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Introducing the NECTAR Tasty Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Plant-Based Innovation 

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Mark your calendars: March 12, 2025, marks a milestone in the plant-based food movement with the inaugural NECTAR Tasty Awards, taking place in San Francisco at the historic venue, The Melody. This event, spearheaded by Food Systems Innovations, promises to redefine the way we recognize and reward excellence in alternative proteins. 

In a world where plant-based products are at the forefront of food innovation, the Tasty Awards aim to address a critical challenge highlighted in a recent New York Times article: the need for plant-based meats to win over traditional meat eaters by delivering superior taste and a truly meat-like experience. 

A New Standard for Plant-Based Excellence 

The NECTAR Tasty Awards are unlike any other accolades in the industry. Instead of merely rewarding participation or innovation, this event sets a high bar: products must impress meat eaters to earn recognition. As David Meyer, founder of Food Systems Innovations, puts it: 

“This is not an event where we are simply awarding the best product. If no products impress meat eaters, none will get awarded. But if multiple do, they will all be recognized.” 

This approach underscores the event’s mission to not just celebrate innovation but to push the industry toward creating products that can genuinely compete with animal-based proteins on taste and texture. 

Why the Tasty Awards Matter 

Buyers have been faced with a plethora of meat alternatives to stock on shelves and menus, particularly over the past 5 years as the plant-based meat industry has taken off. However, many of these products have not survived the shifting market, failing to produce repeat customers. This is why taste is so important. Many grocery shoppers or restaurant customers will try something once, but only the tastiest products will win continued purchases. 

This awards ceremony is designed to bridge that gap by spotlighting the products that succeed in overcoming these hurdles. For buyers in retail and foodservice, the Tasty Awards offer a chance to identify the products that resonate most with mainstream consumers. Being among the first to stock or serve these award-winning products will provide a competitive edge in a growing market. 

 

An Evening of Culinary Innovation 

The NECTAR Tasty Awards will be an immersive experience, blending the celebration of taste with a showcase of cutting-edge food technology. Highlights include: 

  • Award Ceremony: Be part of the dramatic unveiling of the first-ever consumer-chosen alternative protein awards. 
  • Exclusive Tastings: Sample culinary creations featuring award-winning plant-based products. 
  • Craft Mocktails: Sip on innovative non-alcoholic beverages that push the boundaries of flavor. 
  • Networking and Inspiration: Connect with a curated audience of 150 visionaries, including chefs, food tech leaders, and industry enthusiasts. 

 

A Must-Attend Event for Food Innovators 

The NECTAR Tasty Awards are more than just an awards show—they’re a movement to reshape the future of food. With limited capacity and an emphasis on exclusivity, the event is poised to become a marquee moment in plant-based history. 

For retailers and foodservice professionals, this is an opportunity to gain early insights into the products poised to lead the market in 2025 and beyond.  

🎟️ Tickets are limitedsecure your spot now to ensure you don’t miss this groundbreaking event. 

 


Benjamin Davis