Plant Based World Expo North America took place for the fifth time on September 11-12 at the Javits Center in New York City.
This year’s event saw a record-breaking number of buyers in attendance, representing sectors such as food service, retail, hospitality, and distribution. Of the thousands of visitors at the show, two-thirds had direct purchasing power. Other key industry players also attended, such as senior executives from major companies, product developers, academic researchers, and government officials. An expanded Hosted Buyer Matchmaking Program helped buyers and exhibitors make business connections.
The expo saw international participation, featuring exhibitors and products from countries such as Mexico, the UK, Italy, and Brazil. Key industry trends were revealed, including the growing shift towards whole food-based products. There was also an emphasis on single-ingredient and minimal waste products, along with innovations that make plant-based foods more nutrient-dense.
A lineup of expert speakers discussed the trends, challenges, and opportunities in the plant-based industry. For example, SPINS CEO Jay Margolis led a keynote on integrating plant-based products into everyday meals, joined by Joseph Saine of Impossible Foods.
“True collaboration”
The event also saw significant interest in feeding student populations, with attendance from several food service and hospitality groups serving schools and colleges. Among them was Sodexo, which is working to offer plant-based meals as the default option in US campus restaurants.
Meanwhile, the plant-based business community VEGPRENEUR hosted its inaugural awards ceremony at the expo, allocating points to products based on their sustainability, taste, packaging, innovation, and market viability. Winners included milkadamia, Seed & Shell, Nature’s Fynd, UNCLE NICK’S, Voyage Foods, and Yo Egg.
“This year we marked the fifth annual edition of Plant Based World Expo with true collaboration from across the sector,” said Plant Based World Expo Event Director Jonathan Morley. “We are thrilled to have hosted so many buyers at our event and showcase the longevity and importance that the plant-based food industry holds. We firmly believe that the plant-based food sector holds the key to food system transformation that is desperately needed in 2024 and beyond. It is our privilege to create a space for the wider food and beverage industry to learn about the opportunities it presents, and further efforts to change the world for the better.”
Plant Based World Expo North America will return to the Javits Center next year from September 24-25.
