What to expect at Europe’s 100% plant-based trade show
Plant Based World Expo Europe, the global plant-based gathering for retail and foodservice, is returning to ExCeL London on 13-14th November 2024 for its fourth edition. For two days, professionals from the food and beverage industry will come together in East London with one focus: providing plant-based options for their customers.
Leading plant-based manufacturers and solutions providers will form a comprehensive exhibition, covering everything from end products to packaging, ingredients and logistics. Here, attendees can source innovative plant-based products, gain inspiration, discover solutions for their business and network with other business owners. Exhibitors are travelling from around the world to demonstrate their range of products, with country-backed pavilions including Italy, France, Germany and Brazil.
Those looking to gain a holistic view of the plant-based industry—one of the fastest growing food areas—will have everything they need at their fingertips. During the event, attendees can sample brands that are both instantly recognisable and new to the industry. These proven and future best-sellers are from across all food and beverage categories, including meat alternatives, non-dairy, snacks, desserts and more. Plant-based companies including Novameat, Plenty Reasons, Dandies Marshmallows, BeanStalk, Dragonfly Foods, and the Mighty Kitchen are just a taste of what will be on show.
In addition to over 150 companies exhibiting next-generation plant-based products and solutions, the event’s education programme is packed with sessions over three theatres, designed to boost knowledge of the latest industry trends. Join plant-based experts and thought leaders in the Pulse Theatre, including SPINS, GFI and Plant Futures, as they share the latest data on where the industry has been and where it is headed. In contrast, the Learning Garden Theatre features shorter educational sessions and company-led presentations on research and new innovations in plant-based. And finally, the Culinary Theatre allows visitors the unique chance to sample the foods on display on the show floor cooked by professional chefs, as well as gain tips about how to incorporate the products into easy and delicious meals for all audiences. All education sessions are open to all attendees.
Creating a dedicated, productive environment to conduct business is at the centre of Plant Based World Expo, which is why the Hosted Buyer Programme will return in 2024 to efficiently connect manufacturers to buyers from retail and foodservice. During the two-day event, the Hosted Buyer Area will see more than 1200 in-person meetings take place between UK and European buyers, distributors and wholesalers who are hungry to discover their next listing. Buyers already signed up include Sainsbury’s, Sysco, FreshDirect, KeHe, RailGourmet, Diverse Fine Foods and Green Heads.
To help buyers source only the best plant-based products offered, Plant Based World Expo has launched a brand-new awards programme in 2024, which will culminate with a live ceremony during Wednesday 13th November at the show. The Plant-Based Excellence Awards are a comprehensive awards programme, with seventeen categories spanning from sweet, savoury, meat-mimics, ready-meals and everything in-between. The entries will be judged not only on their taste, but how they perform for businesses. Judged by panels of buyers and industry advisors, the products will be assessed on their taste, appearance, branding, sustainability and value chain, taking into consideration the margins they can offer. Attendees at the event can see category winners crowned live during Plant Based World Expo and be the first to hear which products stand out from the rest.
Jonathan Morley, Event Director of Plant Based World Expo commented, “This year, more than ever, we are focused on facilitating those all-important connections between the retail and foodservice sectors and the companies providing plant-based products. Plant Based World Expo is the place to do business—where you can source everything you need—from inspiration, to products, insights, or contacts. Now is the time to tap into this network and make the most of the plant-based opportunity, for the future of your business and for the planet.”
Registration is open now and qualified food and beverage professionals can attend the event for free. To learn more and to register, visit https://plantbasedworldeurope.com/register/
