
Buyers Confirmed for Hosted Buyer Program include Sodexo, Chartwells Higher Education and Compass Group
Article contributed by Ben Davis, Plant Based World Expo
As the excitement builds for Plant Based World Expo North America, happening at the Javits Center on September 11-12, 2024, more names are being added to the growing roster of participating companies.
The trade show and conference will feature a Hosted Buyer Program, which offers concierge match-making with exhibitors at the show, connecting buyers and suppliers face-to-face during the two day event.
Powered by SPINS, the leading data provider for the natural and plant-based marketplace, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity for manufacturers to connect directly with foodservice providers, distributors and retailers.
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Expanding Opportunities
Since the launch of the program at the start of the summer, confirmed participants include buyers from Sodexo, representing their higher education division and workplace division, and Compass Group, representing Chartwells Higher Education and their broader business.
The Hosted Buyer Program also includes a diverse array of buyers from various sectors including retail, convenience, travel and distribution, ensuring that exhibitors have the chance to connect with a wide range of potential partners. These include:
- American Cruise Lines
- Kroger
- 7-Eleven/Speedway
- Whole Foods Market
- Hannaford
- KeHe
- American Cruise Lines
- Meijer
- Clark Distributing
- Fairway
- Roots Market
- Migros
- Bristol Farms
- Fresh Thyme
- L&B
This diversity underscores the broad appeal of plant-based products across both retail and foodservice channels. There is a clear appetite from across mainstream supermarkets, health food stores, specialty distributors, and even cruise lines, to stay on-top of the innovations and latest launches in the plant-based sector.
Maximizing Value
For buyers, the Hosted Buyer Program is highly valuable as the meetings are pre-arranged based on their specifications, offering an efficient and effective way to do business at the event.
The program, supported by foodservice consultants Elohi and data-backed by SPINS, is also designed to maximize manufacturers who participate in the event’s exposure to the right audience.
Participation in the Hosted Buyer Program meetings is complimentary for exhibitors of the show.
“We decided to pursue the 2024 Plant Based World Expo because this honestly seems a like a ‘no brainer’ to us. It’s our target audience filled with like-minded brands and attendees alike. Plus, we have had several internal folks who have attended and recommended we participate”, says Erin Taylor, Brand Experiential Manager at Oatly who will be exhibiting at the event.
“Our overall objectives are to showcase our 2024 innovations, connect with individuals within our industry, new business leads/sales and to reinforce Oatly’s commitment to plant-based.”
Future Participants
With the list of confirmed buyers expanding every day there will be more opportunities for meaningful connections at the event.
If you represent a foodservice organization and would like to streamline your buying process and ensure you have plant-based options covered, contact Abigail Stevens at abigail@jdevents.com to learn more about the Hosted Buyer Program.
Buyers can also register for a free pass to attend the event Plant Based World Expo to take advantage of an expo hall full of exhibitors, as well as three theaters of content included in the pass! Register at Plant Based World Expo’s website .
Ben Davis programs the world’s first and only fully plant-based trade expo and accompanying news site and newsletter. He developed the original concept of Plant Based World Conference and Expo for trade show management company JD Events, inspired by his own personal plant-based journey.
The event launched successfully in 2019 in the U.S. at the Javits Convention Center in New York City and is currently onto the 2024 Edition. Ben’s mission is to make delicious, natural foods accessible to everyone. He believes that diet and lifestyle are the keys to a balanced and prosperous future for all beings on Earth.
Outside of his work in food, Ben is a music producer and performer under the stage name Vibe Street. His greatest joy is making people smile, dance and come alive to the magic of the present moment.
Ben is determined to spend his life building community and celebrating this mysterious human experience to the fullest.