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Learning Garden Theater

Exploring the Learning Garden Theater at Plant Based World Expo 2024

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Plant Based World North America.

The Learning Garden Theater at Plant Based World Expo 2024 promises to be a vibrant hub of knowledge and inspiration for attendees. Taking place on September 11-12 at the Javits Center in New York City and open to all expo attendees, this stage will feature a diverse lineup of sessions designed to educate and inspire both retail and foodservice professionals. From practical demonstrations to deep dives into market trends, the Learning Garden Theater will provide valuable insights into the rapidly evolving plant-based industry. Here’s a preview of what’s in store:

September 11

Textural Challenges in Plant-Based Foods: Find the Answers Inside
11:15am – 11:45am

Explore the intricate world of plant-based food textures with Indumathi KP and Ida Carlsen Virklund from Novonesis. This session will address the critical challenges of taste and texture, helping attendees understand how to meet consumer expectations in plant-based products.

A Journey into B-Corp & Creating Plant-Based Positive Impact
12:00pm – 12:30pm

Joe Steckel of Meelunie America, Inc. will lead this session, focusing on the importance of supplier support and sustainable practices in creating a positive impact within the plant-based industry. Learn how B-Corp certification can drive authenticity and success.

Unleashing the Power of Plant-Based & Clean Label Innovation
12:45pm – 1:15pm

Divek Nair and Kristin Soave from Kalsec, Inc. will explore the latest consumer trends and practical solutions for accelerating innovation in the plant-based sector. This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead in the clean label movement.

Sustainable Amazonian Proteins and Fibers
1:30pm – 2:00pm

Marina Reis of Concepta Ingredients will present exciting new protein launches and the Bio Abundance Program, highlighting the socio-environmental impact of sustainable ingredients from the Amazon.

Build Your Export Sales with USDA Funding
2:15pm – 2:45pm

Learn how to expand your plant-based business internationally with insights from Benjamin Cortese and Ron Tanner, who will share strategies for building export sales with USDA support.

Building Economic Success Through Honoring Food Culture
3:00pm – 3:30pm

This panel discussion, featuring experts from PBFA, Hodo, Inc., and KeHe Distributors, LLC, will explore the critical role of global cuisines in driving growth in the plant-based industry.

Improvement of Physical Properties in High Protein Plant-Based Cheese
4:00pm – 4:45pm

Monica Henry from Amano Enzyme USA will discuss innovative enzyme solutions to enhance the taste, texture, and nutritional content of plant-based cheeses.

VEGPRENEUR Awards Ceremony
5:00pm – 5:30pm

Celebrate innovation in the plant-based community with the unveiling of the VEGPRENEUR Awards winners. This ceremony will showcase the most game-changing products across multiple categories.

September 12

UK’s Approach to Unlocking Growth in the Plant-Based Category
11:30am – 12:30pm

Indy Kaur of Plant Futures will present new insights into consumer barriers in the UK and discuss strategies for unlocking growth in the plant-based sector.

Overcoming Challenges in Plant-Based Meat Marketing
12:45pm – 1:15pm

This session will cut through the noise surrounding plant-based meats and offer strategies for effectively marketing these products to regain market share.

State of the Plant-Based Protein Market
1:30pm – 2:00pm

Andraia Torsiello from Expana will provide a comprehensive update on the plant-based protein market, including supply and demand dynamics and the latest price movements.

Elevating Taste and Nutrition: Enzymatic Solutions for Plant-Based Success
2:15pm – 2:45pm

Nick Broches from Amano Enzyme USA will explore how enzymes can revolutionize plant-based dairy alternatives, improving both flavor and nutrition.

How to Make Sensory-Informed Purchasing Decisions for Plant-Based Meat
3:00pm – 3:30pm

Jenn DiFrancesco and Caroline Cotto from Sodexo Campus and Food System Innovations will share tools and techniques for making informed decisions when purchasing plant-based meat products.

The Learning Garden Theater offers a unique opportunity for attendees to gain valuable insights into the plant-based industry from leading experts and innovators across a diverse range of topics. Whether you’re a retailer, foodservice professional, or stakeholder in the plant-based food marketplace, these sessions are designed to provide the knowledge and inspiration you need to succeed in this rapidly growing space. Don’t miss your chance to learn from the best—register now for Plant Based World Expo 2024!

Before the Butcher

Exhibitor Spotlight: Before The Butcher to Unveil VegBurg and BUTCHER STICK at Plant Based World Expo

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Plant Based World North America.

As a pioneer in the plant-based food industry, Before The Butcher continues to push the boundaries of meat alternatives. Founded by Danny O’Malley, a prominent figure in the plant-based community and a member of the Plant Based World Expo advisory council, the company is set to make a significant impact at this year’s Expo. O’Malley, who also serves on the board of the Plant Based Foods Association, has been instrumental in advancing the industry and supporting the broader mission of bringing plant-based options to the mainstream.

Before The Butcher first made waves at the inaugural Plant Based World Expo in 2019 as one of the original sponsors and exhibitors, showcasing a variety of patty-style plant-based meats, including chicken burgers and breakfast sausages. Since then, the company has continued to innovate, and this year, they have something entirely new to share with attendees.

When asked about what products they are most excited to showcase at the Expo, O’Malley shared, “We will be launching our new VegBurg Patty, an old-school ‘Vegan’ veggie patty that is all plant-forward with fresh veggies, plant-based egg, and cheese. You can see and taste the carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions. It’s made with red lentils and quinoa, offering a wholesome and flavorful option that appeals to both vegans and flexitarians.”

Before The Butcher will also be giving attendees a sneak peek at their latest innovation—the Before the BUTCHER STICK. O’Malley described it as, “A unique meat-alt product with two flavors: Original Smokey and Spicy Pepperoni. What makes this product so special is the protein source. It’s made with a proprietary blend of all-natural plant-based flavors and spices along with sunflower protein.”

With these new products, Before The Butcher aims to connect with a diverse range of buyers at the Expo. “We are hoping to connect with a mix of retail, foodservice, and convenience store buyers to showcase our latest products for both foodservice and retail/convenience operators,” said O’Malley. The versatility of their offerings make them a perfect fit for a variety of markets.

The new veggie-forward patty and snack-style meat stick strike a chord with multiple current industry trends for more whole-food veggie products and convenient, nourishing snacks. The expo will be an ideal environment to gauge the response to these new offerings and introduce them to new customers. 

Before The Butcher’s presence at Plant Based World Expo 2024 is sure to be a highlight for attendees of all types looking to explore the latest in plant-based foods. For buyer looking to connect with Before The Butcher ahead of the show, contact CEO Danny O’Malley at [email protected].

Discover Culinary Inspiration at Plant Based World Expo 2024

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Plant Based World North America.

The Culinary Theater at Plant Based World Expo North America 2024 promises to be a must-visit feature of the show, offering a series of live cooking demonstrations that will inspire and educate foodservice and retail buyers alike. Held on September 11-12 at the Javits Center in New York City, the Culinary Theater will showcase how plant-based ingredients can be transformed into mouth-watering dishes that appeal to both plant-based and flexitarian consumers.

Day 1: September 11

The Culinary Theater kicks off on September 11 with an exciting demo by Vegan Chef Michelle Carolla, who will showcase an innovative kitchen tool designed to create healthy homemade plant-based milks in just minutes. This session is perfect for buyers looking to add new, health-focused products to their offerings.

Following this, Jeff Strah, VP of Sales & Marketing at Plant Ahead, will demonstrate how classic salads can be reinvented using plant-based alternatives like mozzarella and feta, offering a fresh take on traditional favorites that are sure to appeal to health-conscious customers.

Later in the day, Chef Charlise Rookwood of The Black Vegan Cooking Show will bring bold flavors to the stage with her Jerk Gyro, a dish that combines Caribbean and Mediterranean influences to create a unique plant-based experience.

For those looking to explore authentic Italian cuisine, Chef Fabrizio Facchini will guide attendees through crafting plant-based versions of Italian delights from Tuscany to Sicily, showcasing the versatility of plant-based ingredients in traditional dishes.

The day wraps up with Chef Nupur Arora, who will delve into the art of using aromatics in plant-based cooking. Her session will focus on how to elevate simple starches like rice and potatoes into flavorful masterpieces, drawing on the rich culinary traditions of Indian cuisine.

Day 2: September 12

The excitement continues on September 12, starting with a demonstration from PAOW! that will highlight the flavors and versatility of their plant-based offerings. This session is a must for buyers interested in adding clean label plant-based protein options to their menus.

Chef Nina Curtis will follow with a session on creating quick and easy plant-based dishes, such as her Plant-Based Chicken Kimchi Fried Rice, perfect for impressing family, friends, or customers with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.

For dessert lovers, Chef Marci Sorce of Soulfully Vegan NJ will demonstrate how to transform classic desserts into vegan treats. Her session will include making New York Style Crumb Cake and more, offering a sweet conclusion to any meal.

Chef Tracy Burgio from the Humane Society of the United States will showcase the versatility of tempeh in Thai-inspired dishes. This session will provide valuable insights into the health benefits of tempeh and how to incorporate it into delicious, globally-inspired recipes.

The Culinary Theater will close with Chef Luke Esbenson from Green Chef, who will explore the connection between whole foods and whole-body health. His demonstration will focus on how plant-based meals can be both nutritious and satisfying, providing attendees with ideas to enhance their own offerings.

Join Us for a Culinary Journey

The Culinary Theater at Plant Based World Expo North America 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity to see plant-based innovation in action. Whether you’re a retail buyer looking to stock your shelves with the latest plant-based products or a foodservice professional eager to delight your customers with new menu items, these sessions will provide the inspiration and knowledge you need to succeed. Register now to attend and take your plant-based offerings to the next level!

Swish Cocktails

Exhibitor Spotlight: Swish Cocktails – Elevating the Ready-to-Drink Experience

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Exhibitor Spotlight, Plant Based World North America.

Swish Cocktails is poised to make a splash at the upcoming Plant Based World Expo North America 2024 with their innovative line of premium ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and mocktails. Swish Cocktails offers a range of expertly crafted beverages that promise to deliver bar-quality experiences with convenience, all while being 100% plant-based, vegan-friendly, and free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

A Taste of Innovation

Elena Breeze, Founder & CEO of Swish Cocktails, shares her enthusiasm for the products that Swish is bringing to the expo: “The product innovation I’m most proud of so far is our premium RTD cocktails and mocktails. Mixed from the finest ingredients, Swish offers exquisite, expertly crafted bar-quality low- (5% ABV) and no- (0% ABV) alcoholic sparkling cocktails, in a host of unique, innovative flavors – Classics with a Twist.”

Swish Cocktails was born out of Breeze’s desire to solve three common problems she encountered when hiring mixologists for parties: inconsistent taste, lengthy preparation times, and high costs. “Swish solves all three of those problems. Consistent taste, ready to go, and far less expensive than hiring a mixologist,” she explains. Developed in collaboration with top UK mixologist Rich Woods, Swish’s collection ensures a consistent and premium cocktail experience every time.

The product that Breeze is most excited to showcase is the premium GOLD range, which she describes as the equivalent of champagne strength with 12% ABV. “Using premium aged spirits, clarified juices, food and botanical distillates, we developed an exceptionally refined and balanced collection of inimitable cocktails with clean label credentials,” says Breeze. The GOLD range is not just about strength, but also about delivering a sophisticated twist on classic cocktails, such as their sparkling, well-balanced version of a Pina Colada.

Looking for Premium Partnerships

As Swish continues to grow, Breeze is focused on finding the right partners who share her commitment to quality and innovation. “I’m looking for long-term partners willing to capitalize on a fast-growing market with a premium brand,” she says. Breeze is clear about the kind of buyers she wants to connect with: “If you understand the power of a brand and you embrace innovation, we’re ready to talk.”

Swish Cocktails is not just about creating delicious beverages; it’s about building an ethical brand that puts people and the planet before profit. With their sights set on B Corp certification, Swish is a company dedicated to sustainability as much as they are to taste.

For buyers and distributors looking to add a touch of luxury and innovation to their offerings, Swish Cocktails is a brand that promises to deliver in a trending product category. Visit Swish at Plant Based World Expo North America 2024 to discover how their premium RTD cocktails and mocktails can elevate your beverage portfolio.

If you are interested in contacting Swish in advance of the show, contact Elena Breeze at [email protected].

SHICKEN

SHICKEN Showcases Costco US Launch and First-to-Market ‘Whole Muscle’ Meatless Chicken at Plant Based World Expo North America

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Exhibitor Spotlight, Plant Based World North America, Products.

AUTHENTIC ASIAN plant-based challenger brand, SHICKEN is proud to present its award-winning products and latest innovation at the Plant-Based World Expo North America this September.

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

SHICKEN will be the only UK plant-based brand in Costco US stores, following the huge success in Costco UK over the past two years and roll-out to Costco Iceland, Sweden and France earlier this year. The SHICKEN Tikka Kebab has since become a Costco destination shop for customers, with sales of this line alone increasing by 15% across all stores in the UK and Europe over the last year. 

Founded by husband-and-wife duo, Parm and Satvinder Bains, SHICKEN brand is one of the few UK plant-based offers to crack the US market, after making its debut in Sprouts Farmers Market Stores in January this year.  The premium retailer now lists SHICKEN’s best-selling Tikka Masala, Jalfrezi, and Butter Curries, plus its Tikka Kebab Skewers, across 380 stores, spanning 23 states. 

The SHICKEN launch in Costco US will initially cover stores in the north-west, with potential to expand to further regions, taking the potential opportunity across the entire Costco estate to over $40 Million in sales revenue. 

NEW SHICKEN Breast is a market-first ‘whole muscle’ plant-based product chicken alternative. This unique pea-protein-based ‘muscle tissue fibre’ replicates the taste, texture and flavour of meat, pre-coated in a variety of traditional sauce marinades, infused with authentic Asian and European flavours. 

Packing in 22g of protein per 100g serving, SHICKEN Breast is also high in fibre and free-from all 14 food allergens.  

Co-Founder and chef, Satvinder and the SHICKEN culinary team will also be giving a live cooking demo of the SHICKEN range at the event and the team welcomes visitors to pop over for a chat and check out the range at Stand 227. 

SHICKEN Co-Founder, Parm Bains, said: “We are delighted to feature our range at Plant-Based World Expo, off the back of our exciting business in Costco US and our latest SHICKEN Breast innovation.  

“Expanding into Costco’s domestic market is a game-changer, not just for coverage across the US, but further global markets, including Costco Canada, Mexico, Australia, Japan and Korea.   

“The last year has really shaped the business, as we continue to secure more shelf space across our global markets with game-changing NPD – including our recent move to top 14-allergen free pea protein in all our recipes, which will soon be available across our US range. 

“SHICKEN exists to bring the nation’s favourite world food cuisines into an inclusive, convenient, sustainable plant-based offer, without compromising on restaurant quality authentic taste and we can’t wait to showcase our offer at this fantastic event.”

plant based options

Keynote Session Spotlight: Embracing the Plant-Based Plate

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Plant Based World North America.

Title: Embracing the Plant-Based Plate – Integrating Plant-Based Products into Everyday Meals
Date: Wednesday, September 11 at Plant Based World Expo North America
Time: 11:45am -1 2:45 pm
Location: PBW Pulse Theater, Javits Center NYC

Join us for an enlightening keynote session titled “Embracing the Plant-Based Plate: Integrating Plant-Based Products into Everyday Meals.“ As the global shift towards plant-based eating accelerates, even consumers who haven’t fully embraced a plant-based lifestyle are increasingly incorporating plant-powered options into their diets.

Led by Jay Margolis, CEO of SPINS, this session will explore the significant progress of plant-based products in mainstream markets, offering valuable insights for buyers and brands. With over 25 years of experience in the information and data analytics industry, Margolis brings a wealth of knowledge, particularly in scaling complex business models and accelerating growth within the natural products industry.

This session is designed to educate retailers and foodservice buyers and operators, along with all stakeholders in the plant-based food space seeking to understand consumer trends and advance their business. 

Featured Speakers:

  • Jay Margolis, CEO at SPINS, has been a personal advocate of a plant-based diet and lifestyle for decades. As CEO of SPINS, Jay combines his passion for healthy living with his experience in data and analytics to advance the marketplace for plant-based products.
  • Joseph Saine, Category Manager at Impossible Foods, plays a pivotal role in guiding the company’s product offerings in the evolving marketplace.
  • Jonathan Lawrence, Vice President of Merchandising at Fresh Thyme Market, has over 25 years of experience in the natural foods industry. Lawrence has been instrumental in developing and promoting plant-based products, including his work with the PlantFusion brand and his current role overseeing multiple categories at Fresh Thyme.

This session will provide actionable strategies for integrating plant-based products into everyday meals, backed by SPINS data. Attendees will learn how to appeal to consumers’ evolving tastes and broaden their culinary experiences with diverse plant-based options.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the future of food and gain practical strategies for succeeding in the evolving landscape of plant-based consumption. This keynote promises to be a highlight of the conference, offering deep insights into the trends shaping the industry.

For more information and to register, visit Plant Based World Expo.

Kültee

Exhibitor Spotlight: Kültee by Zentis – The New Plant-Based Dessert Experience for Foodservice

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Exhibitor Spotlight, Plant Based World North America, Products.

At Plant Based World Expo North America 2024, Zentis, a global leader in processing and refining raw materials, is set to showcase some of their most exciting and innovative products that are sure to delight foodservice buyers and distributors. With a rich heritage known across Europe for their famous spreads, jams, and confectionery products, Zentis is now bringing its expertise to the plant-based market with groundbreaking offerings under the brand name: Kültee.

Samantha Harwood, Marketing Specialist for Zentis, shares her enthusiasm for the products they will be featuring at the expo: “Kültee’s flagship product is an incredibly creamy, oat-based vegan soft serve. We pair it with our Kültee Kaviar – juicy, popping boba balls. The Kaviar pearls are smaller than most popping boba, and are all-natural with a fruit juice concentrate in a seaweed-extracted exterior.”

These innovations are a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of Zentis’ Research & Development team. The company first unveiled its Kültee plant-based innovations at Natural Products Expo West this past March in Anaheim, CA, where they received “much praise and intrigue”. Since then, Zentis has taken the product on the road with a food truck in the greater Los Angeles area, gathering tremendous consumer feedback. Their efforts culminated in a significant accolade this past April when they were awarded one of Food and Beverage Magazine’s Editor’s Top Pick Trending in Plant-Based for 2024.

Zentis is particularly focused on connecting with key players in the foodservice industry at the expo. “We are looking for distributors and restaurant industry buyers that are excited to include a premium, shelf stable and ready-to-use dairy-free soft serve product for foodservice in their portfolio,” Harwood explains. Additionally, Zentis encourages attendees to explore the potential of their US-made popping boba in various desserts, beverages, and even cocktails. “We’re excited to connect with you and discuss how these innovations can elevate your offerings,” says Harwood.

For foodservice professionals seeking to add a unique, high-quality, and versatile plant-based dessert option to their menu, Zentis’ Kültee soft serve and Kültee Kaviar are products not to be missed. Visit Zentis at Plant Based World Expo North America 2024 to discover how these exciting innovations can fit into your business and delight your customers. 

Are you interested in connecting with Zentis to add Kültee products to your menu or catalogue? Contact Samantha Harwood at [email protected].

Plant Based World Expo

Industry Beat: Celebrating 5 Editions of Plant Based World Expo North America

Written by Ben Davis on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Plant Based World North America, The Industry Beat.

As Content Chair of Plant Based World Expo since its inception, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of both the trade show and the industry/community we serve. 

Over the years, I’ve built connections with an array of industry players, from passionate vegan activists to corporate investors, buyers, chefs and more all united by a common goal: transforming the food system. The journey from our startup event to an annual industry staple on two continents has been the adventure of a lifetime. As we prepare for our 5th annual trade show in New York City, we believe the best is yet to come!

Plant Based World Expo 20192019: What a special year! The launch of Plant Based World Expo was for everyone. We offered 3 types of passes for business, healthcare and consumers. The conference program featured speakers from every corner of the plant-based movement. In May of 2019, just weeks before the show opened its doors, we witnessed the launch of the Impossible Whopper at Burger King and the success of the Beyond Meat IPO on Wall Street. 

These events only added fuel to the momentum of the industry and made for a boisterous gathering. I remember watching attendees jaw dropped as they saw Dr. T. Colin Campbell (author of “The China Study”) prepare to take the stage and speak. The 2019 event played a major role in bringing the concept of plant-based eating and living to a mainstream audience. 

Plant Based World Expo 20212021: 2021 was the comeback year from a long and unwelcome break from public gatherings. We made the shift to a fully B2B event, focusing all our programming on serving the audience of retail and foodservice buyers seeking to tap into the innovation in the marketplace. Plant-based burgers and nuggets were the center of attention this year, as the meat-alternative space was ripe with investment and product development.

2021 was special because despite much of the public still avoiding gatherings, we nearly had to be shut down by the fire marshal due to extreme density in the aisles! What a testament that was to the enthusiasm of the plant-based marketplace and its stakeholders. There was nothing that could stop our momentum! 

In 2021 we also added Plant Based World Expo Europe to the lineup, which launched successfully in London just months before our return to New York City for the U.S. show (now dubbed Plant Based World Expo North America). 

Plant Based World Expo 20222022: 2022, our 3rd event in New York, showcased continued growth in the marketplace. New products were entering the market from all angles. My highlight from 2022 was the focus on diversity.

I will never forget the tremendous cheers that echoed from the conference room where we hosted a panel celebrating the diverse voices of the plant-based movement. It was an amplification of what makes this business special, honoring the humans and stories that bring the industry to life. 

Plant Based World Expo 20232023: 2023 brought a continuation of innovation along with our first signs of financial headwinds as an industry. Slowing investment capital and consolidation of products brought with it new challenges to be discussed and addressed in keynotes and conference sessions. 

I was moved by the candor of our speakers, particularly Mihn Tsai, Founder and CEO of Hodo Foods, who expressed his gratitude on the keynote stage for the opportunity to speak openly about both the opportunities and the challenges his company was facing. Authenticity has always been one of the exceptional factors of the humans that make up the plant-based movement, and this was a shining example. 

The standout feature of the show was the “Hosted Buyer” area, where exhibiting companies had the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with key buyers in retail, foodservice and distribution to share their product lines and advance business.

2023 was the year the industry seemed to reach its maturity as “plant-based” had become a household name for buyers and consumers alike. We also added Plant Based World Pulse to the portfolio, offering industry news and insights online, 365 days a year!

2024: What will be the highlights of our 5th annual show in 2024? You will have to attend to find out! 5 shows later we have made a full transition to a 100% business to business event, focused entirely on serving the buyers of plant-based products in retail and foodservice with the best one-stop-shop to taste and connect with the true, leading innovators of the market. 

Our new partnership with leading data provider, SPINS, has expanded our Hosted Buyer program, bringing in top tier buyers across a variety of channels in retail, foodservice in distribution. Bellwether exhibitor presence from the likes of Impossible Foods, Before the Butcher, Gardein, Oatly, and many more will stand out as show features, along with the keynotes and educational sessions bringing together a lineup of experts to address key trends and strategies for success.

Have you registered for the 2024 show yet?
We will see you in New York City for the 5th annual Plant Based World Expo North America!

Plant-Based Foods

Session Spotlight: Optimizing Retail Performance in Plant-Based Foods: Effective Merchandising Strategies

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Plant Based World North America.

Title: Optimizing Retail Performance in Plant-Based Foods: Effective Merchandising Strategies
Date: Wednesday, September 11 at Plant Based World Expo North America
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Location: PBW Pulse Theater, Javits Center NYC

Brought to you by SPINS, the leading data provider for the natural and plant-based food industry, this fire-side chat style discussion with Fresh Thyme Market will provide actionable insights for better merchandising plant-based products and increasing store revenue.

SPINS utilizes their proprietary “Retailer Scorecard” technology system to take a granule look at opportunity gaps for retailers seeking to improve performance in specific product categories. This session will take a practical look at the successes and growth areas in Fresh Thyme’s portfolio and offer suggestions for retailers to tap more deeply into the growing plant-based marketplace.

Session Description:

Join Jonathan Lawrence – VP of Center Store at Fresh Thyme Markets and Simon Cutts – Sr. Director of Retail Partnerships from SPINS, in a fireside chat concerning best practices in driving sales within plant-based categories. Fresh Thyme and SPINS have partnered together to optimize performance within plant-based foods and close the gap on revenue opportunities.

Speakers:

  • Jonathan Lawrence: With over 25 years in the natural foods industry and a founding member of Fresh Thyme Market, Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge in merchandising and retail strategies. His extensive experience spans across various roles, including developing the PlantFusion brand and aligning retail strategies at Sprouts. In his role, Jonathan oversees all elements of merchandising for Grocery, Dairy, Frozen, Bulk, Alcohol, Vitamins, Body Care and General Merchandise.
  • Simon Cutts: Simon has over 30 years of experience in the grocery industry, holding leadership roles at Wild Oats, Foodland Supermarkets, and Fresh Thyme Markets. As Senior Director of Retail Partnerships at SPINS, Simon focuses on leveraging retail analytics to drive growth and efficiency in the plant-based sector.

What to Expect

Attendees will gain valuable insights into:

  • Effective merchandising strategies for plant-based products.
  • Leveraging data and analytics to identify growth opportunities.
  • Collaborative approaches to optimize retail performance.

This session is a must-attend for retailer buyers looking to stay ahead of global dietary trends and maximize their plant-based offerings.

For more information and to register, visit Plant Based World Expo.

plant-based products

New Plant Based World Expo Exhibitors Include Vegan Sushi, Desserts, Corndogs, and Dips

Written by PBWPulse on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Plant Based World North America, Products.

Plant Based World Expo North America, scheduled for September 11-12, 2024, at the Javits Center in New York City, is excited to announce new additions to its exhibitor lineup. These innovative companies are set to enhance an already diverse showcase of plant-based products. 

Already exhibiting at the expo are industry giants including Impossible Foods, Gardein by Conagra, Oatly, Before the Butcher, Nature’s Fynd, Harmless Harvest and many more game-changing companies. Browse the growing exhibitor list here.

Konscious Foods

Konscious Foods is taking over the frozen aisle with a robust line of plant-based meals ranging from sushi rolls to onigiri and “tuna” and “salmon” poke bowls. Their mission is to “WOW” expo attendees and consumers alike to inspire healthier living through conscious eating. Their ready-to-eat meals are both sustainable and flavorful, featuring novel recipes and ingredients not yet scene in the marketplace.

Segev Foods International

Segev Foods International focuses on creating high-quality, plant-based food products with a focus on Mediterranean dips and spices. Their mission is to promote healthy eating habits and sustainability, offering products ranging from tahini to falafel and Israeli couscous. Their presence on the show floor is set to showcase the global flavors and diversity of products in the plant-based marketplace. 

Bunnie Cakes

With the slogan “It’s sweet to be Vegan!”, Bunnie Cakes is a bakery specializing in vegan and gluten-free desserts. Their mission is to make delicious and wholesome baked goods accessible to everyone, offering a wide range of cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. Buyers in retail and foodservice will not want to miss the decadent desserts sampled at Bunnie Cakes’ booth, showing how delicious these products can be without animal ingredients traditionally used in baked goods. 

Kültee

The indulgence does not end at baked goods! Kültee is the premium treat brand bringing the best dairy-free soft serve, popping boba balls and more to your next dessert experience. Another company taking plant-based dessert to the next level, Kültee describes their products as “obsession worthy”, adding another sweet twist to the expo experience for buyers to sample.

Earth Life Foods

Earth Life Foods makes vegan corndogs… need we say more? America’s favorite snack-on-a-stick makes its return without the beef. With over 50 years of combined experience in producing quality foods for American families, Earth Life considers food safety and customer care their main priority.

These additions to the Plant Based World Expo North America promise to bring exciting new innovations to an already highly anticipated event. 

Are you a buyer interested in tasting these products for yourself? Register Now!

Are you a product or brand seeking to get in front of an audience of high-level retail and foodservice buyers? Exhibit space is still available for the 2024 show. Reach out to James Cowell-Crook now at [email protected]