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