DFMi News & Events
YumEarth Candy Takes Flight with DFMi
As we kick off Halloween week, DFMi is shining a light on one of our favorite “better-for-you” candy partners, YumEarth. Their treats capture all the fun and flavor of classic candy, without any of the artificial ingredients.
YumEarth is redefining indulgence with its commitment to clean, simple, and allergy-friendly ingredients.
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Celebrating a Successful Show!
As we look back on our time at IFSA Expo 2025 in Long Beach, we are grateful for the connections, conversations, and collaboration that defined the week.
Our California Dreamin’ pavilion was designed to bring brands, airline partners, and industry leaders together in a meaningful and engaging way. Thanks to your participation and support, it became a space full of energy, creativity, and shared purpose.
Key Highlights from the Show:
Incredible Industry Presence
With nearly 2,500 attendees and more than 120 airlines and airport operators represented, this year’s expo offered a valuable platform for visibility, relationship building, and innovation.
Positive Industry Feedback
“The DFMi pavilion layout was so well done and inviting—it truly stood out. Your team once again knocked it out of the park and created an experience everyone wanted to be part of.”
– Airline Customer
Collaboration at Its Best
Visitors consistently remarked on the welcoming design, the opportunity to explore a variety of brands in one space, and how easy it was to connect with both new and longstanding partners.
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DFMi is embracing the Long Beach location of this year’s IFSA Global EXPO with a “California Dreamin’” theme across its booth.
The company’s VP Marketing Kim Brown explains, “The pavilion will feature four corners inspired by California landmarks – National Parks, Santa Monica Pier, Mid-Century Modern, and Coastal California – each brought to life through furniture, graphics and sampling experiences that invite attendees to explore and linger.”
The 40’ x 40’ space will include a tiki bar where professional chef Leyla Wheelhouse will be serving up California-inspired dishes and drinks crafted exclusively for the show; a cozy midcentury modern living room; classic boardwalk games; a relaxing “fire pit” lounge area; and a full display of the incredible products from DFMi’s supplier partners.
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Tucker, GA – August 2025 – DFMi, a premier specialty sales and marketing company serving the global travel and transportation industry, is proud to announce its partnership with acclaimed culinary consultant Chef Leyla for the upcoming IFSA Expo 2025 in Long Beach, California. Together, they will debut an immersive culinary experience designed to showcase the next wave of inflight entrée innovation.
This year’s DFMi pavilion embraces a bold “California Dreamin’” theme, inspired by the state’s vibrant culture and diverse culinary influences—from the retro charm of Palm Springs to the breezy freedom of coastal highways. Chef Leyla will bring this vision to life with a West Coast Food Bar featuring innovative dishes and drinks that highlight DFMi’s premium supplier products.
“Partnering with Chef Leyla is an exciting step in DFMi’s commitment to evolving our culinary offerings,” said Kim Brown, Vice President of Marketing. “Her creativity and expertise will allow us to present trend-forward, approachable dishes that resonate with today’s airline passengers while celebrating the unique flavors of California.”
Throughout the show, Chef Leyla will create all-day culinary engagement through:
On-trend dishes crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Interactive presentations blending casual approachability with creative culinary techniques.
Signature snacks and drinks designed to create energy and aroma within the pavilion’s tiki bar.
Sustainable practices reinforcing farm-to-table principles and DFMi’s commitment to environmentally conscious solutions.
“I’m thrilled to collaborate with DFMi at IFSA Expo and highlight the incredible products their suppliers bring to the market,” said Chef Leyla. “This is an opportunity to merge creativity, trend-forward flavors, and sustainability into a truly memorable experience for attendees.”
The DFMi pavilion will also feature engaging thematic spaces, including a midcentury modern lounge, a nostalgic boardwalk game area, and a relaxing fire pit-inspired setting—providing the perfect backdrop for culinary exploration and networking.
About DFMi
Serving the world since 1988, DFMi is a premier specialty sales and marketing company focused on the travel and transportation industry. DFMi partners with leading manufacturers across the globe to deliver innovative food and service ware solutions to airline customers worldwide. The company’s mission is to enhance inflight menus, elevate passenger experiences, and support clients in delivering exceptional service—all at competitive prices.
About Chef Leyla
Chef Leyla is a dynamic culinary leader known for blending creativity and strategy to elevate brands through innovative menu development, operational excellence, and trend-forward food concepts. Her career spans concept creation, food safety and compliance, and strategic partnerships that help companies grow while staying ahead of evolving industry trends.
Media Contact:
Kim Brown
VP of Marketing
DFMi
kbrown@dfminc.biz 770-265-1855
As seen on Good Morning America’s wellness segment: “How to Pick the Best Protein Bar”
88 Acres earned national recognition for doing things differently.
Click here to read watch segment and read full article.
DFMi Heads to the Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC!
June 29 – July 1, 2025 | Javits Center, New York City
The next stop on DFMi’s summer food show tour is the Summer Fancy Food Show, hosted by the Specialty Food Association—one of the most influential events in the specialty food industry. This premier showcase brings together a curated selection of high-quality, artisanal products across more than 40 categories. It’s where culinary creativity meets market opportunity.
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Loacker Celebrates 100 Years with Celebrity Chef Giada De Laurentiis
New partnership brings recipes, appearances, and exclusive giveaways to fans during milestone anniversary year
Loacker, the beloved Italian wafer and confectionery brand, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a flavorful new partnership. Emmy-winning chef and TV personality Giada De Laurentiis has joined the Loacker family to help mark a century of “pure goodness” with exclusive recipes, appearances, and a limited-edition giveaway.
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We're excited to continue our food show road tour at the National Restaurant Association Show, May 17–20 in Chicago—the largest annual gathering of foodservice pros in the Western Hemisphere! This must-attend event is packed with trends, innovations, and connections that shape the future of our industry.
We’re eager to meet with supplier partners, discover new products, and explore solutions that enhance the in-flight experience. Staying ahead of trends is key—and we’re proud to work with forward-thinking suppliers who share that vision.
Attending the show? Be sure to visit our partners' booths and check out their latest offerings!
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DFMi is excited to attend the premier trade show for the sweets and snacks industry, taking place May 13–15, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center!
The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the ultimate B2B event for the confectionery and snack sectors—open exclusively to professionals in the trade. This must-attend show is known for debuting cutting-edge product innovations, delivering business-boosting insights, and showcasing the most exciting trends in merchandising. It’s where the industry's best and brightest come to shine.
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