NEW YORK — Starting in 2019 and skipping 2020, the third Plant Based World Expo drew more than 250 exhibitors and more than 4,500 attendees Sept. 8-9, at the Javits Center in Manhattan.
This is North America’s only 100% plant-based event designed exclusively for foodservice and retail professionals, distributors, investors and manufacturers, according to the show’s organizer, the Plant Based Foods Association.
While many vendors featured protein and dairy alternatives, Ben Davis, vice president of content for the expo, said that the only rule was that the products showcased be free of animal products.
“We certainly want naturally plant-based items as part of the conversation,” Davis said. “Whole foods are where we’re heading. That’s what we really need, but we can still be supportive of these products that bridge the gap.”
Conference sessions included celebrity chefs and authors; retail dietitians from Kroger and Datessential; the director of research and insights from FMI; vice president of total wellness from NielsenIQ; director of brand management from Peapod Digital Labs/Ahold Delhaize; and the director of merchandising and vendor development at Target.
Produce retailers would benefit from this movement by incorporating more plant-based dressings, sauces, nuts and seeds, and salad toppings in the produce department, as well as beverages, Davis said. Anything involving mushrooms is hot, as well as biodegradable packaging.
Jen Velasquez, director of marketing for Full Tilt Marketing, which focuses on fresh produce companies, attended the show for the first time.
“It has given me a great perspective of the role produce plays within the plant-based products out there and has me thinking about how we can all work together,” Velasquez said.
She works with the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission and loved seeing companies such as Strong Roots using North Carolina sweet potatoes in their products.
“I am feeling inspired to work with brands and, together, figure out the next cool produce value-added, must-have,” Velasquez said.
