Emirates Launches Seasonal Strawberry Menu on UK Flights

Emirates seasonal strawberry menu has returned to the airline's services between Dubai and the United Kingdom from July 13 to July 31, 2026, introducing a range of strawberry-inspired desserts across all cabin classes. The limited-time menu follows the airline's Wimbledon-themed catering initiative and combines British seasonal flavors with strawberries sourced from both Bustanica, the Emirates co-owned indoor vertical farm, and selected UK growers.

The seasonal offering is available on flights operating in both directions between Dubai and the UK, with different dessert selections depending on the direction of travel. According to Emirates, the initiative highlights regional culinary traditions while showcasing fresh seasonal ingredients across its inflight catering program.

Seasonal Menu Across All Cabin Classes

Passengers travelling from Dubai to the United Kingdom will receive different desserts based on their cabin class. First Class customers are being served Honey Cake accompanied by strawberry compote and clotted cream. Business Class and Premium Economy passengers receive a Strawberry Tart served with pistachio sauce, while Economy Class customers are offered Cream Cheese Mousse with strawberry compote and hazelnut streusel.

On return services from the UK to Dubai, Emirates has introduced a separate selection. First Class passengers receive a traditional Eton Mess prepared with meringue, mascarpone cream and strawberry compote. Business Class customers are served white chocolate cheesecake with strawberry and basil confit, while Premium Economy passengers receive strawberry panna cotta with strawberry coulis. Economy Class customers are offered strawberry cheesecake topped with crumble.

The menu is available for a limited period between July 13 and July 31 as part of the airline's seasonal onboard catering program.

Bustanica Supplies Fresh Strawberries

Emirates has selected the Monterrey strawberry variety for the seasonal menu, citing its rich flavour, natural sweetness and vibrant colour. More than 10 kilograms of Monterrey strawberries are supplied daily from Bustanica, the indoor vertical farming facility co-owned by Emirates.

Bustanica uses hydroponic and vertical farming technology to grow produce with significantly lower water consumption than conventional agriculture. The airline said the strawberries served onboard are harvested and delivered within less than 12 hours, supporting freshness across its inflight catering operation.

The seasonal menu is also supported by partnerships with British strawberry producers, including Blush from UK and Hugh Lowe Farms, a family-operated farm in Kent known for premium strawberry production.

Onboard Lounge and Catering Expansion

The seasonal strawberry campaign extends beyond the main meal service. Emirates has also introduced strawberry-themed refreshments at the Airbus A380 Onboard Lounge, where eligible passengers can enjoy fresh strawberries with cream, strawberry lemon cake and a selection of strawberry-based cocktails and mocktails blended with fresh basil.

The airline said its culinary teams regularly refresh onboard menus throughout the year to incorporate destination-inspired cuisine, regional specialties and seasonal produce across its international network.

The July strawberry menu follows Emirates' broader strategy of introducing limited-time culinary offerings tied to major seasonal events and regional food traditions.

SkyCargo Supports British Strawberry Exports

Alongside the onboard catering initiative, Emirates SkyCargo continues to play an important role in transporting British strawberries to international markets. The cargo division currently operates two weekly freighter flights from London Heathrow and one weekly freighter service from London Stansted, complemented by capacity available on scheduled passenger flights.

Since March 2026, Emirates SkyCargo has transported more than 230 tonnes of British strawberries from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates. The airline said this equates to approximately 12 million strawberries moved through its temperature-controlled logistics network.

The cargo operation is designed to preserve freshness for highly perishable products through dedicated cool-chain infrastructure, allowing British growers to access overseas markets while maintaining product quality from harvest through final delivery.

Seasonal Dining and Aviation Connectivity

The Emirates seasonal strawberry menu combines inflight hospitality with the airline's broader agricultural supply chain, linking British growers, Bustanica's indoor farming operations and Emirates SkyCargo's international logistics network. The initiative demonstrates how passenger services and cargo operations work together to support seasonal food distribution while enhancing the onboard travel experience.

Running through July 31, the limited-time menu forms part of Emirates' ongoing program of destination-inspired catering, using seasonal ingredients sourced from both local and international partners to serve passengers travelling between Dubai and the United Kingdom.