As news of H5N1 across dairy and cattle herds spreads across the U.S., we are left with a feeling that is simultaneously frightening yet familiar. Seeing updates about strains of flu that rapidly progress through livestock populations has become an unfortunate norm in this country. As government bodies work to contain the spread, and better understand the viral pathways, we would be deeply remiss should we not acknowledge the dangerous state of our food systems and our overwhelming reliance on intensively reared farmed animals. Hopefully humans are spared in this instance but, even if that is ..read more

The culinary and foodservice world is gearing up for the largest foodservice tradeshow of the year, the 2024 National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show in Chicago. Set against the backdrop of the Windy City, this premier gathering promises to be a hub of inspiration for operators looking to expand upon their plant-based food assortment and procurement possibilities.  According to a recent Technomic report, plant-based foods are gaining prominence across restaurant menus with 83% of operators believing that having plant-based proteins on their menus drive foot traffic. The NRA show is the ..read more

The 2024 DOT Innovations Show, held April 22-24 in Denver, Colorado, served as a gathering of industry leaders and innovators, all eager to explore the latest trends and advancements in the foodservice industry. DOT Foods is North America’s largest food industry redistributor of over 125,000 products, making the show the perfect platform to facilitate impactful connections. Among the myriad of exhibitors and discussions, one notable trend stood out: plant-based foods are growing in presence and influence across the foodservice industry. From mouth watering plant-based burgers to dairy-free de ..read more

Kimberlie Le, Co-Founder and CEO of Prime Roots In the United States, it’s estimated that almost 50% of adults eat a sandwich on any given day – a meal we all know to be an iconic staple of the American diet and a favorite for daytime commuters looking to grab a quick and easy lunch at their nearest deli counter. The traditional deli counter can be an intimidating place to redefine, but for some in the plant-based food industry, it’s exciting new ground to tap into. Plant-based deli meat and charcuterie company Prime Roots is doing exactly that, working tirelessly since 2017 to sustainably in ..read more

At PBFA, we believe that the plant-based foods industry is a powerful catalyst for positive and holistic change in our food system. A food system that prioritizes producing plant-based foods is ripe with opportunities beyond a reduction in emissions; it offers our society a future of food production that can meet consumer demand for sustainable and healthier foods, create new market opportunities that fuel positive political action, bolster the creation of climate-friendly jobs and infrastructure, the list goes on. The plant-based foods industry represents an opportunity to reimagine and opti ..read more

“You spray the shit in the air! People can’t breathe!,” reads the opening sentence of Maisie Ganzler’s new book “You Can’t Market Manure at Lunchtime: And Other Lessons from the Food Industry for Creating a More Sustainable Company.” If you’re like me – and heated debates over hog waste lagoons instantly pique your interest – then it is not a far jump from understanding how the politics of where and how hog farm waste is managed is intrinsically tied to the everyday realities of running a mission-driven business in the food industry. This is exactly the point Maisie makes again and again thro ..read more

The recent F&B @ Sea tradeshow in Miami, Florida, organized by Seatrade Cruise Industry and the Informa team, was a testament to the growing interest and opportunities for plant-based foods in the cruise industry. With a lineup of engaging discussions, impactful presentations, and valuable networking opportunities, the event served as an important platform for PBFA to provide the cruise industry audience with a high-level overview of the state of plant-based foods and the exciting opportunities for suppliers and operators alike. The event saw participation from several PBFA member co ..read more

Demand for plant-based foods is on the rise. From LA County committing to plant-based by default for city food procurement to 55 members of Congress asking President Biden to increase plant-based options in federal facilities, there is little question  people want more plant-based foods – now the challenge is what needs to happen to make these products  more accessible . Getting more plant-based options on plates requires broad stakeholder collaboration, which is why building the political power of the plant-based foods industry is a core focus for the PBFA policy team. From support ..read more

In today's market, consumers are more discerning than ever about the products they buy. They want transparency about ingredients and how foods are produced. They also want assurances that the products align with their values. This is especially true for plant-based foods.  According to a new report from The Food Industry Association (FMI), 76% of grocery shoppers say transparency around ingredients and production methods is important, up from 72% in 2021. An overwhelming 98% of consumers notice certifications when shopping for products online and in-store. And 79% believe food product ce ..read more

Beginning this spring, industry leaders will come together in a new network to build more sustainable supply chains across the plant-based sector. Launching May 1, the Sustainable Sourcing Community of Practice will connect brands working to diversify ingredients, support more ecological farming practices, and improve livelihoods for the people that grow and make our food. By sharing knowledge, strategies, and solutions to common challenges, members will advance their own companies’ sustainability goals and strengthen their collective impact on the food system. Plant-based food companies can ..read more