Julianne Ponan MBE is a trailblazer in the free-from world, dedicated to ensuring that allergies don’t hold people back from living life to the fullest.
Diagnosed with severe anaphylaxis at just two years old after a life-threatening reaction to a cookie in nursery, Julianne has spent her life navigating the challenges of multiple allergies, including peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, chickpeas, and more. Refusing to let allergies define her, she has travelled the world safely, proving that adventure and dietary restrictions can go hand in hand. She is passionate about empowering children with allergies to speak up, advocate for themselves, and feel confident in their choices.
She founded a leading Top 14 Allergen free food brand Creative Nature, Julianne has revolutionized the free-from food industry, launching innovative products from nutritious baking mixes to allergen-safe snacks.
Her mission is clear: to push boundaries and ensure that free-from food is not only safe but also delicious and nutritious. Her relentless efforts have led to major industry shifts, securing listings with Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Ocado, Asda, and exporting to 16 countries, including the UAE.
She has also driven change in the aviation industry, working with airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Iberia, and KLM to improve in-flight food options for allergy sufferers.
Julianne’s advocacy extends far beyond business. She was one of the founders of the Allergy Awareness Assemblies, launched during Allergy Awareness Week, which has now educated over 250,000 children on how to support their allergic peers. She is also a Non-Executive Director for GS1 UK and serves as the Export Policy Champion for the FSB, using her platform to push for better regulations and support for allergy sufferers.
Her voice has been heard at the highest levels, speaking on Sky News, BBC, and in Parliament, championing better allergy awareness, food safety, and inclusive policies. She is also a judge for the Free From Food Awards and On Board Hospitality Awards, a former guest judge on Britain’s Next Top Model, and has recently been appointed as the first Medic Alert ambassador in 65 years—a role dedicated to raising awareness about life-saving medical IDs.
In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to business, exports, and allergy awareness, Julianne was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s King’s Honours List. Her mission has always been to continue reshaping the free-from landscape, ensuring that those with allergies can eat, travel, and live without fear.