlight the growing interest in TUTTOFOOD’s new onboard-catering focus. Among the first organisations to join are dnata Catering & Retail (Ireland, Italy and United Kingdom), Emirates Flight Catering (United Arab Emirates), Foodfolk (Australia), Rwandair Catering (Rwanda) and and BWG Foods Group (Ireland) confirming strong engagement from global caterers, distributors and procurement teams. For suppliers, onboard catering offers a unique testing ground for innovation, from healthier snacks and fruit-based items to region-specific specialties and gourmet beverages. Current data shows that meals still account for over 62% of onboard offerings, followed by bakery & confectionery (18%), beverages (16%), and fruit snacks and ethnic items (4%), confirming a diversified yet quality-driven product mix.
TUTTOFOOD 2026, taking place in Milan from 11 to 14 May, will therefore host a strengthened content program dedicated to onboard catering. This includes opportunities for targeted business matching within its Buyers Program which in 2025 brought together more than 3,000 top buyers from over 100 countries alongside thematic areas showcasing innovation in fresh, processed, and ready-to-serve products.
Antonio Cellie, CEO of Fiere di Parma, stated: “Onboard catering is a premium, high-value channel, and the presence of top-tier buyers from this segment is a tangible sign of TUTTOFOOD’s evolution – from a traditional agri-food trade fair into a globally recognized platform for food sourcing. By bringing this sector together, TUTTOFOOD positions itself as a catalyst for innovation, emerging trends, and international expansion. This is exactly what food & beverage companies targeting the Horeca channel are looking for as they navigate new market opportunities.”
Matt McCabe, Director & Founder SUBU Connect, said: “As global passenger traffic is forecast to reach 17.7 billion by 2043 and 22.3 billion by 2053, the demand for high-quality inflight food services will continue to expand, creating long-term opportunities for producers and airline caterers alike”.
About TUTTOFOOD
TUTTOFOOD is Southern Europe’s leading food business platform, bringing together global food innovation, sourcing, and market growth. Based in Milan, it serves as a dynamic hub for building solid strategic trade alliances among producers, distributors, and global markets. Organized by Fiere di Parma, a leading operator in the Italian and European exhibition industry, TUTTOFOOD stands as both a national and international benchmark for industry growth and the ongoing evolution of the food sector.
For more information:- www.tuttofood.it/en
