Speciality Food October 2024

18 T he two-day Plant Based World Expo Europe is a must-attend event for all food and drink professionals looking for an up-to-the-minute look at the fast-paced plant-based sector. From ingredients and retail-ready products to packaging, innovation is rife across the sector, and Plant BasedWorld Expo Europe is the ultimate place to experience it all under one roof. Attendees will be able to sample products from over 150 brands that are both established and new to the sector – including those that have travelled from countries including Italy, France, Germany and Brazil to connect with professionals within the British plant-based sphere. Highlights include ranges fromPlenty Reasons, Dandies Marshmallows, Mighty Kitchen, Dragonfly Foods, BeanStalk and Novameat. Hear expert insight Plant BasedWorld Europe is home to three theatres packed with educational sessions hosted by thought leaders and plant-based experts. The Pulse Theatre will host the likes of SPINS, GFI and Plant Future who will share the latest data and predict the future of the plant- based sector. The Learning Garden @specialityfood PLANT BASED WORLD EXPO EUROPE 2024 PREVIEW IN DETAIL NEED TO KNOW WHERE: ExCeL, London WHEN: 13th-14th November 2024 WEB: plantbasedworldeurope.com Europe’s 100% plant-based industry event returns to ExCeL London on 13th-14th November 2024 TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR At Plant BasedWorldExpowe recognise the importance of innovation and collaborationacross the entire supply chain to create enticing, delicious plant- basedproducts that customerswill love – and change their dietaryhabits for. The show this yearwill champion innovation in the space, and technologies that are making it happen ABIGAIL STEVENS, MARKETING DIRECTOR AT JD EVENTS RETHINKING FOODWASTE With waste a hot topic at all levels of the food and drink industry, the sector is beginning to recognise the sustainable potential of waste. One business exhibiting at the event which is doing just that is Alimentos Sanygran, a Spanish company which uses spent grain from the beer industry to create a meat analogue. FUNCTIONAL FOOD AND DRINK Functional foods are making waves in the food and drink sphere, as shoppers look to get more from what they consume – better sleep, improved digestion and energy boosts are just some of the demands they are placing on brands today. Bar1Brands is up for the challenge and will be presenting its range of high-protein YuBi bars at the event, alongside its Jade & Joy brand of vegan collagen bars. FREE-FROM AND INDULGENT In 2024, there’s no reason for consumers with allergens and dietary restrictions to miss out on indulgent food. Vecuisine will be launching brand new Salted Caramel and Lime Cheesecakes at the event, both of which are free from lactose, gluten, cholesterol and eggs, and offering attendees samples so they can experience the new products for themselves. INNOVATIVE INGREDIENTS The ingredient sector has been key to the innovation rife throughout the plant-based sector – with the taste and texture of products particularly boosted by recent innovations. A number of ingredient solution providers will be in attendance at the show, including Clextral, which will be showcasing their patented Galaxy Texturation technology, which provides soft and flexible textures in whole-cut meat alternatives; and Novonesis, which will present a new line of plant-based enzymes – Vertera – which has been created for use in meat-alternatives, yogurts and plant-based drinks. Theatre will showcase the sector’s latest research and innovations via company-led presentations and shorter educational sessions. Meanwhile, the Culinary Theatre will offer visitors to the event the opportunity to sample products on display which have been cooked by professional chefs, who will also provide advice around incorporating the items into simple meals for all.