The Plant Based World Expo was the first of its kind, as it reflected what Natural Products Expos have, with many plant-based products to explore, only without the bone broth k-cups…
This event answered my question of, “why are we not focusing solely on vegan companies?”
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one, as 3,737 attendees were reported being at the 2-day conference + expo at the Javits Center in New York City. The Plant Based World Expo also featured 125 exhibitors and was supported by founding partners: Plant-Based Foods Association, Eat for the Planet, The Plantrician Project and Follow Your Heart.
I was there on behalf of Texas-based vegan jerky company, It’s Jerky Y’all, and let me just tell you, it was a blast seeing so many surprised vegans hearing about the unique vegan options coming out of Texas, as we were accompanied by Nadamoo, Austin’s successful coconut-based ice cream brand. From both a guest and exhibitor’s perspective, I was overstimulated, in the best way, with all of the samples in the exhibit hall as well as the few keynote presentations that I got to sit in for.
There were many experts discussing the increased growth of the plant-based industry, such as Seth Goldman, Executive Chair of Beyond Meat on turning a purpose-driven business into a mainstream movement. Goldman, who is also co-founder of Honest Tea, shared his journey, and discussed what the next step is for Beyond Meat, and his thoughts on the growing plant-based food industry, as many companies these days are catering to 1/3 of Americans who now identify as “flexitarians,” aiming to reduce their meat and dairy consumption.
Other speakers that spoke throughout the expo included vegan Olympians and bodybuilders, such as Nimai Delgado, whom I had the privilege of hearing about his journey and chat with afterward as well! It is innovative people, companies, and events like The Plant Based World Expo that are truly making the conversation about veganism more accessible and attainable for the masses.
The 2020 Plant-Based World Conference & Expo is scheduled to take place June 5-6, 2020, at the Javits Center in New York City, and you better believe I’ll be there!
