A Visit to the 2021 Plant Based Expo

January 18, 2022

Back in December, the Ace team visited the 2021 Plant Based World Conference & Expo at the Javits Center. We couldn’t wait to see what was in store at the self-described, “only professional 100% plant-based focused event for foodservice and retail professionals, distributors, investors, and manufacturers.”

The show itself boasted over 200 of the most innovative, plant-based brands, education sessions led by experts in the field, and the opportunity for infinite mingling and discovery. “I was pretty impressed with the turnout,” said Ace CEO Tor Newman after a full day spent sampling products, chatting with vendors, and exploring new offerings. “There were a lot of people with energy there and it was great to see plenty of industry veterans—along with new upstarts.”

“I liked ‘the vibe’ and ‘the feeling’ of the overall show,” says Matt Fried, Ace’s Business Development Manager. “There was, in my opinion, a feeling of warmth and a spirit of cooperation and excitement among the people there.” This feeling extended even to those producing similar, competing products.

“There were some really interesting, good products being made with oats, including a couple of cream cheese and cheese lines and yogurt lines,” says Newman. This includes Ace vendor Elmhurst, pictured above. Elmhurst offers a variety of creamy, plant-based milks “with zero gums and added junk.”

Tofurky, a long-time Ace vendor whose founder we profiled way back in 2013, was also in attendance with its own versions of sausage and a new plant-based burger. Fried says that the number of vendors presenting plant-based meat alternatives was no surprise. “I think it would be good for our customers and followers to know that they no longer have to stick with ‘the same old ingredient’ they’ve been using for years,” he adds. “Nor do they have to ‘follow what everyone else is doing.’ They can do both, mix & match, and/or test new things.”

Bini Reilly, who helms Ace’s retail division, agrees: “Plant-based meat alternatives now cover more than just burgers and sausage. You can find plant-based options for seafood, bacon, pulled pork, and chicken, to name a few.” She adds that many brands making great-tasting vegan foods are no longer trying to be meat alternatives. “They want the vegetables to stand out on their own and they taste delicious.”

In addition to more gluten-free options, Reilly also noted an increase in the number of vegan brands offering organic products. In the past, she says, this has been a challenge in the plant-based world, due to ingredient costs and competitive pricing with conventional foods.

“It was really great to see that people were out and about looking for new products—and that new product innovation was there,” says Tor. “And then there were also plenty of industry vets that are innovating and trying to keep their product fresh, as well.”

Fried adds that Ace customers should keep an eye out for offerings from Myracle Kitchen, a brand-new line of plant-based milks and snacks that we’ll be introducing soon. “Their espresso machine & energy certainly drew a crowd,” remembers Fried.

Plant Based World 2022 will take place next September at the Javits Center. We hope to see you there!