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Celebrating excellence and innovation in the onboard hospitality industry

2026

PRIDE AND JOY

Year after year, the Onboard Hospitality Awards entries showcase just how our industry constantly raises the bar on excellence.

It's an honour to shine a light on the great work being done around the world and the incredible dedication and expertise of those working in the sector – all determined to create the very best in onboard experiences for passengers. If only everyone could win!

There was a record number of entries (over 300) this year, and the winners emerged from a very high quality field. Congratulations to everyone involved.

We're changing things up a bit for 2027, so watch this space and start getting your entries ready for September 1 2026.

April Waterston

Editor

Skincare sourced from the Amazon. Colors mapped to iconic Latin American locations. Designed for reusability.

www.wessco.net info@wessco.net

We were delighted to bring the industry together in Hamburg to present trophies to the winners and highly commended finalists in this year’s Onboard Hospitality Awards. The ceremony took place during the World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo (WTCE).

The award categories covered inflight products and services relating to comfort, wellbeing, accessibility and sustainability, plus awards for innovation in technology and inflight entertainment and connectivity.

Six awards were also presented to ‘Ones to Watch’ – products not yet onboard, and to the bronze, silver and gold winners of the much-coveted Cabin Concept of the Year.

Our thanks go to En Route International, Castello Monte Vibiano and Intervine for providing delicious food and beverages for the event.

Entries for the 2027 Onboard Hospitality Awards open on September 1 2026.

The 2026 WINNERS

Our rigorous and transparent judging process sits at the heart of the Onboard Hospitality Awards and is fundamental to their enduring success.

Expert judges

The process includes a panel of industry experts, our judges, which features buyers and decision-makers, chefs, caterers, industry consultants and travel professionals who all have first-hand experience of delivering onboard service, and extensive global reach.

Your peers

All entries are initially subjected to online

in-the-know to have their say, and brings informed peer-to-peer recognition.

Judgement day

Finalists identified through online voting are then put to our panel of judges who gather in person to test and review the shortlisted products and services, until our winners emerge. The judges have their work cut out identifying winners and, where applicable, highly commended recipients. To be chosen is no mean feat!

Winners revealed

The winners are announced at WTCE in Hamburg. Read on to see who stood out from the crowd. Congratulations to all!

BEST FULL-SERVICE

ECONOMY FOOD SERVICE –LUNCH & DINNER

WINNER: Octopus Royale, Iberia, DO&CO

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lemon & Rosemary Grilled Chicken, Turkish Airlines

Turas Pantry’s Seasonal Chutney and Biscuit Boxes, Aer Lingus

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Cherry Pie in the Sky – with Northern Bloc Ice Cream,

BEST BUSINESS CLASS FOOD SERVICE –LUNCH & DINNER

WINNER: Traditional Kebab Plate with Smoky “Beğendi” & Buttered Bulgur Rice, Turkish Airlines

HIGHLY COMMENDED: European Business Class – Dinner Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)

BEST ONBOARD BEVERAGE –NON ALCOHOLIC

BEST ONBOARD SNACKS – ECONOMY

WINNER: Higgidy Cheddar & Caramelised Onion Chutney Roll and Higgidy Vegetable Samosa Roll, MileOne Group HIGHLY COMMENDED: Fijian Cacao Chocolate, Fiji Airways

BEST ONBOARD WINE/CHAMPAGNE

WINNER: Thirteen Forty Five, Air New Zealand

WINNER: The Bloody Mary Mix by The Pickle House, Virgin Atlantic

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Signature Mocktail Collection, Turkish Airlines

BEST ONBOARD BEVERAGE –ALCOHOLIC

WINNER: SWISS Alpine Essence –Signature Cocktail, SWISS HIGHLY COMMENDED: ESJA –Icelandair’s Signature Lager, Víking Brugghús

WINNERS REVEALED Awards were presented at a ceremony during WTCE. See photos on p46

WINNER: Traditional “Kahvaltı” Feast, Turkish Airlines HIGHLY COMMENDED: Little Tree Food Plant-Based Breakfasts, China Airlines

BEST LOW-COST F&B BUY-ON-BOARD MENU

WINNER: Casa Olivia, Foodcase

BEST SPECIAL DIETARY MEAL OR PRODUCT

WINNER: Icelandair’s Special Meals, Foodcase

2026 WINNERS

BEST ONBOARD BEVERAGE – HOT DRINKS

WINNER: Cutting Chai, Air India

BEST CHEF

COLLABORATION

CATERING CONCEPT

WINNER: Sabores que Transportan & Sabor a Brasileira Female Chef Collaborations, LATAM HIGHLY COMMENDED: Transport for Wales’ First Class Collaboration with James Sommerin, Transport for Wales