Plant Based World Expo

Plant Based World Expo was for five editions the leading B2B plant-based trade show in North America, held annually at the iconic Javits Center on Manhattan's west side. Produced by JD Events, it was never a consumer festival — it was a foodservice, retail, investor and manufacturer event, the place where buyers for supermarket chains, hospital foodservice operators and restaurant groups came to discover the next wave of plant-based products. Think less "food samples and merch" and more "category managers placing pallet orders."

The expo peaked with its fifth edition in September 2024, drawing hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of trade attendees across two days. A sixth edition was planned for December 2-3, 2025, but in February 2026 JD Events announced that Plant Based World Expo North America has been indefinitely postponed, following a similar announcement about the European edition. No 2026 dates will be held.

The postponement reflects a broader cooling in the plant-based sector through 2024-2025 as venture funding dried up, several high-profile brands shuttered or restructured, and retail shelf pressure intensified. The expo's B2B-only format — no general public tickets — meant it relied on brand marketing budgets that are currently under strain. Whether the event relaunches in 2027 or later depends on market recovery and sponsor commitments.

For consumers looking for a NYC-area plant-based festival in 2026, Vegandale at Citi Field in September remains the flagship consumer event. For trade and industry professionals, alternatives include the Good Food Expo in Chicago, Natural Products Expo East and West, and Fancy Food Show — all of which now have significant plant-based sections. We're keeping the Plant Based World Expo entry live on this page for historical context and will update immediately if JD Events announces a return. Check plantbasedworldexpo.com for official statements.