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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

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. 

Plant-Based Pizza Innovation Takes Center Stage at Pizza Expo 2024 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Foodservice, Products, Restaurants.

At the 2024 International Pizza Expo, a wave of plant-based innovation captured the attention of chefs, operators, and buyers alike. From cutting-edge cheeses to flavorful meat alternatives, the plant-based presence at this year’s show was more than a trend—it was a statement about the future of pizza.

 

Cheese, Please: Next-Level Plant-Based Mozzarella 

Numu Mozzarella stole the spotlight as a cheese specifically formulated for pizza perfection. Designed to melt, stretch, and brown beautifully, Numu was sampled in multiple formats—including a collaboration with Before the Butcher featuring vegan pepperoni for a classic New York-style slice that drew eager crowds and second helpings.

Daiya made a powerful impression with their latest oat milk-based mozzarella formulation, showcasing improved meltability and browning while keeping a clean label. The brand went big, sponsoring a culinary contest where professional pizza makers whipped up mouthwatering pies using Daiya’s new shreds—proving that plant-based cheese has officially entered the mainstream kitchen.

Plnt Ahead, an Israel-based company, showcased a coconut oil-based, kosher mozzarella option that caters to both dietary needs and culinary performance. Its versatility and adherence to kosher standards made it a standout for buyers looking to serve a broader clientele.

Miyoko’s once again demonstrated why they are a category leader with their pourable mozzarella, now available in both cashew and oat-based varieties for those seeking nut-free options. The product’s ease of use and reliable melt factor make it ideal for high-volume kitchens seeking both quality and convenience.

Also making waves at the Pizza Expo was Violife, long recognized as a category leader for delivering high-quality, allergen-free plant-based cheeses. Their mozzarella shreds continue to be a go-to option for foodservice operators seeking reliable melt and stretch, while appealing to customers with dairy, soy, nut, and gluten sensitivities. But Violife wasn’t just showcasing cheese—its parent company, Flora, introduced an exciting new offering that had attendees lining up for samples: a soft serve ice cream so creamy and rich, many couldn’t believe it was dairy-free. The product was indistinguishable from its traditional counterpart, reinforcing Violife and Flora’s shared commitment to delivering indulgence without compromise, and demonstrating the expanding scope of plant-based innovation beyond the slice.

 

Meats That Deliver on Flavor 

On the meat side, Before the Butcher brought the boldness with plant-based pepperoni slices and a new addition to its lineup: the Butcher Stick, a spicy or sweet teriyaki-flavored snack designed for convenience retail. The butcher stick channels the nostalgic flavor of a Slim Jim-style meat snack, reimagined for a new generation of conscious consumers.

Be-Hive, the Nashville-based plant-based butcher, won over crowds with a full-stack plant-based pizza solution. Their in-house soy milk mozzarella melted beautifully over seitan-based pepperoni and Italian sausage, offering attendees a convincing—and delicious—slice of the future. Be-Hive also showed their versatility with a seitan-based roast beef cold cut, giving operators the opportunity to expand beyond pizza into subs, wraps, and deli classics.

Prime Roots introduced a koji fungi-based line of deli meats, including a standout Black Forest Ham and Genoa Salami, both gluten-free, soy-free, and designed for the deli counter. Their meats are meant to be sliced alongside traditional offerings, helping foodservice operators integrate plant-based options without missing a beat.

 

The takeaway from this year’s Pizza Expo? Quality has taken the wheel. Buyers and chefs are no longer satisfied with just checking a “vegan option” box. They’re demanding products that perform, that taste incredible, and that keep customers coming back for more.

Stay tuned—we’re diving deeper with exclusive interviews and features on these standout companies in upcoming articles. Whether you’re building the plant-based pizza of the future or adding deli classics to your menu, innovation is hot out of the oven—and just getting started.

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.”