Julie Emmett is the vice president of marketplace development for the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and Plant Based Foods Institute (PBFI). In this role, she leads PBFA’s work to influence marketplace environments, such as retail, ecommerce, and foodservice, in favor of plant-based foods by expanding space and assortment through research and in-depth education. Julie’s leadership enables the marketplace development team to collaborate with top industry players such as Kroger, Walmart, Target, and Ahold to provide cutting-edge guidance that inspires action in the areas of plant-based merchandising best practices and menu expansion, while incorporating values, such as social justice and sustainability, into all decision-making. In alignment with PBFI’s credo that business is a vital lever for systems-change, Julie leads the organization’s research into plant-based consumer insights aimed at helping the industry to better connect with the wants, needs, and expectations of this influential consumer segment with the goal of educating about broad-scale behavior change in favor of plant-based diets and eating patterns.
She launched PBFA's Retail Advisory Council and currently sits on the Advisory Council for Plant Based World Expo and Indoor Ag-Con. Julie is an accomplished thought-leader who often speaks on panels, webinars, and podcasts to help educate about the significant business opportunity, as well as the positive impact on health, sustainability, and animal welfare, that plant-based foods and diets provide.
Julie has dedicated her career to the retail food industry in leadership roles with companies such as Kraft, Albertsons, MARS Advertising, and SPINS. She has deep experience developing marketing strategies, designing new product launches within the plant-based category, and leading successful sales teams.
Julie earned her master’s in business administration at St. Mary’s College, is certified in nutrition education, and is passionate about understanding growth within plant-based foods, which remains at the epicenter of grocery retail sales growth.
Presentation Description
As the plant-based industry evolves, having a deep understanding of plant-based consumers is crucial to the success of the industry. Please join us to learn about: • The plant-based industry landscape • Are consumers replacing animal-foods with plant-based foods? • Why are consumers choosing plant-based foods (beyond health, sustainability, and animal welfare). • How does this impact retail and foods service placement of plant-based foods to make is easier for consumers to find?