Sales of meat-free foods have grown a whopping 40% in the last five years and represents one of the industry’s fastest growing sectors. Now, in a positive move for the return of in-person events, Plant Based World Expo will launch in London on 8th-9th April 2021. Following a series of successful US-based events, the European show will offer industry professionals the unique opportunity to hear from the world’s leading plant-based experts and discover more about the incredible innovation taking place.
The event, which will be hosted at the Business Design Centre, is backed by a multitude of leading plant-based businesses, including heavyweights Just, OmniPork, Beyond Meat and Meatless Farm, as well as world leader Quorn. A carefully curated conference programme will equip retailers, distributers, food service providers, entrepreneurs, investors and healthcare professionals with take-home insights on how to capitalise on the unique business and health opportunities that the sector presents.
In a coup for the show, big brands that aren’t yet available in the UK will be exhibiting the latest developments in plant-based alternatives. This includes US-innovator Just, which will demonstrate its egg-alternative made from Mung Bean, and OmniPork, which combines Western innovation with Asian application to deliver a plant-based pork alternative made from shiitake mushrooms, peas, soy and rice.
Also joining are the leaders in the alternative seafood space, Good Catch. The company will present its world-leading fish-free tuna made from a six-plant protein blend. Dairy alternatives will also feature as Follow Your Heart joins with its dairy-free line-up including its range of cheeses for multiple applications, from sandwiches to pizzas.
Talking about plant-based food alternatives is all well and good, but nothing beats being able to try it first-hand. Visitors are invited to explore the Culinary Theatre where they will be able to experience various alternative foods with dishes cooked by professional chefs.
Elsewhere, the conference programme will allow visitors to participate in educational seminars designed to demonstrate the business power of the plant-based industry, with influential speakers from across the food and beverage industry. Real-life case studies of successful implementation of plant-based options in retail and food services will further offer visitors the chance to ask questions and seek advice from leading experts.
Steve Swindon, Co-Founder at Love Seitan said “Plant Based World Expo is a great opportunity to meet and further develop relationships with other businesses. We want to bring people together and change the world for the better by showcasing what plant-based food and businesses can do.”
Jonathan Morley, Managing Director of the show organiser JD Events Ltd, commented: “It is incredibly exciting to be able to officially announce the first Plant Based World Expo in Europe. The plant-based sector is growing at such a rapid pace and we are proud to represent the industry with Europe’s only dedicated B2B event. With so much happening, from leading exhibitors to a number of show features, including exclusive tastings, the event will showcase the very best of plant-based.”
Safety remains a top priority and to provide a safe meeting place for visitors, the Business Design Centre has implemented a comprehensive regime following guidance from Public Health England. This includes limiting the number of people in its conference halls, enhanced cleaning processes, thermal imaging screening on arrival, and the implementation of a fresh air system. In conjunction with these measures, one-way systems will be enforced in high-traffic areas and face masks will be used inside the building, except for when eating or drinking.
