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Entries Open: The 2025 Plant-Based Excellence Awards Return to Plant Based World Expo Europe

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Plant Based World Europe.

The Plant-Based Excellence Awards, taking place during Plant Based World Expo Europe 2025 at ExCeL London on 26th November, are designed to spotlight the best of what the industry has to offer. With a sharpened focus on products that not only taste great but also perform for business, these awards have become a premier benchmark of quality and innovation across the plant-based food sector.

This year’s awards, sponsored by Diverse Fine Food, have expanded in scope and clarity with updated categories, refined judging criteria, and multiple recognition tiers—ensuring every entry has the chance to shine.

What’s New for 2025

Updated Categories

The 2025 awards now span 15 dynamic categories, covering everything from meat alternatives and ready meals to bakery, condiments, snacks, and more. This comprehensive approach allows for a wide range of plant-based innovation to be recognised—from everyday staples to trend-setting newcomers. Last years winners include Let it V Foods: Veikon Bacon, Jay and Joy: Jeanne Alternative to Blue Cheese and MYOM: Original Oat, demonstrating that even the most challenging to replicate animal products are being met with high quality plant-based innovations.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated by panels of expert buyers and industry professionals across five critical areas:

  • Taste & Texture

  • Appearance & Branding

  • Sustainability

  • Business Value & Supply Chain Viability

  • Commercial Potential (including margins)

This approach ensures that award-winning products don’t just impress on the plate—but perform on the shelf and on the balance sheet.

Multiple Ways to Win

Each product entered will have three chances for recognition:

  • Gold, Silver or Bronze Rating – Based on total score across judging criteria.

  • Category Winner – Awarded to the top-scoring product in each of the 15 categories.

  • Best of 2025 – The single highest-scoring product across all entries will be crowned the best overall and awarded the prestigious Best of 2025 trophy.

Winners of each category will be honored live at the Plant-Based Excellence Awards Ceremony on 26th November 2025—a moment that brings together leading brands, emerging innovators, and the entire plant-based ecosystem to celebrate the future of food.

Entry Details & Key Dates

Whether you’re a legacy brand or a rising startup, submitting your product puts it in front of the most influential buyers in the industry. Here’s how to get involved:

Entry Rates:

  • Exhibitors: 1 free entry + £100+VAT per additional product per category

  • Non-Exhibitors: £150 per product per category

Deadlines:

  • 15 May – Entries Open Apply Now

  • 1 August – Entry Deadline

  • 15 August – Final Day for Sample Shipping

  • Early October – Bronze, Silver, and Gold awardees announced

  • 26 November – Trophy Ceremony at Plant Based World Expo Europe

Why These Awards Matter

As plant-based products become increasingly integrated into mainstream retail and foodservice offerings, decision makers are hungry for cues on which innovations to trust. These awards serve not only to celebrate excellence—but to guide buyers toward the next best-sellers that meet their needs in taste, performance, and values.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s celebration of the best of plant-based. Submit your entries and let your innovation speak for itself.

➡️ Enter the 2025 Plant-Based Excellence Awards

Plant Based World Expo Europe Announces New Dates and Venue for 2025 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Plant Based World Europe, Uncategorized.

Plant Based World Expo Europe, the continent’s only 100% plant-based trade show, has announced new dates for its 2025 edition, which will take place 26–27 November at ExCeL London. The move marks an exciting new chapter for the show, introducing expanded opportunities for industry growth, new partnerships, and increased buyer attendance.

 

A Strategic Co-Location with the European Pizza Show 

In a bold step to bring the plant-based movement deeper into high-volume food sectors, Plant Based World Expo Europe 2025 will be co-located with the European Pizza Show. This strategic alignment reflects the growing demand among pizza chains, foodservice providers, and quick-service restaurants for plant-based meats, cheeses, sauces, and toppings that cater to shifting consumer preferences.

With pizza operators increasingly looking to diversify menus with dairy-free mozzarella, plant-based pepperoni, and other vegan-friendly offerings, the co-located event will create a powerful one-stop-shop for discovering both mainstream and emerging innovations in the plant-based space.

The combined event is expected to attract a combined audience of 14,000+ attendees, featuring a more diverse group of food buyers than in previous iterations. This combination will offer plant-based brands unprecedented access to new business opportunities across Europe’s foodservice and retail industries.

 

A New Era Under Emerald Expositions 

The 2025 edition will also be the first under the new ownership of Emerald Expositions, one of the largest producers of B2B trade shows and conferences in the world. With this transition comes an expanded global footprint, new investments in marketing and infrastructure, and a dedicated commitment to scaling the plant-based industry for the long term.

Backed by Emerald’s extensive portfolio, Plant Based World Expo Europe is now uniquely positioned to connect brands with a broader network of qualified buyers, distributors, and decision-makers from across the continent and beyond.

 

An Unmissable Event for Retail and Foodservice Buyers 

From innovative alt meats and dairy-free cheeses to clean-label condiments and globally inspired meals, Plant Based World Expo Europe 2025 promises to be the most impactful edition yet. The new November timing and upgraded venue at ExCeL London will provide an ideal platform for launching new products ahead of the new year and finalizing Q1 purchasing decisions.

Retail and foodservice buyers can expect:

  • A dynamic exhibition floor featuring leading and emerging plant-based brands
  • Live cooking demos, buyer lounges, and curated meetings
  • World-class educational programming with industry thought leaders
  • Unparalleled networking across the global plant-based ecosystem

 

Mark Your Calendars 

Plant Based World Expo Europe 2025 takes place 26–27 November at ExCeL London. Whether you’re sourcing products, launching innovations, or looking to stay ahead of food trends, this is the premier destination to discover the future of plant-based eating. 

For more information or to inquire about exhibiting, visit www.plantbasedworldeurope.com. 

Victory for Plant-Based Labels: France Overturns Ban on Meat Terms 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Global Marketplace, Government, Policy.

In a major win for the plant-based industry, France’s Conseil d’État (Council of State) has officially overturned legislation that would have banned plant-based brands from using terms such as “steak,” “ham,” and “sausage” on their product labels. This decision marks a turning point in the global fight for fair legislation and is being celebrated as a victory of common sense by companies across the plant-based sector. 

Leading the charge was La Vie, a French plant-based meat company known for its bold and humorous marketing. In a triumphant LinkedIn post, the company declared: 

ON A GAGNÉ. (We won.)
The Council of State has officially announced the annulment of the decrees and the law—pushed by lobbying groups—that sought to ban plant-based alternatives from using words like “steak,” “ham,” or “sausage.” 

After years of intense legal battles, David has finally defeated Goliath. Your favorite products can keep their familiar names—terms that clearly help consumers understand their use and make plant-based eating more accessible, as scientists have recommended for over a decade. 

This landmark ruling signals a shift away from restrictive regulations designed to protect the traditional meat industry and toward a fairer marketplace where consumers can make informed choices without unnecessary barriers. 

 

Why This Ruling Matters for the Global Plant-Based Industry 

The debate over labeling plant-based products with meat-related terms has been an ongoing battle in Europe and beyond. France initially pushed forward one of the strictest labeling laws in the EU, arguing that terms like “vegan sausage” or “plant-based steak” could mislead consumers. However, critics—including industry leaders, scientists, and plant-based advocates—pointed out that these terms actually help consumers understand the product’s intended use, making plant-based options more accessible. 

This ruling sets a powerful precedent and aligns with similar victories in other countries: 

  • The European Union previously rejected a continent-wide ban on plant-based meat labels, allowing companies to continue using familiar terms. 
  • South Africa overturned its attempt to ban plant-based meat terms, following strong opposition from plant-based businesses. 
  • The United States has seen multiple legal challenges to restrictions on dairy-free labeling, particularly around terms like “almond milk” and “oat milk.” 

These wins highlight a growing global consensus: plant-based brands deserve the same freedom to communicate with consumers as their animal-based counterparts. 

 

A Call for Fair Legislation, Not Protectionism 

The ruling in France is not just about terminology—it’s about fair competition. As demand for plant-based foods rises, some traditional meat and dairy industries have pushed for restrictive laws to slow down the category’s growth. However, consumer behavior is clear: people want plant-based options, and they want to be able to identify them easily. 

Rather than limiting plant-based brands, policymakers should focus on clear, fair labeling laws that prioritize transparency and consumer choice—not corporate protectionism. 

Plant Based World Joins the Emerald Family: A Catalyst for Industry Growth 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Event Spotlights, Global Marketplace, Industry updates, Plant Based World Europe, Plant Based World North America.

In a landmark development for the global plant-based food industry, Emerald Expositions, a leading media and trade show company, has acquired Plant Based World Expo (PBW). This acquisition signals a new era for PBW, bringing increased resources, an expanded reach, and a long-term growth strategy that aligns with the accelerating momentum of the plant-based sector. 

For Benjamin Davis, Content Chair for Plant Based World, this moment represents the culmination of a vision that began in 2018. “When we first wrote the business plan for Plant Based World Expo, we set out to create a platform that could serve as a hub for the entire plant-based food industry—a place where innovation, collaboration, and inspiration could thrive,” Davis shares.  

Jonathan Morley, General Manager of Plant Based World added to these sentiments, “Our ability to support the growth of the industry is now elevated through Emerald’s acquisition. It validates the industry and ensures PBW will have the resources it needs to continue leading the charge for years to come.” 

 

An Opportunity for All Industry Stakeholders 

Plant Based World has quickly established itself as the premier event for the plant-based food sector on two continents, connecting foodservice and retail buyers, manufacturers, investors, and service providers in an ecosystem that drives innovation and collaboration. The partnership with Emerald amplifies these efforts by tapping into the company’s vast expertise in managing large-scale trade shows and expanding global networks. 

Gannon Brousseau, Executive Vice President of Emerald’s Food Group, emphasized the strategic importance of adding PBW to the company’s portfolio. “Plant Based World represents a high-growth, high-potential area that is more than just a trend- it’s an exciting new frontier” Brousseau states. “Emerald is committed to investing in industries that shape a more sustainable, healthful, and innovative future, and Plant Based World aligns perfectly with that mission. We’re excited to work with the PBW team to help the industry reach new heights.” 

A Future-Forward Vision 

Emerald’s acquisition comes at a time when the plant-based industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. With the global plant-based food market projected to reach $113.05 billion by 2031, the opportunity for expansion is clear. The plant-based category is no longer niche—it is reshaping food systems, driven by consumer demand for sustainability, health, and ethical eating. 

What’s Next for PBW? 

With Plant Based World Expo North America scheduled for September 24-25, 2025 in New York City and Plant Based World Expo Europe set for November 11-12, 2025 in London, the events are poised to showcase their most dynamic iterations yet. From groundbreaking product launches and hosted buyer meetings to thought-provoking panel discussions, attendees can expect an elevated experience that reflects the growing importance of plant-based innovation in the food industry. 

As Davis aptly puts it, “This is just the beginning. With Emerald’s backing, Plant Based World is not only growing; it’s becoming an enduring force for positive change in our global food system.” 

The UK’s Plant-Based Boom: What’s Driving Growth in the British Isles? 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Global Marketplace, Government, Policy, Trends.

The United Kingdom has witnessed a significant surge in the adoption of plant-based diets, positioning itself as a leader in the global shift towards sustainable and health-conscious eating habits. This growth is propelled by a combination of evolving consumer preferences and supportive government policies. 

Consumer Demand and Market Expansion 

Recent data indicates that approximately 3-5% of the UK adult population identifies as vegan, a notable increase from 1% in 2016. This upward trend reflects a growing awareness of health, environmental, and ethical considerations associated with diet.  

The market for plant-based products has expanded correspondingly. Sales of meat-free products in the UK have grown by 40%, from £582 million in 2014 to an estimated £816 million in 2019, with projections exceeding £1.1 billion by 2024. Similarly, the plant-based milk alternatives market was valued at £260 million in 2019 and is expected to more than double to £565 million by 2025.  

Government Policy and Institutional Support 

Government initiatives have played a crucial role in fostering this dietary shift. The UK’s national innovation agency, Innovate UK, has invested up to £6.5 million in projects supporting the development of the plant-based protein sector, aiming to meet global consumer demands and create export opportunities.  

Additionally, organizations such as the Plant-Based Food Alliance UK have presented key requests to policymakers, emphasizing the promotion of plant-based foods in sustainable and healthy diets. These include developing a national action plan, updating dietary guidelines, and reforming food standards to align with sustainability goals.  

Health and Environmental Considerations 

The UK’s commitment to addressing climate change and public health challenges has further accelerated the plant-based movement. Reports highlight that food systems account for about a third of greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to plant-based diets is recognized as a viable strategy to reduce these emissions and promote health.  

Innovate UK is an organization working alongside governments to promote the emergence of plant-based innovation to keep up with this trend investing over £34 million to drive business growth and ensure the long-term resilience of UK food production. Their projects address a range of categories, including Alternative Proteins, Biofortified & Fortified Foods, Cultivated Meat, New/Novel Systems and Plant-Based Foods. This holistic approach ensures the development of both products and structures to evolve the food system in a healthy and sustainable direction. 

The UK’s plant-based boom is driven by a confluence of consumer demand, government support, and a collective shift towards sustainable living. As the market evolves, ongoing collaboration between industry stakeholders and policymakers will be essential to sustain and enhance this growth trajectory.  

Be sure to join us at Plant Based World Expo Europe in 2025 to witness the growth of the marketplace and taste the latest innovations for yourself.