April 15 2022  |  People

American adds to culinary team

By Rick Lundstrom

Julia Coney

As part of an exclusive partnership with the James Beard Foundation, American Airlines has added Julia Coney and Ellie Krieger to its roster of culinary professionals.

The collaboration between American and the James Beard Foundation began in 2019. Both Coney and Krieger will consult on the onboard and ground dining programs.

Wine educator, writer and consultant, Coney will collaborate on American’s wine program, redefning its offerings to reflect diverse passenger preferences and assist in developing wine education programs for team members.

Coney is a member of the University of California at Davis’ Department of Viticulture and Enology Executive Leadership Board. She founded Black Wine Professionals, a resource for the wine industry, with the goal of lifting up multifaceted Black professionals in the world of wine through inclusive events, education and opportunities. Her accolades include Wine Enthusiast’s 2020 Social Visionary Award and recognition as one of Wine’s Most Inspiring People for 2022 from the Wine Industry Network.

Ellie Krieger

“We’re proud of our reputation for serving our customers not just an excellent selection of premium wines, but a selection that’s created with guidance from some of the world’s most intentional experts in their craft,” said Clarissa Sebastian, Managing Director of Premium Customer Experience Onboard Products in last week's announcement. “Julia is an unbelievable force of nature in the wine industry, who shares our commitment that wine is an experience that should be enjoyable and approachable for everyone. She’s a perfect fit to guide our program forward in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.”

Ellie Krieger is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and two-time James Beard Foundation award-winning cookbook author. She will help define American’s onboard well-being program and design menu items that promote a healthy balance of wellness and indulgence.

“Customers continue to tell us that healthy food options contribute to an enjoyable travel experience,” Sebastian added. “With Ellie’s partnership, we’ll continue to design thoughtful food options through the lens of well-being so customers can relax knowing their meal will satisfy and sustain them for what their destination holds.”

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