Cultivating the Future of Food: Your Guide to Plant Based World Expo, New York!

New York City – the undisputed global capital of trends, innovation, and diverse culinary experiences. It’s here, amidst the iconic skyline, that the dynamic and rapidly expanding plant-based industry convenes for its most significant annual event in North America: Plant Based World Expo. This isn’t just a trade show; it’s a vibrant, immersive experience designed to accelerate the mainstream adoption of plant-based products and a healthier, more sustainable way of living. Imagine stepping into the vast halls of the Javits Center, alive with the buzz of cutting-edge innovation, the irresistible aroma of plant-based culinary creations, and the passionate dialogue between thousands of industry professionals, forward-thinking buyers, and pioneering entrepreneurs. This is your unparalleled opportunity to sample the latest breakthroughs in plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, functional foods, and more; discover revolutionary ingredients and technologies; engage in critical discussions on sustainability, nutrition, and market growth; and forge invaluable relationships that will propel your business to new heights. For retailers, foodservice operators, distributors, investors, manufacturers, and anyone passionate about the plant-based movement, the Plant Based World Expo is not merely an option—it’s an essential annual event for staying ahead of the curve, finding profound inspiration, and cultivating unparalleled growth in today’s intricate and ever-evolving food landscape.

The global shift towards plant-based eating is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative movement driven by evolving consumer consciousness around health, environmental impact, and animal welfare. From flexitarians seeking healthier options to dedicated vegans, the demand for innovative, delicious, and accessible plant-based products is skyrocketing. The Plant Based World Expo stands as the industry’s compass, unveiling the latest product launches, showcasing revolutionary solutions, and providing an indispensable platform for critical knowledge exchange. It’s where emerging brands gain vital exposure, and established companies redefine their strategies for capturing market share in this burgeoning sector. If you’re looking to diversify your product portfolio, source unique plant-based offerings, understand evolving consumer preferences, tackle regulatory hurdles, or simply immerse yourself in the passionate community driving this food revolution, attending the Plant Based World Expo offers an unmatched opportunity to learn, discover, and propel your enterprise forward.

The Big Apple’s Green Heart: Venue and Time

The Plant Based World Expo consistently leverages a world-class convention facility, providing an ideal and easily accessible setting for this impactful international event.

Manhattan’s Iconic Hub: The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center The Plant Based World Expo is consistently held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, USA. The address for the Javits Center is 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001. Located on Manhattan’s West Side, along the scenic Hudson River, the Javits Center is one of the nation’s largest and most technologically advanced convention centers. Its proximity to major transportation hubs, extensive public transportation options, and a wealth of nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions makes it an exceptionally convenient and attractive destination for both domestic and international attendees. The Javits Center’s vast exhibit halls and numerous meeting rooms provide ample space for the hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees that converge for this premier event.

A Fall Harvest of Innovation: The Schedule The Plant Based World Expo is an annual event, consistently taking place in September (though some past editions have been in December, September has been the recent consistent month). This strategic timing allows industry professionals to gather in the latter half of the year, ideal for reviewing annual strategies, sourcing new products for the upcoming holiday seasons, and preparing for global market shifts in the rapidly evolving plant-based sector.

For 2025, the Plant Based World Expo North America is scheduled to run from Wednesday, September 24, 2025 – Thursday, September 25, 2025 (2 days).

The event typically spans two action-packed days, with a meticulously designed schedule to maximize discovery, education, and networking opportunities:

• Show Floor Hours: Generally from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the first day, and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the second day. These focused hours provide ample time to explore the diverse exhibits.
• Conference Program: A robust, multi-track conference program runs concurrently with the show floor. This program features over 40 educational sessions, presented by top plant-based industry experts, thought leaders, and pioneers. Attendees can gain practical, actionable information covering the most important and timely issues relevant to today’s plant-based business environment, including topics on the next generation of plant-based proteins, retail merchandising best practices, sustainability, investment opportunities, consumer trends, foodservice integration, and much more. In 2024, for the first time, all conference sessions were included in every pass, enhancing the value for attendees.
• Keynote Addresses: A highlight of the conference program are the keynote addresses, often delivered by prominent experts or CEOs from leading plant-based brands, providing a macro-economic outlook or strategic insights impacting the plant-based industry.
• Culinary Theater: A dynamic and engaging feature where acclaimed chefs and food innovators conduct live cooking demonstrations, showcasing creative uses of plant-based ingredients and new preparation techniques. This is a popular spot for sampling delicious plant-based dishes.
• Learning Garden Theater & PBW Pulse Theater: Dedicated stages for focused presentations and panel discussions on a variety of topics, providing deeper dives into specific areas of the plant-based market.
• New Product Showcase: Highlighting hundreds of innovative new plant-based products and services introduced to the North American market. This is where you’ll find the “next big thing” in plant-based.
• Vegpreneur Awards: A prestigious competition recognizing the best new products across various categories within the plant-based industry, judged by a panel of experts. The winners are announced at the show.
• Networking Opportunities: Beyond the formal sessions, the entire show environment is designed for connection. Attendees can network with peers, industry veterans, and potential suppliers directly on the show floor, during dedicated networking parties (like the PBW Afterparty), and in dedicated meeting areas. There’s also a Hosted Buyer Program to facilitate direct connections between qualified buyers and exhibitors.

This extensive and dynamic schedule ensures that every attendee, whether a seasoned industry veteran or a new entrant, finds valuable content and connections to propel their plant-based business forward.

A Garden of Innovation: Key Product and Service Categories

Plant Based World Expo offers an incredibly comprehensive range of products, equipment, and services that cover the entire plant-based food supply chain, from ingredients to finished products ready for retail shelves or foodservice menus. As the only 100% plant-based trade event for B2B professionals in the U.S., it features a truly dedicated selection. Key categories typically featured include:

• Plant-Based Meat Alternatives:
  • Burgers, sausages, ground meat, chicken pieces, seafood alternatives (fish fillets, crab cakes, shrimp).
  • Steak, pork belly, and other innovative whole-cut alternatives.
  • Made from soy, pea protein, mushrooms, wheat gluten (seitan), jackfruit, and other novel protein sources.
• Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives:
  • Milks (oat, almond, soy, rice, coconut, hemp, pea, potato, etc.).
  • Cheeses (shreds, slices, blocks, creams, spreads) – including mozzarella, cheddar, feta, cream cheese, parmesan.
  • Yogurts, ice creams, and other frozen desserts.
  • Butter and sour cream alternatives.
• Plant-Based Baked Goods & Desserts:
  • Breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, muffins, brownies.
  • Plant-based versions of classic desserts.
• Plant-Based Beverages:
  • Ready-to-drink milks, juices, smoothies, functional beverages.
  • Coffee and tea products with plant-based components.
• Plant-Based Meals & Entrees:
  • Ready meals, frozen entrees, pizzas, pastas, soups, and stews.
  • Deli meats and charcuterie packs.
• Plant-Based Condiments, Sauces & Spreads:
  • Mayonnaise, dressings, dips, spreads, hot sauces, seasonings.
• Plant-Based Snacks:
  • Savory snacks (chips, crackers, puffed snacks, jerky alternatives).
  • Sweet snacks (candy, chocolate, protein bars, fruit snacks).
  • Nuts, seeds, and trail mixes.
• Plant-Based Ingredients & Raw Materials:
  • Proteins (pea, soy, rice, oat, mushroom, fungi-based, cultivated cell proteins).
  • Sweeteners, flavors, functional ingredients, plant-based fats and oils.
  • Hydrocolloids, emulsifiers, binders.
• Packaging Solutions:
  • Sustainable, compostable, biodegradable packaging.
  • Flexible and rigid packaging, labeling solutions.
• Processing & Manufacturing Equipment:
  • Machinery for plant-based food production, extrusion technology, fermentation equipment.
  • Quality control and inspection systems.
• Business Services & Solutions:
  • Co-packers, private label manufacturers.
  • Certifications (Vegan Certified, Non-GMO, Organic, Fairtrade).
  • Business services, marketing, branding, distribution, retail solutions.
  • Investment opportunities, market research, food safety consulting.
  • Special categories like BIMPOC Owned (Black, Indigenous, Multicultural, People of Color Owned) and Women Owned businesses.

This unparalleled diversity ensures that any professional involved in the plant-based industry, from a small startup to a large international food corporation, can find the products, technologies, and services necessary to enhance their operations, innovate their offerings, and meet the soaring market demands for plant-based solutions.

The Growing Green Movement: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

The Plant Based World Expo consistently attracts a substantial and highly qualified industry audience, solidifying its position as the premier B2B plant-based event in North America.

• Visitor Count: The Show draws an impressive number of industry professionals. For the 2025 edition, an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 plant-based industry professionals from around the world are expected to convene in New York. Attendees represent a comprehensive cross-section of the industry, exclusively focused on the B2B segment, including:
  • Foodservice Professionals (chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, institutional buyers like schools and hospitals).
  • Retail Buyers (supermarkets, specialty stores, natural food stores, e-commerce platforms).
  • Distributors, Wholesalers, and Brokers.
  • Manufacturers and Producers (seeking ingredients, co-packers, technologies).
  • Investors and Venture Capitalists.
  • Innovators, R&D specialists, and Product Developers.
  • Nutritionists, Dietitians, and Health Professionals.
  • Government officials, policy makers, and media. The show attracts attendees from a significant number of countries, highlighting its important international reach.
• Exhibitor Count: The Expo features a focused but extensive display of innovative products and services. For the 2025 edition, over 100 exhibiting companies are expected to showcase their latest plant-based innovations. This includes a mix of established industry leaders (like Impossible Foods, Gardein, Oatly), innovative startups, and international pavilions, showcasing the diversity of the global plant-based market. The show focuses on connecting these plant-based brands with the buyers and professionals who can get their products into the mainstream.

The targeted nature and high concentration of key decision-makers and the truly international scope of both exhibitors and attendees make this event incredibly efficient and productive for business development, market insights, and fostering global trade relationships within the plant-based food industry.

Planting Seeds for Success: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending Plant Based World Expo is an unparalleled investment, offering a wealth of advantages for any professional operating in the dynamic plant-based sector.

• Unmatched Product Discovery: Explore the largest and most concentrated selection of new and existing plant-based food products in North America, tailored exclusively for the B2B market. Be the first to discover and taste innovative plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, snacks, beverages, and more, before they hit mainstream shelves.
• Direct Access to Key Manufacturers & Suppliers: Engage face-to-face with the leading plant-based brands, ingredient suppliers, and service providers. These direct interactions facilitate product evaluation, allow for negotiation, and are crucial for building and strengthening vital supply chain relationships in a rapidly evolving market.
• Premier Industry Trends & Market Intelligence: Gain immediate insights into the latest plant-based trends, consumer preferences, and market dynamics from the very heart of the movement. The comprehensive conference program delves into critical topics like sustainable sourcing, innovative protein technologies, retail merchandising strategies, foodservice integration, investment opportunities, and navigating regulatory landscapes.
• World-Class Education Program: Benefit from dozens of expert-led seminars, panel discussions, and culinary demonstrations across multiple stages. Learn actionable strategies for growing your plant-based business, understanding the science behind plant-based ingredients, and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities.
• Showcase of Innovation: Witness groundbreaking advancements in product development, ingredients, and packaging. The “New Product Showcase” and “Vegpreneur Awards” highlight the most innovative and promising new offerings, giving you a competitive edge in product sourcing.
• Strategic Networking: Connect with thousands of passionate industry peers, thought leaders, potential partners, and investors from around the world. Share challenges, exchange best practices, and build a powerful professional network that can lead to new collaborations and significant business opportunities. The exclusive Hosted Buyer Program facilitates direct, pre-scheduled meetings with qualified buyers.
• Solutions for Operational Challenges: Discover tangible solutions and practical advice for navigating the unique challenges of the plant-based industry, such as scaling production, ensuring quality control, marketing to diverse consumer segments, and optimizing supply chains.
• Culinary Inspiration: Experience live cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Theater, where top chefs showcase creative and delicious ways to integrate plant-based products into menus, offering practical ideas for foodservice operators.
• Future-Proof Your Business: Staying informed about the latest innovations and trends is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Attending the Expo positions your business at the forefront of the plant-based movement, equipped with the knowledge and connections to drive sustainable growth and meet future consumer demands.

Your NYC Oasis: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

New York City offers an unparalleled array of hotel options to suit every budget and preference, with excellent proximity and connectivity to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

• Directly Connected / Within Walking Distance (Midtown West / Hudson Yards): The Javits Center is located in a rapidly developing area with many new and existing hotels within easy walking distance or a very short ride.
  • Hudson Yards Area: Many modern hotels have opened in or near the Hudson Yards development, offering a vibrant atmosphere, dining, and shopping. These are often a convenient walk to the Javits Center.
  • Nearby Hotels: Look for hotels along 11th Avenue, or within a few blocks towards 8th or 9th Avenues in the Midtown West neighborhood. Examples could include:
    • Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown West
    • Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Midtown West
    • Kimpton Ink48 Hotel
    • Hyatt House Chelsea / Hudson Yards
    • Even Hotel Midtown East
    • Moxy NYC Times Square (a bit further, but still accessible)
• Times Square / Theater District: A slightly longer walk or a very short subway/taxi ride. This area offers a huge concentration of hotels across all price points, along with renowned dining and entertainment options.
• Chelsea / Hell’s Kitchen: These vibrant neighborhoods offer boutique hotels, a diverse culinary scene, and a lively atmosphere, often within a reasonable distance to the Javits Center.
• Financial District / Downtown: While further south, these areas offer different hotel styles and are accessible via subway. However, for maximum convenience to the Javits Center, staying in Midtown West or near Times Square is generally preferred.
• Official Housing Partner: The Plant Based World Expo works with an official housing partner (check their website for details, as it may change). Booking through the official housing service is highly recommended as it often provides discounted rates, protects against fraudulent hotel solicitations, and offers better flexibility than booking directly or through third-party sites during large conventions in New York City.

Given New York City’s constant high demand for accommodation and the significant attendance at the Plant Based World Expo, it is highly advisable to book your accommodation as early as possible – ideally immediately after confirming your attendance – to secure your preferred location and rate.

The Investment in a Greener Future: Understanding the Cost to Attend

Attending the Plant Based World Expo is a valuable investment for professionals in the plant-based industry, providing access to essential resources for business growth and staying competitive. While specific pricing for 2025 is readily available, here’s what you can expect:

• Exhibit Hall Only Pass (General Admission): This pass grants access to the main exhibit hall for both days, allowing you to explore exhibitor booths, discover new products, and attend demonstrations in the Culinary Theater and other open stage areas. For qualified trade professionals, this pass is often FREE if you register in advance of the show.
• Full Conference Pass: This is the most comprehensive pass, including full access to the exhibit hall, the entire multi-track conference program (all expert-led sessions in the theaters), and often access to presentation slides post-event. This pass provides the deepest dive into industry insights and strategies.
  • Early Bird Rate: Typically ranges from $250 – $350 USD.
  • Standard/Onsite Rate: The price increases closer to the show, often ranging from $350 – $450 USD.
• Non-Exhibiting Supplier Policy: Plant Based World Expo is strictly a B2B event. If you are a supplier to the plant-based industry but are not exhibiting, there is a significantly higher fee to access the show floor. This policy is in place to maintain the B2B focus and encourage companies to exhibit if their primary goal is to sell products or services to the attendees. This fee can be several hundred dollars.

These fees generally cover access to the show itself. Attendees should also budget for personal travel (flights/trains), accommodation, and dining expenses in New York City. For the unparalleled opportunity to source new products, connect with global innovators, gain vital education on industry trends, and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving plant-based market, the return on this investment is considered substantial and often critical for operational excellence and sustained profitability in the plant-based sector.

Grow Your Vision: Your Journey to Plant-Based Excellence Begins Here!

Plant Based World Expo is more than just an event; it’s the undisputed epicenter of the North American plant-based industry, a powerful and inspiring convergence of culinary innovation, scientific advancement, and strategic foresight that sets the tone for a healthier, more sustainable future. It’s where global trends in plant-based living come to life, where groundbreaking products are unveiled, and where vital connections are forged that propel businesses across the entire food supply chain. Whether you are a buyer seeking the next viral plant-based product, a manufacturer looking for innovative ingredients, a foodservice operator aiming to expand your vegan menu, or an investor searching for promising new ventures, attending this Expo is an essential experience that will ignite your passion, broaden your market knowledge, and empower you to lead in the exciting, ever-evolving world of plant-based food. Don’t just observe the plant-based movement; be an active part of its growth and success!

To learn more about the Plant Based World Expo and to plan your attendance, visit: plantbasedworldexpo.com