Air France has overhauled its non-alcoholic beverage offering in premium and business class cabins, replacing most international brands with products made exclusively in France. The move, implemented in early June 2026, applies to medium- and long-haul flights as well as VIP lounges. Only Coca-Cola remains as a foreign exception.
The airline’s new lineup includes organic orange juice, apple juice, tomato juice, iced green tea with passion fruit and mint, ginger beer from a craft brewery, and lemonades and tonics based on traditional recipes. In business class, passengers additionally receive ginger drinks, iced peach tea, elderflower juice, and alpine herb infusions.
The decision follows a broader industry trend toward emphasizing local sourcing, but Air France has taken it to a new level. The carrier says the goal is to showcase French gastronomy even at cruising altitude.
A culinary push for French pride
– We want to offer our passengers an authentic French experience from the moment they board – said a spokesperson for Air France. – Every drink we serve, with the exception of Coca-Cola, is now sourced from French producers who uphold the highest quality standards. –
The shift extends beyond beverages. In-flight meals have been designed by Michelin-starred chefs, and the wine and champagne selection is curated by a renowned French sommelier. Seasonal cocktails made entirely with French ingredients will also be available during the summer period.
One global exception remains
The only non-French drink still on the tray is Coca-Cola, served in both Original Taste and Zero Sugar versions. The airline acknowledged that the brand’s global recognition and passenger demand made its removal difficult. – You can replace tonic water or improve lemonade, but some icons are simply irreplaceable – the spokesperson added.
This pragmatic approach highlights the limits of even the most ambitious local content strategies. While Air France is proud to champion French producers, it also respects passenger habits that transcend national borders.
Fine dining at 35,000 feet
The gastronomic upgrade is not limited to drinks. All meals served in premium classes are developed by acclaimed chefs, and the wine list is curated by sommeliers with international reputations. The airline aims to turn the dining experience into a highlight of the journey, reflecting France’s culinary heritage.
Industry analysts note that such moves can differentiate airlines in a competitive market. For Air France, the local content strategy also reinforces its brand identity as a flag carrier deeply rooted in French culture.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Ronen Fefer / Shutterstock
