Skip to main content
September 24-25, 2025, JAVITS CENTER, NEW YORK

Author: Abigail Stevens

Business Leaders Connect Over the Future of Food at North America’s Premier Plant-Based Expo

The event, designed for retail and foodservice professionals, took place at the Javits Center on September 11-12, 2024.

 

NEW YORK CITY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 – Plant Based World Expo North America, the leading 100% plant-based trade event, marked its fifth event presenting the future of the plant-based industry to retail and foodservice professionals at the Javits Center in New York City. The event highlighted the accelerating innovation and longevity of the plant-based sector, setting the stage for what’s next in food and beverage, and bringing it to key stakeholders in the food industry.

Record-Breaking Buyers: Over the course of two days, the event broke a record for the number of buyers in attendance, with thousands of visitors at the show and 2/3 of which having direct purchasing power. These buyers represented sectors such as foodservice, retail, hospitality and distribution. Other attendees included senior executives from major companies who attended alongside other key industry players including menu planners, product developers, academic researchers, and government officials.

Championing Connections: Exemplifying the importance of live events for making business connections, buyers and exhibitors took advantage of an expanded Hosted Buyer Matchmaking Program during the event, which facilitated over 500 meetings.  Companies including KeHe, Sodexo Campus, Fresh Thyme Market, Parkhurst Dining, Clark Distributing, Roots Market and Country Grocer participated in pre-scheduled meetings with suppliers who were matched using retail insights from SPINS – which took place in a dedicated area on the expo floor.

Feeding Student Populations: The event had great participation from foodservice and hospitality groups serving schools and colleges.  Jamie Moore from Eaton Park Hospitality met with plant-based manufacturers during the show: “We have a division called Parker’s Dining that oversees colleges and universities. I’ll tell you, what really excites me about plant-based is the opportunity to bring something into a dining hall, specifically with our college students, and get the wow factor from them. From something that they would have never, ever guessed was plant-based.” Rob Morasco, Culinary Director at Sodexo hasn’t missed the event for three years: “It’s just so ever-changing and it moves so quickly. Every year that I come back to this show, there’s a new way someone’s taking this approach, whether it’s steak or a piece of chicken or a slice of cheese. Companies are making it plant-based and making it taste more and more like the thing that it’s replacing.”

Global Innovations: The Expo was a hub of global innovation, featuring international participation with exhibitors and products from around the world, including Mexico, the United Kingdom, Italy, Brazil and beyond. Attendees were introduced to groundbreaking products that are pushing the boundaries of what plant-based food can achieve. Notable innovations included Milkadamia’s ‘milk leaves’ – a dried sheet that can be rehydrated with water to create creamy oat and almond milk. One leaf makes the equivalent of 8oz of milk, with 94% less packaging waste and 85% less transportation weight than cartons.

On the show floor, attendees flocked to Konscious’ booth to taste plant-based salmon topped with fishless caviar. Imposter Foods presented melty mozzarella sticks with no dairy and Shicken spotlighted their all-new plant-based chicken breast free-from major allergens.

These cutting-edge products exemplify the industry’s rapid advancement toward achieving taste, texture, and nutritional parity with traditional animal-based foods while being mindful of dietary requirements faced by customers. Leading companies like Gardein and Oatly highlighted the lower environmental impact of their offerings compared to conventional meat and dairy, reinforcing the crucial role of plant-based options in creating a sustainable food future.

Trends in Focus: The Expo revealed key industry trends, including a continued shift towards wholefood-based products that prioritize natural ingredients over creating like-for-like meat analogs. Brands like Nature’s Fynd exhibited their range of meat and dairy alternatives featuring their novel ingredient Fy™, a new-to-world fungi protein with origins in Yellowstone National Park.

Demonstrating the trend of single-ingredient products, Inaexpo sampled their heart of palm spaghetti and rice alternatives which capture the health-conscious consumer. Creating minimal-waste products, Fabalish, a company that centers chickpeas throughout their cross-category product range, sampled everything from brownies to falafel and condiments created with ‘aquafaba’ – the water from canned chickpeas. Flavors included pesto aioli, garlic sauce, ranch, fry sauce and chili crisp ranch.

The nutritional qualities of plant-based products were high on the agenda, and some exhibitors were presenting solutions to help manufacturers boost healthfulness and create more nutrient-dense products. Concepta Ingredients were presenting their Arboreto Premium Protein Powder, a unique blend of sesame and the Brazilian treenut babaçu, designed to offer high-protein and high-fibre attributes while also giving back to local communities in their supply chain.

Trends were also discussed widely in the educational program and for the first time, the event opened all educational sessions to attendees and exhibitors at the show, creating a collaborative atmosphere for different sectors to interact with each other and for learnings to be shared.

Industry Experts: A stellar lineup of expert speakers delivered valuable insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the plant-based industry across three theaters. Among the highlighted sessions, Jonathan Deutsch, PhD, and Ila Fennie of Aramark discussed their groundbreaking research on “Choice-Based Menu Interventions for Reducing Carbon Emissions,” revealing strategies for encouraging plant-based choices in university dining.

Jay Margolis, CEO of SPINS, led a keynote on integrating plant-based products into everyday meals, joined by Joseph Saine from Impossible Foods, offering a deep dive into consumer behavior and the adoption of plant-based meats. Additionally, menu engineering expert Sean Willard shared strategies for enhancing plant-based offerings in dining establishments, further emphasizing the Expo’s commitment to elevating plant-based cuisine across various sectors.

Award Winning Products: On the first show day, the plant-based business community VEGPRENEUR hosted their inaugural awards ceremony in partnership with Plant Based World Expo. After conducting over 450 individual product tastings, scoring against sustainability, taste, packaging, innovation and market viability, 16 winners were crowned at a ceremony. Winners included: milkadamia, Seed & Shell, Nature’s Fynd, UNCLE NICK’S, Voyage Foods, and Yo Egg.

Event Significance: Jonathan Morley, Plant Based World Expo Event Director commented: “This year we marked the fifth annual edition of Plant Based World Expo with true collaboration from across the sector. 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.”

Looking Ahead: As the plant-based movement continues to evolve, Plant Based World Expo North America remains at the forefront, providing a platform for the industry to connect, innovate, and grow. The event will return to the Javits Center on September 24-25, 2025, promising even more groundbreaking developments in the world of plant-based food.

For more information on Plant Based World Expo North America, or learn more about exhibiting in 2025, visit www.plantbasedworldexpo.com

END

 

 

To learn more about Plant Based World Expo or to schedule an interview with PBW leadership, please contact Abigail Stevens at [email protected].

 

Click here for accompanying images.

 

About Plant Based World Expo

Plant Based World Expo is North America’s only 100% plant-based event designed exclusively for food service and retail professionals, distributors, investors, and manufacturers. PBW combines a world-class conference with an exhibition showcasing innovative plant-based food products and brands from around the world, plus high-level networking and tasting opportunities.

 

About JD Events

Plant Based World Expo is produced by JD Events, dedicated to creating targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education-rich content, and high-level networking opportunities — all geared toward increasing collaboration in the markets it serves.

 

Plant Based World Expo Showcases Innovation and Excellence with Leading Exhibitors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2024.

Plant Based World Expo Showcases Innovation and Excellence with Leading Exhibitors

Leading Exhibitors

The premier food and beverage show welcomes bellwethers and start-ups alike, as they take center stage on September 11-12, 2024.

NEW YORK, August 28, 2024 – Plant Based World Expo North America, the global plant-based gathering for retail and foodservice, returns to the Javits Center in New York City on September 11-12. The show attracts over 125 exhibitors coming from all over America, as well as international Brazilian and Italian country pavilions. Plant Based World Expo (PBW) is the place for buyers of plant-based products to discover hundreds of innovative brands and products. Among the diverse range of exhibitors, several standout brands are poised to make a significant impact.

 

Impossible Foods

A trailblazer in the alternative meat industry, Impossible Foods will not only be sampling their products on the show floor, but will be participating in our keynote session “Embracing the Plant-Based Plate: Integrating Plant-Based Products into Everyday Meals” at 11:45 AM on Wednesday, September 11, alongside SPINS and Fresh Thyme Market.

“Our mission at Impossible Foods is to make a positive impact on people and the planet, and it’s invigorating to participate in an event where thousands of people share that same vision and innovative spirit,” said Joseph Saine, Director of Sales at Impossible Food.

SHICKEN

Authentic Asian plant-based challenger brand, SHICKEN  will be exhibiting its entire frozen meals range, including the best-selling, multi award winning SHICKEN Tikka Kebabs, which recently launched into Costco US and its pioneering NEW ‘whole muscle’ meat-free chicken breast innovation.

SHICKEN is the only UK plant-based brand in Costco US stores, following the huge success of their roll-out to Costco UK, Iceland, Sweden and France.

Armored Fresh

With a mission to redefine the landscape of dairy alternatives, Armored Fresh will impress buyers and attendees alike with their groundbreaking zero-dairy cheeses to sample during the show. Stop by their booth to try their latest product launch, Oat Milk Kimchi Parmesan, an unexpected blend of tangy kimchi and savory parmesan, crafted with creamy oat milk.

“We’re excited to share several rich and melty products with attendees at Plant Based World Expo this year. All of our innovations are a testament to what dairy-free cheeses should taste, melt, and feel like,” said Rudy Yoo, Founder and CEO of Armored Fresh.

Nature’s Fynd

This plant-based company make their delicious meatless and dairy-free foods using Fy™, their new-to-world fungi protein with origins in Yellowstone National Park. They’re currently ramping up for their Dairy-Free Fy Yogurts to make a debut at Whole Foods Market in January 2025, with Strawberry, Peach and Vanilla flavors.

Plant Ahead

Plant Ahead’s unique portfolio of quality, innovative plant-based and dairy-free cheeses includes Traditional Greek Feta in Brine, Blue Cheese, Parmesan, and their new pre-sliced fresh Mozzarella – the first in the market. The company is also launching a dairy-free vegan cheese sauce that’s the answer to all your nacho needs.

 

These brands will join household names who are exhibiting at the event to further expand their distribution into foodservice channels. Conagra will present Birds Eye and Gardein ranges, which are a firm favorite with plant-curious and meat-reducing consumers. Non-dairy giant Oatly will also exhibit at the event, with their well-known and much-loved dairy free oat milk products that include milks, cheeses and yogurts.

Exhibitors elsewhere on the show floor will represent over a dozen different categories, including plant-based protein, plant-based dairy, sweet snacks, savory snacks, frozen food, sauces, seasonings and more: 7th Heaven Inc, Aberyne, Açaí Glee, Before the Butcher, Brioche Gourmet, Caribbean Food Delights, Chunky Vegan, Fabalish, Harmless Harvest, Imposter Foods, Jampa’s, Kourellas Dairy, Kültee by Zentis, Layonna’s, Milkadamia, No Meat Factory, Panacheeza, PAOW!, Plant Futures, Plantega, Royal Tempeh, Stockeld Dreamery, and Swish Cocktails. To see a full list of exhibitors or register to attend, visit www.plantbasedworldexpo.com

 

-END-

 

To learn more about Plant Based World Expo or to schedule an interview with PBW leadership, please contact Abigail Stevens at [email protected].

Click here for accompanying images.

 

About Plant Based World Expo

Plant Based World Expo is North America’s only 100% plant-based event designed exclusively for food service and retail professionals, distributors, investors, and manufacturers. PBW combines a world-class conference with an exhibition showcasing innovative plant-based food products and brands from around the world, plus high-level networking and tasting opportunities. Over 125 exhibitors and more than 3,000 people are expected to attend this year.

About JD Events

Plant Based World Expo is produced by JD Events, dedicated to creating targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education-rich content, and high-level networking opportunities — all geared toward increasing collaboration in the markets it serves.

Plant-Based Trade Show Partners with SPINS for Data-Driven Matchmaking

PRESS RELEASE – March 6, 2024, NYC

Plant Based World Expo, the global plant-based gathering for retail and foodservice, has announced a partnership with SPINS, a leading provider of wellness-focused data and insights for the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, for their upcoming North America event this fall.

The two-day trade event taking place at the Javits Center on September 11-12, 2024, celebrates its fifth year of bringing together leading and innovative plant-based products to meet with food and beverage professionals. Companies already signed up to exhibit include Conagra Foodservice, presenting Gardein and Birds Eye brands, and Oatly, the much-loved oat-based dairy brand.

New for 2024, Plant Based World Expo will be working closely with SPINS to supercharge the Hosted Buyer Program, a matchmaking program with face-to-face meetings that take place during the event. SPINS has built a strong reputation providing product intelligence, consumer panel data and performance data with reporting solutions to grow businesses. Using insights from SPINS and marketplace gap analysis, the program will connect retail buyers with exhibitors offering products that consumers are actively seeking – backed by real-time data. The program is exclusive to suppliers exhibiting at the event, with no additional cost to participate. It also includes buyers from commercial and non-commercial foodservice, offering suppliers the opportunity to diversify their distribution channels.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Plant Based World Expo to facilitate informed connections between product manufacturers and discerning buyers. For over two decades, SPINS has been proud to support innovation and foster growth across the plant-based industry. Our data, insights, and expertise has helped bring so many great brands to the table, and we are excited to work with Plant Based World Expo to support the next generation of companies and products,” said Jay Margolis, CEO of SPINS.

The first partnership of its kind for Plant Based World Expo, it represents a new phase for the plant-based industry, championing strategic, data-driven relationship building to increase the distribution and availability of plant-based products.

Jonathan Morley, General Manager of Plant Based World, commented “SPINS are recognized for leading retail insights, utilizing real-time data to help businesses identify opportunities for growth. That’s why they are the ideal partner for our event, which specializes in bringing buyers and suppliers together to build relationships. Through their data, we can optimize matchmaking between our exhibitors and industry buyers in the Hosted Buyer Program, creating greater value for all.”

In addition to the Hosted Buyer Program, SPINS will also be presenting unique insights from the latest retail data in the Plant Based World Expo conference program, which for the first time, will be open to all attendees. Topics and speakers will be announced later this year.

Finished plant-based products are invited to participate by booking a booth at Plant Based World Expo North America, taking place at the Javits Center on September 11-12, 2024. For more information visit: https://plantbasedworldexpo.com/exhibit/

For further comment or images, please contact [email protected]

LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share
Instagram