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Buyers! Plant Based World Expo 2025 Wants to Hear Your Story

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

It’s that time of year again — programming season for Plant Based World Expo Europe (26–27 November, ExCeL London) and Plant Based World Expo North America (2–3 December, Javits Center NYC) is officially underway!

As the only 100% plant-based trade events designed exclusively for retail and foodservice professionals, these conferences are fueled not just by products, but by real stories from the front lines of the industry. We’re calling on you — the innovators, buyers, chefs, operators, merchandisers, and business leaders — to share your plant-powered insights with an engaged audience of industry peers.

Retail: Shelf Space Meets Strategy

Have you cracked the code on plant-based merchandising? We want to hear about it.

Whether you’re a specialty grocer building a robust vegan set, or a national chain redefining the category for mainstream shoppers, your story matters.

  • Have you implemented a creative merchandising strategy for your plant-based and clean label products?

  • Are you leveraging shopper data or loyalty programs to increase repeat purchases of plant-based items?

  • Have you worked with brands on co-marketing activations that brought new consumers to the category?

  • Are you seeing success with private label plant-based items that outperform national brands?

Your team’s strategies could be exactly the inspiration another buyer needs to rethink their approach — and grow category sales in the process.

Foodservice: Kitchen Innovation that Drives Revenue

Across quick-service chains, fine dining establishments, university dining halls, and corporate cafeterias, chefs and operators are building profitable menus that serve both vegans and meat-eaters.

  • Has your kitchen developed a standalone plant-based menu alongside your traditional menu?

  • Are your chefs using plant-based innovation to reduce food waste or streamline back-of-house operations?

  • Have you seen increased check averages, customer loyalty, or operational savings from adding sustainable proteins?

  • Are you part of a contract catering group with a success story worth sharing?

If your team has navigated the journey from curious trial to repeat success, our audience wants to learn from your playbook.

Ready to Join the Conversation?

Whether you’re a first-time speaker or a seasoned panelist, this is your chance to be part of the global movement redefining foodservice and retail. Our conference content is highly curated and designed to deliver actionable insights to professionals actively seeking plant-based solutions.

We’re looking for clear, engaging presenters who can offer real-world takeaways — not just ideas, but impact.

Submit your idea or connect with us directly: ben@plantbasedworldexpo.com

The Green House Collective Launches Bold UK Initiative to Spotlight Plant-Based Brands

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Branding, Manufacturing.

In a new partnership set to reshape how plant-based and eco-conscious brands reach the UK market, Vegpreneur has teamed up with The Green House Collective to launch an initiative that will bring purpose-driven companies to the forefront of over 150 high-traffic consumer events across the UK in 2025.

With an annual audience of over 4 million consumers and a combined £1 billion+ in on-site spending, this initiative offers an unprecedented opportunity for emerging and established brands to connect directly with conscious shoppers, share their stories, and move product — all with full-service support behind the scenes.

What Is the Green House Collective?

The Green House Collective is the brainchild of Garry Robey, the new owner of SBP Events Ltd, a company with over 35 years of legacy in the UK consumer events industry. Fueled by the Robey family’s mission to spotlight brands that are “good for you and good for the planet,” this new platform is poised to become the largest curated exhibition space for eco-conscious brands in the UK.

The Green House Collective’s goal? To educate, engage, and inspire millions of consumers by giving visibility to plant-based, sustainable, and ethical companies through powerful in-person experiences.

Powered by Vegpreneur: Scaling Global Reach for Mission-Driven Brands

Vegpreneur, known globally for championing plant-based founders and sustainable innovation, brings its sharp eye for ethical entrepreneurship to the partnership. The collaboration makes it easy for brands — especially those launching into the UK or scaling across Europe — to hit the ground running at major events.

“This isn’t just another trade show. It’s about making real connections with buyers who care — and showing up in a way that reflects your mission,” the Vegpreneur team shared. “Through this partnership, we’re helping brands scale impact and visibility while staying focused on what matters most: product quality, community, and purpose.”

Turnkey Support for Founders

One of the standout features of the Green House Collective initiative is its done-for-you approach. From logistics to placement, brands get access to:

  • Custom stand design and signage

  • Power, insurance, risk assessments, and H&S

  • Strategic booth placement in premium zones

  • Passes, parking, and exclusive discounts

  • On-site support from real humans — no AI dashboards, just face-to-face feedback and results

Need a custom build or food truck activation? No problem. The Green House Collective also offers bespoke design and construction services to help brands create memorable, on-brand experiences that attract foot traffic and media attention.

Why It Matters: Plant-Based Needs a Bigger Stage

Consumer demand for plant-based and planet-friendly products continues to surge, but brands often face barriers to scale — especially when entering new markets. The Green House Collective solves this by opening the door to face-to-face connections at the UK’s busiest lifestyle events, spanning wellness, food, home, sustainability, and more.

With 60% of attendees falling into the ABC1 profile (affluent, values-driven consumers) and 65% ready to buy on-site, the value for founders is crystal clear: this is where awareness converts to sales — and where meaningful brand loyalty begins.

Now Booking

For brands ready to make 2025 a breakout year, applications for event participation are now open. With limited space available and demand already heating up, now is the time to secure your place in the UK’s largest collective of plant-powered pioneers.

To learn more or book your spot in the Green House Collective, visit here or book a call directly with the team.

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. 

TASTY: The Biggest Growth Opportunity for Plant-Based Food 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Industry updates, Manufacturing, Products, Research.

NECTAR’s First-Ever TASTY Awards Prove That Taste Wins Customers—And There’s Still Work to Be Done 

For years, the plant-based food industry has struggled with a key challenge: how do we make products that truly satisfy mainstream consumers? While health, sustainability, and ethics drive purchasing decisions for some, taste remains the number one factor for the majority of consumers—especially those who regularly eat meat. 

That’s where NECTAR’s TASTY Awards and Taste of the Industry report come in. For the first time, an independent, large-scale sensory study has determined which plant-based products actually impress meat eaters. The results provide a roadmap for retailers and foodservice operators looking to stock only the most competitive plant-based options. 

 

The Cream of the Crop: Plant-Based Foods That Win Over Meat Eaters 

The TASTY Awards recognize products that meet or exceed the taste expectations of omnivorous consumers. Out of 122 plant-based products tested across 14 categories, only 20 products earned this distinction—meaning they were rated as good as or better than their animal-based counterparts by at least 50% of participants. 

 

2025 TASTY Award Winners: 

  • Chicken: Impossible® Unbreaded Chicken Fillet, Vivera Plant-Based Chicken Breast, SWAP Food’s SWAP Chicken, Meati Classic Cutlet, The Vegetarian Butcher’s Impeckable Chicken Breast 
  • Deli & Cold Cuts: Tofurky Next-Gen Deli Slices (Roasted Turk’y), Prime Roots Cracked Pepper Turkey 
  • Nuggets & Prepared Foods: Impossible® Chicken Nuggets, MorningStar Farms® Chik’n Nuggets, Impossible® Meatballs, Impossible® Hot Dog 
  • Burgers & Sausages: Impossible® Burger, MorningStar Farms® Steakhouse Style Burgers, Heura Burger, Beyond Meat Beyond Burger, Redefine Meat Redefine Premium Burgers 
  • Breakfast Meats: Impossible® Sausage Patties, Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Breakfast Saus’ge – Original 
  • Other Standouts: The Green Mountain Plant-Based Ham, The Vegetarian Butcher’s Hentastic Southern Fried Chicken 

These top-tier products aren’t just the best in their respective categories; they are leading the entire plant-based movement forward. For retail buyers and foodservice operators, they represent the most promising products to drive repeat purchases and attract new customers. 

 

A Critical Wake-Up Call: The Gaps in the Market 

While the TASTY Awards highlight the best of the best, they also reveal an important reality: many plant-based meat categories still have no products good enough to win over mainstream consumers. 

NECTAR’s research found that only 30% of consumers rated the average plant-based product as “like” or “like very much”—compared to 68% for animal-based products. The biggest issue? Texture. Consumers noted that even top-performing plant-based meats could improve in their bite, chew, and overall mouthfeel to close the gap with traditional meat. 

This presents a massive opportunity for product developers, brands, and investors: 

  • Brands: Use this research as an R&D roadmap. The demand is there—if you can meet taste expectations, consumers will buy. 
  • Buyers: Identify white space opportunities. NECTAR’s findings show where products are still falling short—these gaps are where the next wave of innovation will emerge. 
  • Foodservice Operators: Be selective. Stock the winners, but also watch for the next generation of improved products that will better meet consumer expectations. 

 

Taste: The North Star for the Plant-Based Industry 

The plant-based industry is still in its early stages compared to traditional meat. NECTAR’s Taste of the Industry report and TASTY Awards confirm that progress is being made, but there’s still room for growth. 

The good news? Consumers are willing to pay a premium for better-tasting plant-based products. Retailers and foodservice providers who align their selections with these findings will position themselves at the forefront of the industry’s next phase of expansion. 

This is just the beginning of our TASTY: The Biggest Growth Opportunity for Plant-Based Food series. Stay tuned as we break down NECTAR’s findings, explore the most promising brands, and track the innovations that will define the future of plant-based meats. 

 

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.”