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Author: Deanna Tursellino

High Impact Plant Based World Expo Energized the Industry and Showcased the Next Wave of Innovative Products

September 12, 2023

The fourth annual PBW attracted retail and food service buyers who met with exhibitors and sampled hundreds of new plant-based food brands.

NEW YORK, September 12, 2023 – Plant Based World Expo North America (PBW) returned to the Javits Center in New York on September 7 and 8, 2023. Attendees at the only 100% plant-based B2B industry event sampled delicious new plant-based products, heard from knowledgeable and inspiring speakers, and attended exclusive networking opportunities. There were 3,168 registrants, including a substantial increase in qualified retail and food service buyers walking the expo floor. 

“The positive energy and excitement was palpable from the minute the show floor opened,” said Ben Davis, Content Chair and Strategic Advisor, PBW. “We’ve gotten fantastic feedback from buyers, exhibitors, and sponsors. Overall, exhibitor satisfaction has increased, and more than 50% of exhibit space has already been reserved for the 2024 show, including country pavilions from Italy, Denmark, Brazil, Thailand, Spain, and more.”

Trends at the 2023 Plant Based World Expo included:

  • Healthier plant-based snacks and prepared foods using sustainable ingredients like hemp, jackfruit, acai, algae, and seaweed. 
  • Global culinary creativity and chef-crafted products from countries including Italy, Brazil, Denmark, Peru, France, the UK, Thailand, Australia, and Canada. Products included plant-based cheese with truffles from Italy, plant-based croissants from France, and organic certified and vegan Dutch stroopwafels.
  • More collaborations and training opportunities between food service institutions, chefs, and product manufacturers.
  • Exceptional mushroom-based meats, snacks, and jerky from MyForest Foods, Green Wolf Foods, Popadelics, and Myco Technology.
  • Exciting new plant-based seafood products from companies such as BeLeaf, Jinka, and Mind Blown Seafood.

This year, exhibitors from more than 200 global companies in more than 250 booths showcased their plant-based products, handed out delicious samples, met buyers, and kept the show floor buzzing for two days. “The experience has been very positive, and we’ve met some wonderful buyers,” said exhibitor Janessa Steenberg, Founder of Panacheeza. “We landed a huge deal today and have already reserved our spot for next year. After being at Plant Based World, we can fulfill retail space and food service.”

Henrik Lund, CEO of Naturli` Foods echoed a similar sentiment: “The quality of the people we talked with this year has been exceptional. They are decision-makers and stakeholders, and I loved the Hosted Buyer Lounge, where PBW arranged meetings with the exhibitors and buyers. PBW is one of the best places to showcase plant-based products.”

Buyers at the show were also enthusiastic about their experiences, citing great connections and the chance to learn about new products to bring to their customers. Additionally, exhibitors and buyers raved about the one-to-one meeting opportunities set up by PBW via the Hosted Buyer Program and the Food Export International Buyers Mission, which all combined resulted in nearly 400 meetings between 40 key buyers and more than100 exhibitors over three full days.

“The Hosted Buyer program was fantastic, and I walked away with a good, solid list of brands to seriously consider,” said Fedele Stella, a buyer with Fairway Market. Chris Chagnon, Assistant Category Manager at Hannaford Supermarkets, said he also had an overwhelmingly positive experience and “was impressed with the innovation and variety of products on the Expo floor.” He also expressed enthusiasm for the Hosted Buyer Program, which “allowed for meaningful conversations in an informal setting.” Thomas Clark from Clark Distribution said PBW was more focused than other large natural product trade shows, allowing him to have more meaningful and valuable conversations.

Don’t forget to save the date for next year’s show, September 11-12, 2024. PBW also offers the only hosted buyer program that is free of charge and exclusive to exhibitors.  Learn more about exhibiting at the 2024 Plant Based World Expo here.

To learn more about Plant Based World Expo or to schedule an interview with PBW leadership, please contact Sacha Cohen, [email protected] or 202-251-9417.

To inquire about exhibiting at future shows, please contact Sam Morley at [email protected].

About Plant Based World Expo

Plant Based World Expo is North America’s only 100% plant-based event designed exclusively for food service and retail professionals, distributors, investors, and manufacturers. PBW combines a world-class conference with an exhibition showcasing thousands of innovative plant-based food products and brands from around the world, plus high-level networking and tasting opportunities. PBW is the official tradeshow of the Plant Based Foods Association. 

About JD Events

Plant Based World Expo is produced by JD Events, dedicated to creating targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education-rich content, and high-level networking opportunities — all geared toward increasing collaboration in the markets it serves.

Plant Based World Expo Europe Expands as UK Consumers Demand Plant-Based Options

July 31, 2023

Plant Based World Expo Europe, the biggest 100% plant-based trade event in Europe, is moving to a new, larger location to cater for the demand – taking place at ExCeL London on 15th and 16th November 2023.

Now in its third year, registration for the show is open for brands to connect with a mainstream audience of retailers, foodservice professionals and investors in the UK vegan food market, one of the largest in Europe growing 9.58%[1].

This comes as 40% of British consumers now demand plant-based options, meat consumption is steadily declining[2] and a study by Oxford University proves plant-based diets lead to 75% less climate-heating emissions, water pollution and land use than meat-rich ones.[3]

Across two days at Plant Based World Expo, professionals from the food and beverage industry will hear from industry leaders and pioneers, discover the latest in plant-based innovation, and make vital connections to help their businesses thrive in the world’s leading country for plant-based food.

Instantly recognisable names will join start-ups and challenger brands from all categories, including meat alternatives, non-dairy, snacks, desserts and visitors will see the latest lines and innovations from leading plant-based companies including La Vie, Fable Food, Greenvie Foods, OmniFoods, Sheese and Violife.

Abigail Stevens, Marketing Director of the show organiser JD Events, comments:

“Plant-Based 2.0 as we are calling it, represents the new frontier for plant-based innovation using technology to mimic proteins closer than ever before, and this will be front and centre at Plant Based World Expo Europe.”

In addition to over 275 companies exhibiting their plant-based products and solutions, the event boasts three content theatres which are open to all attendees.

Conference Program – New for 2023: all attendees are invited to join these sessions.

Join industry experts and thought leaders in the Plant Based World Pulse Theatre, as they take to the stage to discuss some of the most important topics in the Global Vegan Food Market, said to have surged by more than 980% over the last decade[4].

Sessions are set to include:

  • What’s Next for the Meat-Alternative Market?
  • Barriers to Innovation: The Novel Ingredients Pushing for Recognition in the EU
  • Plant-Forward Businesses Changing the Conversation around Nutrition
  • The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Pledges In Driving Social Change
  • Navigating Foodservice for Long-Term Success

Abigail Stevens, comments:

“The plant-based industry is extremely well positioned to help businesses tackle some of the enormous challenges they face. From rising costs, to the environmental harm caused by climate change, a move to more plant-based options on shelves and menus can make a positive impact. We are encouraging everyone to join us in November and be a part of that change.”

The Culinary Theatre hosted by food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden

Theatre sessions will be run by a mixture of industry and celebrity chefs to provide a real-time showcase on how plant-based products can create exceptional dishes. New for this year, it will also include sessions going back to the basics, helping chefs reimagine pantry staples to create enticing, low-cost dishes.

The Learning Garden Theatre will feature shorter educational sessions and company-led presentations on some of the latest research and new innovations in plant-based.

Those responsible for purchasing plant-based product within their business can also take advantage of a Key Buyer Program, and join key companies including Waitrose, Selfridges, Bidfood, Gate Group and more. Buyers on the program benefit from exclusive access to a VIP lounge, Supplier Matchmaking Program and networking events.

Abigail Stevens, Marketing Director of the show organiser JD Events, comments:

“It’s more important than ever to bring the entire supply chain into the conversation about where plant-based is going, including the challenges and opportunities it faces. It’s only with this level of collaboration that we can take the industry to the next level.”

For further information and to register, please visit http://www.plantbasedworldeurope.com/.

-ENDS-

Accompanying hi-res imagery can be downloaded here.

For more information, comment, or images please contact [email protected]

About Plant Based World Expo Europe

Plant Based World Europe is the only 100% plant based B2B event to attract an audience of buyers and food and beverage professionals from across retail, foodservice, and public sector catering. This unique event will combine a world-class conference with an international exhibition of the biggest and best products in the market, as well as high-level networking and tasting opportunities.

Plant Based World connects and inspires industry pioneers and decision makers to facilitate sustainable transformation within the global food system. The event takes place at ExCeL London on 15-16th November 2023. Online registration is available at: https://plantbasedworldeurope.com/register/

[1] report by Straits Research

[2] report by Straits Research

[3] research, published in the journal Nature Food July 2023

[4] https://straitsresearch.com/

AXPONA 2023 REPORTS RECORD ATTENDANCE, RECEIVED RAVE REVIEWS FROM EXHIBITORS

April 20, 2023

Media Contacts:

For immediate release

AXPONA 2023 REPORTS RECORD ATTENDANCE, RECEIVED RAVE REVIEWS FROM EXHIBITORS

More than 9,000 attend and over 500 companies exhibit at the 12th edition of AXPONA

Schaumburg, IL (April 18, 2023) – – AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) welcomed 9,115 attendees to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel, April 14-16, 2023, a 20% increase over 2022, marking its biggest show yet. AXPONA offered music lovers, audiophiles, and seasoned audio enthusiasts three jam-packed days of incredible sound, technology, seminars, live music and the very latest products in the industry.

“This was the largest AXPONA yet, with 12 floors of exhibitors, 200 Listening Rooms, 500+ brands, hundreds of product debuts, and over 9,000 audiophiles and music loving attendees,” said Liz Smith, AXPONA’s Show Director. “We are so thankful to our incredible exhibitors, attendees, and partners who helped make this show an astounding success. We look forward to coming together as a community again in 2024!”

“We are always thrilled to support AXPONA as the premier audio event in North America. We saw an impressive increase in traffic this year, and we look forward to continued success next year.” -Jeff Sigmund, President of Luxman America

“T+A had a great show with good traffic that exceeded our expectations and plenty of serious buyers. Many consumers were asking where can I buy? And we saw dealers from all over the country. AXPONA has become the North American show for us.”-Dave Nauber Chief Executive Officer for T+A

“AXPONA 2023 was an absolutely tremendous success for Fidelity Imports. In 2022 we had 2 rooms, we increased our room count to 6 for 2023 and we want 8-10 rooms for 2024!  If you are in any way involved in the audio industry, you simply cannot miss this show!”- Steve Jain, Managing Director and Co-founder, Fidelity Imports

“LCH Audio had fantastic exposure to the Hi-End Audio Community at AXPONA and truly inspiring reactions from consumers and audio professionals alike. Hats off to AXPONA for a seamless event. We are already planning for next year!”-Mark Menendez, Founder LCH Audio

The Exhibit Hall, which is home to the Record Fair, showcased a vast array of turntables, cables, accessories, racks and stands, tonearms, cartridges and new and vintage Vinyl, as well as car audio.

The Ear Gear Experience encompassed one of the convention center’s large ballrooms to enhance the listening experience for personal audio. Everything from open-back, closed-back, in-ear headphones and accessories, cables and players that go into a personal audio rig were on display in the Ear Gear Experience.

On Friday night, AXPONA welcomed Anne Bisson, Canadian Jazz Singer-Songwriter who brought her beautiful voice, bold arrangements and a taste of the ’70s. The Saturday night’s concert featured singer-songwriter, Amber Rubarth who has toured all over the world, opening shows for legendary artists including Emmylou Harris, Kenny Loggins, Richie Havens, Dr. Ralph Stanley and Jason Mraz.

AXPONA returns April 12-14, 2024.

For more information about the event, please visit www.axpona.com.

ABOUT

AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) is North America’s largest event for audiophiles, manufacturers of high-end audio equipment, musicians and music lovers. The three-day experience features 200+ high fidelity listening rooms, providing guests the enviable opportunity to experience the newest technology in high-end consumer audio products. Attendees are encouraged to go from room to room and sit, listen and compare the various systems. The Expo Hall and Ear Gear Experience play host to thousands of products and accessories from cables to headphones to LPs and SACDs.  Beyond the exhibits, AXPONA includes live musical performances and educational seminars with industry experts and demonstrations.