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13-14th November 2024, ExCeL London

Author: Abigail Stevens

New Awards Raise the Bar for Plant-Based Products

Global plant-based trade show Plant Based World Expo launches the Plant-Based Excellence Awards to celebrate the best of the industry.

Decision makers responsible for purchasing plant-based products are hungry to discover their next best-selling product. With so many companies providing plant-based items, it’s more important than ever to source the right product for customers: great tasting, appealing presentations, sustainable packaging and attractive margins. The Plant-Based Excellence Awards are a new comprehensive awards programme, launched by Plant Based World Expo, judging against these credentials that will champion the excellence coming from this industry.

Unlike other awards, the combination of judging the taste, presentation and business viability will provide a holistic view of the product’s potential for commercial success. Creative marketing without competitive margins won’t lead to listings, just as the most delicious product that is presented poorly won’t grab and hold the attention of customers. The Plant-Based Excellence Awards will score individual entries and only award coveted bronze, silver, gold and platinum shields to products that demonstrate all-round excellence.

With 17 categories spanning sweet, savoury, meat-mimics, ready-meals and everything in-between, the products will be judged and scored by panels of buyers and industry advisors including some of the hosted buyers at Plant Based World Expo Europe 2024. The categories for the awards are:

  • Meat Alternatives
  • Fish and Seafood Alternatives
  • Wholefoods
  • Ready Meals
  • Deli Products
  • Dairy Alternatives
  • Dairy Alternatives Cheese
  • Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts
  • Egg Replacements
  • Baked Goods
  • Savoury Snacking
  • Sweet Snacking
  • Cold Beverages
  • Hot Beverages
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Condiments, Preserves and Ferments
  • Innovative Ingredients

Now open for entries, the Plant-Based Excellence Awards invite all businesses offering plant-based products to submit their ranges. The definition for a plant-based product is as follows: formulated without the use of animal ingredients or by-products, as an intentional ingredient or used during the manufacturing process.

The cost to enter is only £100+VAT per product per category. Exhibitors at Plant Based World Expo can take advantage of one free product entry and a subsequent lower entry cost of £75+VAT per product per category.

Abigail Stevens, Marketing Director at Plant Based World Expo commented: “It was important to us that these awards were accessible to all businesses from a cost perspective. As a result, our fees are very affordable, and we hope it allows smaller companies and start-ups to enter their ranges. Many of whom have brilliant products that deserve to be recognised, and it may help them get the attention they need to scale and thrive.”

Entries have opened this month and will be open for five weeks, closing on 9th August 2024. Judging will commence in September, with winners being told in October ahead of Plant Based World Expo Europe. Every entry has two chances to win – all products will be scored against the criteria and based on their score, awarded a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Plant-Based Excellence Award. At Plant Based World Expo on the 13th of November at ExCeL London there will be a live awards ceremony, giving entrants the opportunity to be crowned overall category winner for scoring the highest in their category. This will be presented in front of an audience of buyers, media and members of the food and beverage industry who are eager to discover the best plant-based has to offer.

Abigail Stevens concluded: “The plant-based food sector is a highly competitive market. From its rapid growth phase in the last few years, which saw an abundance of new brands and products being launched, to the corrective phase witnessed in the past year with brands fighting to secure and keep listings. Standing out from the crowd is essential for all brands and their products. The Plant-Based Excellence Awards was created with this in mind – to help distinguish superior products available in the marketplace and reward the companies who are succeeding.”

Entries are now open to all. If you would like to enter a product, visit: https://plantbasedworldeurope.com/awards/

-ENDS-

Accompanying hi-res imagery can be downloaded here.

For more information, comment, or images please contact [email protected]

About Plant Based World Expo Europe

Plant Based World Expo is the biggest 100% plant-based trade event in Europe, designed exclusively for food service professionals, retailers, distributors, buyer, wholesalers and investors. Plant Based World connects and empowers businesses within the global supply chain to successfully develop, source and distribute plant-based products. The event takes place at ExCeL London on 13th-14th November 2024. Online registration is available at: https://plantbasedworldeurope.com/register/

Plant Based World Expo predicts long-term growth and forecasts top industry trends

London, UK, November 2023: Plant Based World Expo Europe, the largest 100% plant-based trade event in Europe unveils future trends and what we can expect from the food industry, marking the beginning of ‘Plant Based 2.0’.

Long-term growth in the plant-based food industry is being led by the UK, one of the largest markets in Europe and growing by 9.58% and London – officially the most vegan-friendly city in the world[1].

The global plant-based food market is predicted soar from £13.6 billion in 2021 to $115.3 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5 percent. And despite hyper growth followed by industry-wide challenges including the inflation rate for food and drink at 13.6 percent in August 2023[2], Plant Based World Expo prepares for its biggest show to date, at a larger venue to accommodate a 20% increase in exhibitors and registered visitors.

With 43% of gen Z claiming to be cutting meat from their diet in 2023, and 16% already have, a massive 59% of this generation could be meat-free by the end of the year. And so, the plant-based sector continues to innovate with new alternative proteins and textures. From retail to public sector, high street to hospitals, plant-based options are becoming more readily available. Meanwhile, within the industry, lobbying increases for plant-based subsidies to tackle the impact of animal agriculture on climate change.

Meeting demands of high value plant-based retail customers

While it’s broadly understood shoppers purchasing plant-based products spend 61% more than the average shopper, according to SPINS data[3], retailers need to provide quality plant-based products and a broader scope of choice for these valuable customers to maximise basket size.

At the start of the boom, companies in the space were innovating cross-category, such as Oatly producing ice-cream, yogurt and cheese in addition to milk. However, the industry is evolving, and a combination of pressure to create quality products and a shift towards new business strategies focused on longer-term profitability means while brands previously diversified, now they are turning their focus to back to core ranges.

The onus will be on supermarkets to get the balance right, and ensure they have a wide enough selection of quality plant-based products to keep high value customers coming back.

Menu choice and quality within foodservice

In foodservice, while catering to the needs and demands of the public, we’re seeing choice take centre stage and more restaurants are harnessing the power of plant-based. While it’s no longer an option to have just one plant-based item on the menu, we’re also seeing entire vegan menus dedicated to those making choices based on planetary and human health. Offering plant-based options can not only differentiate a restaurant from its competitors, but ensure its offerings suit customers’ values.

Vegetables will reign supreme in restaurants

We’re already seeing brands such as Symplicity Foods, founded by butcher and chef Neil Rankin, helping chefs, home cooks, caterers and restaurants to reduce their reliance on meat by creating simple and delicious food made with fermented vegetables. We will see this trend continue as more out-of-home dining outlets as well as retailers will seek to offer meat alternatives made from vegetables.

Where caterers have less time to prepare vegetables as centre-of-plate options from scratch, innovative brands that offer cleaner-label solutions can come into play. One such brand exhibiting at Plant Based World Expo is More Foods meat alternative products created using a novel blend of upcycled pumpkin and sunflower seeds to provide an unbelievable texture, taste and feel.

Consumer preference for clean labelling and flavours above meat alternatives  

While the argument against over-processed foods continues, producers are evolving and many are now making quality, nutritious products for those who turn to them for convenience and affordability. Clean labelling will continue to gain momentum as consumers prioritise flavour and health.

Not only do ingredient decks need to be cleaner, manufacturers must focus on transparency; highlighting which plant-based proteins are used, not just “vegetable protein” but “pumpkin protein” for example. The public will start to understand new foods and proteins from sources beyond the usual meat and soya. To help meet the demands of the clean label-conscious consumer, manufacturers have also ramped up production of natural vegetable flavours using non-GMO approaches[4].

Fish and the turning of the tide

The UN estimates that nearly 90% of the global marine fish population are overfished or depleted. And while the plant-based food market boasts a wealth of options for red and white meat alternatives, fish alternatives have struggled to take hold.

This is set to shift as plant-based fish becomes a category leader, with innovation now booming. Omni Foods has already been serving their golden fillet to Greene King pubs across the UK, and this summer we saw the launch of the first 3D printed fish, representing another milestone in the industry. Meanwhile, fish brands are using algae to deliver the nutrients such as omega 3 achieving nutritional parity with fish equivalents. Expect wider adoption of plant-based tuna, sashimi and other fish alternatives in restaurant chains and high-street eateries.

The rise of affordable proteins

In response to the cost-of-living crisis, in the UK, we will start to see a shift to more affordable plant proteins. Aberystwyth University has recently announced a new £1m pea protein project to reduce the UK’s reliance on soya imports, and at Plant Based World Expo, Europe’s leading companies will be showcasing affordable protein solutions, including textured pea and fava proteins that don’t compromise on food affordability, taste, texture or appearance.

Traditional production techniques applied to plants

Using traditional production techniques like smoking (salmon) or fermenting (cheese) for plant-based products will be more extensive than ever this coming year. We’re seeing companies such as Handl Tyrol GmbH, an Austrian family business specialising in producing meat-based specialities such Tyrolean ham, raw sausages and roasts since 1902, now applying the same techniques to plant-based proteins.

Public sector campaigns for plant-based meals

The Plant Based Universities campaign is active in more than 50 universities and is gaining momentum. We can expect to see more universities and education settings acting on their own climate research to both limit the public sector’s contribution to the climate and ecological emergency, and to help shift public opinion in favour of a plant-based food system. We can also expect more of the public sector to opt for plant-based menus, as healthcare, prisons and the care sector realise the benefits of providing fewer animal-based meals. By adopting plant-based options, hospitals can improve health outcomes for patients while reducing their carbon emissions.

The government must act 

While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This country is proud to be a world leader in reaching Net Zero by 2050,” The National Food Strategy recommended in 2022 a 30% reduction in meat consumption – which some may say is a very conservative approach.

And while the government continues to battle issues from an unhealthy population to the impact of food production on the environment and there will always be a need to drive the economy forward, the plant-based industry could argue that not enough is being done to reduce subsidies to the meat and dairy industries or invest in plant-based alternatives.

The sector itself now has a significant role to play in providing solutions to these problems. “Uniting the Plant-Based Industry to Lobby for Growth,” run by the Plant Based Food Alliance UK will take place at Plant Based World Expo Europe’s conference in November to help address this issue.

Getting the public on side

Global heating demands we educate the public on the importance of their consumption habits, and with no one party responsible, consumer-facing campaign groups will be integral to progress.

An example of a successful campaign with a track-record of encouraging consumers to adopt a vegan diet is Veganuary, who will be celebrated at Plant Based World Expo this November. The event will host the inspiring film premiere; “It’ll Never Catch On: The Veganuary Story 10 Years On”.

The campaign is hugely successful in the UK, Germany and now other countries, and Veganuary takes pride but doesn’t rest on its laurels, knowing there’s plenty more people to reach.

Vegan food manufacturers are adapting to changing times, strategies are evolving, manufacturers are leveraging economies of scale, and while initial hypergrowth slows, the culture shift is evident; from the availability of plant-based milks to breakfast, lunch and dinner choices available both in the public sector and on the high street.

Founder and CEO Plant Futures, UK’s leading consultancy helping plant-based businesses grow said:
“The plant-based meat sector is hands down, one of the most innovative and forward-thinking categories of the food industry. The future market size is considerable however to reach mass market isn’t easy and often brands and businesses can underestimate the complexities of moving from an ‘early adopter’ to a ‘mass majority’ i.e. mass market – what is known as ‘crossing the chasm’. This is a pivotable point for plant-based meat businesses, to reach the mass market will mean to be ready and prepared for the next wave of consumers, which our insights show are unlikely to be flexitarians. I am excited to be sharing the latest insights into the plant-based meat market at the Plant Based World Expo in November, alongside lead sponsors ProVeg International and Veg Capital.”

Abigail Stevens, Marketing Director of show organiser JD Events, comments:

“Plant-based options continue to appeal to Millennials, Gen-Z consumers[5] (43% claim to be cutting meat from their diet in 2023[6]) and beyond, so it’s vital that businesses future-proof themselves and get their offering right. With innovation taking the plant-based industry to the next level, we’re calling on all areas of the wider food and beverage industry, governments, and the public to support this path we’re on – for the good of our collective health and that of the planet.”

Plant Based World Expo Europe, now in its third year, will take place at Excel London on 15th and 16th November 2023. Registration for the show is open to the food and beverage industry, including retailers, foodservice professionals, and investors.

To register to attend Plant Based World Europe, visit: http://www.plantbasedworldeurope.com/.

-ENDS-

For more information, interviews, or images please contact [email protected]

 

About Plant Based World Expo Europe

Plant Based World Europe is the only 100% plant based B2B event to attract an audience of buyers and food and beverage professionals from across retail, foodservice, and public sector catering. This unique event will combine a world-class conference with an international exhibition of the biggest and best products in the market, as well as high-level networking and tasting opportunities.

Plant Based World connects and inspires industry pioneers and decision makers to facilitate sustainable transformation within the global food system. The event takes place at ExCeL London on 15-16th November 2023. Online registration is available at: https://plantbasedworldeurope.com/register/

[1] Happy Cow lists 400 all-vegan establishments around the streets of London

[2] Statista

[3] gfi.org

[4] “Considerations in Natural Flavoring Use in a Clean Label World,” Keith Cadwallader, Ph.D., Dept. of Food Science & Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

[5] 65% say that they want a more ‘plant-forward’ diet, while 79% choose to go meatless once or twice a week. (ProVeg.com)

[6] Finder.com

Plant Based World Expo Announces Conference Sessions and Features

Including the exclusive world premiere of “It’ll Never Catch On: The Veganuary Story 10 Years On,” plus powerful insights from industry thought leaders.

 

Plant Based World Expo Europe, the largest 100% plant-based trade event in Europe, has announced its conference line up for the Plant Based World Pulse Theatre, taking place at ExCeL London on 15th and 16th November 2023.

 

Featuring Veganuary’s 10th anniversary global film premiere, leadership addresses, and panels focussing on collective challenges affecting the UK’s vegan food industry, the theatre will bring together academics, regulatory advisors, thought leaders and industry organisations to plan and implement change.

 

The line-up announcement comes as over 900 academics call for 100% plant-based meals at UK universities to help fight the climate crisis. Visitors will hear from academics, institutions, innovators, retailers, award-winning activists, entrepreneurs and investors, as well as some of the best-known journalists and broadcasters in the food and drink industry.

 

The line-up includes:

 

Changing the Culture of Food on University Menus, November 16, 10:30am – 11:15am

Featuring: Joanna Randall, Plant-Based Advocacy Specialist, Humane Society International UK.

Can establishments and operators significantly reduce their carbon footprint?  Showcasing those taking steps to reduce the meat and dairy on their menus and demonstrating how others can get involved.

 

A Pragmatic Look at the Meat-Alternative Market and Where it Could Go

November 15, 11:30am – 12:15pm

Featuring Rabinder Harrison, Commercial Director, Veg Capital, Prof. Andrew Godley, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, University of Sussex Business School and Scott King, Brands Strategy Manager, Waitrose. 

Arguably one of the most competitive categories within plant-based, meat alternatives took retailers and menus by storm in the past five years. This unprecedented market has surprised everyone, but what’s next for the space?

 

How Brands can Navigate Foodservice for Long-Term Success 

November 16, 2:00pm – 2:45pm 

Featuring Jack Rutherford, Commercial Director, THIS™️ and Dean Wilson Hartles, Director of Food & Drinks, The Restaurant Group PLC.

How can brands create long-lasting relationships with restaurant operators and contract caterers, inspiring them to integrate products onto their menus for more than one season to achieve foodservice success.

 

Can New Technologies like Cultivated Meat and Precision Fermentation Attract More Consumers to the Alternative Protein Category?

November 15, 10:30am – 11:15am 

Featuring Carlotte Lucas, Senior Corporate Engagement Manager, The Good Food Institute. Oscar Zollman Thomas, Impact Manager, Formo and Jago Pearson, Chief Strategy Officer Finnebrogue Artisan 

With a wide range of food tech start-ups now gaining traction, concepts like cultivated meat and animal-free dairy are now more fact than science fiction, but who are the target consumers of these products, and could they help persuade new consumers?

 

Back To Basics: Putting Whole Food Plant-Based Products Centre of Plate

November 15, 2:00pm – 2:45pm

 

Featuring chef and trained butcher Neil Rankin, Founder, Symplicity Foods.

We’ve come full circle. From the early days of breaded vegetable fingers to full-on bleeding burger patties, we are now seeing many brands centring vegetables, legumes, and other whole foods in their products. How can we ensure simple-to-read ingredients lists and fewer additives to satisfy consumer’s tastebuds and nutritional expectations?

A Key Buyer Program and networking events will help to ensure some of the decisions are put into action, connecting retail and foodservice decision makers with innovators creating the next generation of plant-based foods.

 

Reminding people of what’s possible, attendees will witness the inspiring UK Film Premiere; “It’ll Never Catch On: The Veganuary Story 10 Years On” (Nov 16, 11:30am – 12:30pm). The short film marks 10 years from the creation of Veganuary, the global campaign that encourages consumers to ‘try vegan’ for January. This will be followed by a Q&A featuring founders Jane Land and Matthew Glover, alongside   BOSH! – Henry Firth & Ian Theasby, the world’s best-selling and biggest plant-based authors.

 

Abigail Stevens, Marketing Director of show organiser JD Events, comments:

“Our stage is home to more than just a conversation about where plant-based is going; it provides a platform for collaboration between change makers and has become a driving force behind Plant Based 2.0 – taking the industry to the next level.”

 

Now in its third year, registration for the show is open to the food and beverage industry, including retailers, foodservice professionals and investors. It’s an opportunity to discover the latest and greatest products in the UK vegan food market, one of the largest in Europe and growing by 9.58%.

 

For further information and the full conference line-up please visit: https://plantbasedworldeurope.com/conference/

 

To register to attend Plant Based World Europe, please visit: http://www.plantbasedworldeurope.com/.

 

-ENDS-

 

For more information, interviews, or images please contact [email protected]

 

About Plant Based World Expo Europe

Plant Based World Europe is the only 100% plant based B2B event to attract an audience of buyers and food and beverage professionals from across retail, foodservice, and public sector catering. This unique event will combine a world-class conference with an international exhibition of the biggest and best products in the market, as well as high-level networking and tasting opportunities.

Plant Based World connects and inspires industry pioneers and decision makers to facilitate sustainable transformation within the global food system. The event takes place at ExCeL London on 15-16th November 2023. Online registration is available at: https://plantbasedworldeurope.com/register/

Plant Based World Expo Europe Expands as UK Consumers Demand Plant-Based Options

Plant Based World Expo Europe, the biggest 100% plant-based trade event in Europe, is moving to a new, larger location to cater for the demand – taking place at ExCeL London on 15th and 16th November 2023.

 

Now in its third year, registration for the show is open for brands to connect with a mainstream audience of retailers, foodservice professionals and investors in the UK vegan food market, one of the largest in Europe growing 9.58%[1].

 

This comes as 40% of British consumers now demand plant-based options, meat consumption is steadily declining[2] and a study by Oxford University proves plant-based diets lead to 75% less climate-heating emissions, water pollution and land use than meat-rich ones.[3]

 

Across two days at Plant Based World Expo, professionals from the food and beverage industry will hear from industry leaders and pioneers, discover the latest in plant-based innovation, and make vital connections to help their businesses thrive in the world’s leading country for plant-based food.

 

Instantly recognisable names will join start-ups and challenger brands from all categories, including meat alternatives, non-dairy, snacks, desserts and visitors will see the latest lines and innovations from leading plant-based companies including La Vie, Fable Food, Greenvie Foods, OmniFoods, Sheese and Violife.

 

Abigail Stevens, Marketing Director of the show organiser JD Events, comments:

“Plant-Based 2.0 as we are calling it, represents the new frontier for plant-based innovation using technology to mimic proteins closer than ever before, and this will be front and centre at Plant Based World Expo Europe.”

In addition to over 275 companies exhibiting their plant-based products and solutions, the event boasts three content theatres which are open to all attendees.

 

Conference Program – New for 2023: all attendees are invited to join these sessions.

Join industry experts and thought leaders in the Plant Based World Pulse Theatre, as they take to the stage to discuss some of the most important topics in the Global Vegan Food Market, said to have surged by more than 980% over the last decade[4].

 

Sessions are set to include:

  • What’s Next for the Meat-Alternative Market?
  • Barriers to Innovation: The Novel Ingredients Pushing for Recognition in the EU
  • Plant-Forward Businesses Changing the Conversation around Nutrition
  • The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Pledges In Driving Social Change
  • Navigating Foodservice for Long-Term Success

 

Abigail Stevens, comments:

“The plant-based industry is extremely well positioned to help businesses tackle some of the enormous challenges they face. From rising costs, to the environmental harm caused by climate change, a move to more plant-based options on shelves and menus can make a positive impact. We are encouraging everyone to join us in November and be a part of that change.”

 

The Culinary Theatre hosted by food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden

Theatre sessions will be run by a mixture of industry and celebrity chefs to provide a real-time showcase on how plant-based products can create exceptional dishes. New for this year, it will also include sessions going back to the basics, helping chefs reimagine pantry staples to create enticing, low-cost dishes.

 

The Learning Garden Theatre will feature shorter educational sessions and company-led presentations on some of the latest research and new innovations in plant-based.

 

Those responsible for purchasing plant-based product within their business can also take advantage of a Key Buyer Program, and join key companies including Waitrose, Selfridges, Bidfood, Gate Group and more. Buyers on the program benefit from exclusive access to a VIP lounge, Supplier Matchmaking Program and networking events.

 

Abigail Stevens, Marketing Director of the show organiser JD Events, comments:

“It’s more important than ever to bring the entire supply chain into the conversation about where plant-based is going, including the challenges and opportunities it faces. It’s only with this level of collaboration that we can take the industry to the next level.”

For further information and to register, please visit http://www.plantbasedworldeurope.com/.

 

-ENDS-

Accompanying hi-res imagery can be downloaded here.

For more information, comment, or images please contact [email protected]

 

About Plant Based World Expo Europe

Plant Based World Europe is the only 100% plant based B2B event to attract an audience of buyers and food and beverage professionals from across retail, foodservice, and public sector catering. This unique event will combine a world-class conference with an international exhibition of the biggest and best products in the market, as well as high-level networking and tasting opportunities.

Plant Based World connects and inspires industry pioneers and decision makers to facilitate sustainable transformation within the global food system. The event takes place at ExCeL London on 15-16th November 2023. Online registration is available at: https://plantbasedworldeurope.com/register/

 

[1] report by Straits Research

[2] report by Straits Research

[3] research, published in the journal Nature Food July 2023

[4] https://straitsresearch.com/

Plant Based World Expo Learning Garden 2022

Plant Based World Expo Europe Doubles Attendance as Industry Booms

Europe’s only dedicated plant-based trade event, Plant Based World Expo Europe, returned bigger and better last week at London Olympia, demonstrating the huge growth and innovation that has taken place in the plant-based food sector over the last year.

The show welcomed a 94% increase in attendees compared to 2021, with visitors from across the food service, retail, distribution, and investment sectors, including senior decision-makers from the likes of Tesco, M&S, ALDI, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado, Sodexo, ISS, Bidfood, Sysco, Aramark, LEON, Papa Johns Pizza, Burger King, The Restaurant Group and Greggs to name a few.

Future eating habits and new opportunities were at the heart of the show as the industry came together to reflect on the progress of the plant-based sector and explore what the next generation of plant-based eating looks like, with the latest innovations available on the show floor to taste.

Leaders from some of the biggest food brands in the world, including Deliveroo, Wagamama, Sainsbury’s, and Quorn, offered their insight on how plant-based ingredients are transforming consumers’ view of food and presenting significant business growth opportunities during the conference programme.

With a unique take on how businesses can convert the masses, Emily Weston, Head of Brand Development at Wagamama, joined the ‘Persuading consumers to try plant-based’ session: “Launching vegan dishes and menus isn’t just about appeasing vegans. We want more people to try vegan foods and when we introduce new plant-based dishes to our menus we see participation spike.”

The Culinary Theatre was also a hive of activity with live cooking demonstrations using some of the most innovative plant-based products available. Ten sessions took place across two days, including an interactive demonstration from BOSH! which offered visitors an exclusive preview of its new sauces to make an authentic and delicious lasagne. Unfished also took part to demonstrate the progress in the fish-less category by creating tuna rolls, whilst Redefine Meat showcased how plant-based foods can be incorporated in fine dining using its tenderloin and new premium cuts.

Alongside the interactive show content, over 150 exhibitors from around the world showcased the products capturing the attention of a wider pool of consumers to bring plant-based eating into the mainstream. The show floor included a broad range of brands, from household names to innovative new start-ups including Verdino, Moving Mountains, Mock, Meatless Farm, Redefine Meat, Thanks Plants, The Raging Pig Company, unMeat, Wicked Kitchen, Quorn, Tiba Tempeh, MozzaRisella, and Shicken.

To give buyers exclusive access to exhibitors and help participating brands forge new connections with decision makers also hosted a buyers programme. Over 400 meetings took place across two days, helping the industry to form new business relationships and bring more plant-based foods to shelves and menus.

One buyer who enjoyed the show was Heerum Flearly, Procurement Consultant at Tickeat Ltd, who said: “The hosted buyer programme has been really beneficial. The show has been so busy, and I’ve been surprised by the breadth on offer. Plant Based World Expo has created a very strong plant-based community and I definitely want to be part of it next year.”

Having experienced exponential growth in its first two years, Plant Based World Expo Europe has announced that the show will take place at the ExCeL, London’s biggest venue, for 2023. The event began in London’s Business Design Centre in 2021, before moving to London Olympia for this year’s edition.

Jonathan Morley, Managing Director of Plant Based World Expo Europe, concludes: “We are thrilled that support for our show has been so strong this year, so much so that Plant Based World Expo is moving to an even bigger venue in 2023. We are proud to provide the perfect platform to facilitate collaboration across the industry to realise the business opportunities that further integrating plant-based foods into the mainstream represents, all whilst improving both our health and the environment. We can’t wait for next year!”

To be the first to hear about Plant Based World Expo Europe 2023 at ExCeL London, join the mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/jdevents/subscribe-to-plant-based-world

-ENDS-

 

Notes to Editor

About Plant Based World Expo Europe

Plant Based World Expo is the only 100% plant-based event for trade professionals – retailers, foodservice, hospitality, distributors, manufacturers, and investors. This unique show combines a world-class conference with an international exhibition of the most innovative products on the market, as well as high-level networking and product tasting opportunities.

The mission of Plant Based World Expo is simple: connecting and empowering businesses to successfully develop, source and distribute plant-based products.  Plant Based World Expo Europe is arriving at ExCeL London on 15th and 16th November 2023, be the first to hear when registration opens by joining the mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/jdevents/subscribe-to-plant-based-world or visit https://www.plantbasedworldeurope.com/

Plant Based World Expo Conference 2022

Deliveroo, Wagamama, and Sainsbury’s Join High-Profile Speaker Line-Up for Plant Based World Expo Conference

Deliveroo, Sainsbury’s, Wagamama, BOSH!, and Green & Blacks will be amongst the plant-based industry pioneers that take to the stage at Plant Based World Expo Europe’s conference programme when it returns to Olympia London on 31st November – 1st December 2022.

The conference aims to help retailers, food service professionals, and investors better understand the opportunities plant-based food presents and how to capitalise on the growing demand.

Keynote Speakers

The event’s free-to-attend keynote speaker sessions will be open to all visitors and will offer professionals a holistic insight into the progress of the industry so far, and the opportunities ahead.

Day one’s keynote will explore how the industry exploded onto the mainstream and how its beginnings influence the future with a panel consisting of those who championed animal and dairy-free products from the early days; Co-founder of Green & Blacks, Craig Sams, CEO at Quorn Foods, Marco Bertacca, and Founder of Tofurky, Seth Tibbott.

The show’s closing keynote, delivered by the BOSH! duo Ian Theasby and Henry Firth, will provide a window into the future of the fast-moving sector. They will be joined by Director of Product & Innovation at Sainsbury’s, Claire Hughes, and CEO & Founder of Meatless Farm, Morten Toft Bech, as they analyse the 21st century consumer and the opportunities that remain to veganise all dishes, from all cultures.

Learning Garden

Visitors to the show will also have access to seminars hosted in The Learning Garden on the event floor. Here, expert speaks will aim to provide tangible takeaways for visitors to incorporate into their own businesses.

  • Florence Dusseaux, Vegan Expert at Vegg2Food, will provide a full study of the plant-based industry, discussing the rapidly growing European market and the nuances between each country
  • Charlotte Maurer, International Sales and Business Development at V-Label International, will consider the power of the certification amongst consumers and how it can be used to boost sales
  • A panel including experts from ProVeg UK and pioneers Plant Based School Kitchens will consider the growing demand amongst students for more plant-based options, and how school providers can respond

Conference Sessions

Alongside a host of open content, a ticketed conference will also take place at the show, offering curated content for retailers, foodservice professionals, and investors.

  • From Wagamama, Head of Brand Development, Emily Weston, and Executive Chef, Surendra Yejju, will share offer advice on persuading consumers to try plant-based following the brand’s commitment to a 50% plant-based menu
  • With fine dining set to be the next frontier for plant-based foods, a panel including including Owner & Managing Director at Gauthier Soho Restaurant, Alexis Gauthier, will explore the how classic cooking can incorporate plant-based. Alexis will share how he swapped classical French cuisine for championing redefine meat.
  • Head of the Vegan Category at Deliveroo, Elena Davies, will analyse the shopping habits of Gen Z and share how understanding them is key to responding to the next generation’s buying habits
  • Pete Speranza, CEO at Wicked Foods, will assess the business case for investing in plant-based following significant interest in the sector, including by celebrities such as Woody Harrelson and Billie Eilish

Managing Director of Plant Based World Expo Europe, Jonathan Morley, comments: “The youngest generations taking an increasingly keen interest in plant-based foods, This, coupled with increased interest in flexitarianism from all ages, means retailers and food service providers need to act differently to capitalise on the business opportunity these newer audiences represent. This shift also means the plant-based industry represents a new and exciting investment opportunity, something we have seen work to great effect with companies like Wicked Food.

“Plant-based is the future of food, and our conference programme is designed to offer professionals across the entire supply chain advice on how they can truly embrace this and beat competitors in the race to provide the very best plant-based foods for discerning consumers.”

To view the full conference programme, or to register to attend the show, please visit https://www.plantbasedworldexpo.com/

-ENDS-

 

Notes to Editor

About Plant Based World Europe

Plant Based World Expo is the only 100% plant-based event for trade professionals – retailers, foodservice, hospitality, distributors, manufacturers, and investors. This unique show combines a world-class conference with an international exhibition of the most innovative products on the market, as well as high-level networking and product tasting opportunities.

The mission of Plant Based World Europe is simple: connecting and empowering businesses to successfully develop, source and distribute plant-based products.  Plant Based World Europe is arriving at Olympia London on 31st November – 1st December, register online.

Verdino Plant-Based Salmon

Plant Based World Expo to Showcase Cutting-Edge Food Innovations

The plant-based foods changing the face of the industry will join Plant Based World Expo, Europe’s only 100% plant-based event for professionals, when it returns to Olympia London on 31st November – 1st December 2022. Hosting a mix of emerging start-ups and household names, the event will offer, retailers, food service providers, distributors, entrepreneurs, and investors the opportunity to explore and taste the latest products making their mark on the plant-based industry, all under one roof.

Perfect for tapping into an audience of consumers looking to cut down on their reliance on animal products, there will be a range of innovative meat and fish-alternatives on display at the show:

  • No Meat Today will demonstrate its new range of tasty, affordable, and healthy fish alternatives, including calamari and fish fillets
  • Tiba Tempeh will showcase its best-tasting tempeh range, including the UK’s first ever Tempeh burger, with each product containing the bite and flavour to make it the star of any meal
  • The Raging Pig Company will exhibit its pork alternative bacon which not only looks and tastes like pork bacon but involves the same cooking experience and crispiness too
  • Better Nature will present its Tempeh Range which is made from cultured soybeans and water. Its products include Organic Tempeh, Smoky Tempeh Rashers, and BBQ Tempeh strips
  • The Vegetarian Butcher will demonstrate its plant-based protein range which replicates the moreish taste and texture you get from meat using technology which allows machines to perfectly mimic any animal protein
  • Sons of Butchers will showcase its new ready-to-eat chicken alternatives, Trick’n Goujons and Trick’n Trenders, as well as its range of cheese alternatives
  • Plantcraft will present its wide range of plant-based chilled deli meats which are clean-label and free of all top eight allergens.
  • Heura Foods will take advantage of its Mediterranean heritage when it launches its new, gluten free Breaded Chick’n Fillet Burger
  • Revo Foods will showcase its plant-based salmon that is already winning over consumers in over 17 countries, with its high protein and omega-3 fatty acid content
  • Revolugreen will exhibit its variety of precooked dishes, which have beneficial nutrients for health without giving up taste, such as meat balls in sauce and scallops in sauce
  • Onami Foods will showcase its ‘mouth-watering’ algae-based seafood for all engaged gourmets

With a growing number of consumers choosing a dairy-free diet, dairy alternatives will also form a key part of the show:

  • Goe Wellness take a holistic, healthy approach with its nutrition and food, which is reflected in its snacks which contain antioxidants that improve health, reduce stress, and boost immunity. It will also be presenting it plant-based dairy products and supplements
  • Parma Food Lab will present its plant-based cheese made from fermented chickpeas, with its new cheeses Grattosino and Delicate Filarella
  • Willicroft will exhibit its range of plant-based cheese consisting of products such as Willicroft Young Dutch, Willicroft Original Sauce, and Willicroft Original Fondue
  • Glebe Farm Foods will showcase its range of oat drinks, including Pure Oaty Barista, Pure Oaty Almond and Pure Oaty soya. It will also be presenting its range of oat food products, including porridge flakes and oat flour

As the plant-based industry continues to expand to all categories to meet with consumer demand, innovative new snack products are beginning to emerge and will form an exciting part of the show:

  • Stroop Club will present its delicious, organic certified and all plant-based stroopwafels and coffee syrups
  • Yummo’s will showcase its range of cookies and cereal bars as well as introducing its choc caramel and white choc & raspberry protein bars
  • Vecuisine will showcase its mousse range, which is also gluten free, in the flavours of chocolate, passionfruit & mango, and lime & cassis
  • Loniki will exhibit its pastry products in partnership with Beyond Meat, including its new Filosophy Turkish Pizza

As well as showcasing the best-of-the-best in traditional plant-based categories, the event will also host some inspiring new areas of development such as baby food and beverages:

  • Plant Heads will exhibit its versatile liquid egg replacement product – Crackd. The No-Egg Egg, which is low-calorie and vitamin D and B12 enhanced
  • AMC Natural Drinks Group will present its range of high quality, sustainable and healthy beverages including, fruit juices, plant milks and yoghurts, juice shots, and nourishing drinkable snacks
  • Else Nutrition will present its range of baby food which is clean-label certified, whole-plant nutrition, designed to support the growth and development of babies, toddlers, and young children

Managing Director of Plant Based World Expo Europe, Jonathan Morley, comments: “As an increasing number of people look to decrease their meat and dairy intake shown by a third of Brits interested in becoming vegan, according to a survey by Nurishh, the plant-based food industry is growing at an exponential rate. This presents an opportunity to foodservice professionals and retailers, along with distributors, investors, and manufacturers to capitalise on this growth.

“Plant Based World e is an exciting opportunity for professionals to discover the latest developments in the industry from world-leading brands and emerging start-ups to tap into this growing demand.”

To register to attend the show, please visit www.plantbasedworldexpo.com

-ENDS-

 

 

Notes to Editor

About Plant Based World Europe

Plant Based World Expo is the only 100% plant-based event for trade professionals – retailers, foodservice, hospitality, distributors, manufacturers, and investors. This unique show combines a world-class conference with an international exhibition of the most innovative products on the market, as well as high-level networking and product tasting opportunities.

The mission of Plant Based World Europe is simple: connecting and empowering businesses to successfully develop, source and distribute plant-based products.  Plant Based World Europe is arriving at Olympia London on 31st November – 1st December, register online at www.plantbasedworldexpo.com

 

 

Plant Based Taste Awards FoodBev

World Plant-Based Taste Awards Return for 2022

The World Plant-Based Taste Awards, created by FoodBev Media in association with Plant Based World Expo Europe, is returning for a second year to celebrate the delicious, innovative foods that are changing the face of plant-based eating.

The only plant-based awards in the world to focus solely on the taste of a product, there is a broad range of categories, including Best Whole Cut Meat Product, which is new for 2022.

Entries are now open, with the winners set to be announced live on the first day of Plant Based World Expo Europe, which returns to London Olympia on 30th November-1st December. Both established brands and exciting start-ups are encouraged to enter the awards to highlight their latest and best tasting innovations. The deadline for entries is 7th October 2022.

Jonathan Morley, Managing Director at Plant Based World Europe, concludes: “The Plant-Based Taste Awards celebrate the crème de la crème of the plant-based products currently available in the UK and we are delighted to be involved for a second year. The incredible flavours of plant-based foods are so often underestimated, so the awards offer a fantastic opportunity to highlight the range of incredible tasting products on the market. We can’t wait to unveil the winners at the show.”

Full list of categories available for entry:

  • Best plant-based sausage
  • Best plant-based burger
  • Best plant-based chicken product
  • Best plant-based bacon product
  • Best plant-based fish/seafood product
  • Best plant-based cheese
  • Best plant-based whole cut product
  • Best condiment
  • Best egg alternative
  • Best dairy alternative
  • Best convenience/ready meal
  • Best pie/pastry
  • Best savoury snack
  • Best confectionery
  • Best dessert
  • Best plant-based ice cream
  • Best beverage
  • Best chocolate
  • Best fermented/plant protein
  • Best breakfast product
  • Best plant-based yoghurt
  • Best deli product

 

Plant Based World Expo returns to London Olympia 30th November-1st December. For further information and to register, please visit www.plantbasedworldeurope.com or to exhibit, contact the show team on 01306 775 059.

-ENDS-

 

Notes to Editor

About Plant Based World Expo Europe

Plant Based World Expo Europe is the only 100% plant based B2B event to attract an audience of buyers and food and beverage professionals from across retail, foodservice, and public sector catering. This unique event will combine a world-class conference with an international exhibition of the biggest and best products in the market, as well as high-level networking and tasting opportunities.

The mission of Plant Based World Expo is simple: getting the latest plant-based products in front of decision makers, educating them on how these foods will improve the wealth of their business and the health of the people they serve. Plant Based World Expo Europe will take place at London’s Olympia on the 30th November and 1st December 2022. Online registration is now open at www.plantbasedworldeurope.com.

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