Plant-Based Was Biggest Trend at Major Trade Show

Food industry media outlet Organic Authority recently recapped last weekend’s major trade show Natural Foods Expo West. The event drew a record number of 80,000 attendees and 3,100 product exhibitors—500 of which were showing their products for the first time. “The biggest trend on the show floor was the explosion of plant-based foods and their link to reduced impact on the climate, improved human health, and animal welfare,” Organic Authority writer Jill Ettinger said. Large crowds gathered to sample products from Beyond Meat, Tofurky, Miyoko’s Kitchen, and Daiya Foods, amongst others. Ettinger pointed out that the presence of plant-based milk companies—such as Ripple, Malk, Banana Wave, and Elmhurst (a new nut-milk brand launched by a former dairy farmer)—indicated strong growth in the category. VegNews presented ten companies with a Best in Show award at Expo West, one of which was newcomer Coffee-mate for its Natural Bliss line of vegan creamers.