Vegan Business Tribe, is once again offering up-and-coming plant-based food and drink brands the chance to pitch for a free delegate place at veg-net, the leading networking and growth platform for plant-based brands.

Taking place on 4th June 2025 at Radisson Blu London Stansted Airport, veg-net 2025 connects challenger brands with key UK and European retail buyers, this includes Ocado, GreenPro International, Suma, and The Vegan Wholesaler.

The Battle of the Brands competition provides one plant-based business with an unmissable opportunity to secure 10 pre-arranged buyer meetings at veg-net (worth £1,750).

Last year's winner, Louisa Mitchell from Wildly Tasty, attended the event and received a free coaching session with industry experts, she says:

“It was such an exciting experience pitching to the dragons at VBT! I was blown away to have won the competition and the free place at Veg-Net - such an incredible opportunity to meet with so many buyers face-to-face, network with food founders and raise awareness of Wildly Tasty! It was an absolute bonus to receive a coaching session from Andy Shovel too. This is an opportunity not to be missed by a vegan business owner - whatever stage of the journey they are at.”

Why It Matters

“Battle of the Brands gives an exciting challenger brand a direct route to buyers, with the backing of a panel of industry experts who see them as 'one to watch.' Plus, the 'Dragon's Den' style final makes sure that even the brands that do not win get some fantastic visibility.” says David Pannell, founder of Vegan Business Tribe.

Joe Hill, returning as a judge, says:
"We are especially looking for brands that not only taste great but also bring clear health benefits, feature functional ingredients, or tap into current consumer trends. We want to find brands that will make retailers take notice—products that stand out for their taste, nutritional value, convenience, or ability to meet the growing demand for healthier plant-based swaps."

How It Works

Plant-based food and beverage brands looking to break into retail or scale beyond their first listings can enter by submitting a 60-second video and entry form via the Vegan Business Tribe website. Applications close on 3rd March 2025, with finalists announced in early March.

Three finalists will compete in a live 'Dragon's Den'-style final on 18th March 2025, pitching to a panel of industry experts: Joe Hill (One Planet Pizza), Mirrin Lewis (The Vegan Society Trademark), Chris Kong (Better Nature Tempeh), and Keith Lesser (Vegan Accountants).

The winner receives a free delegate place at veg-net 2025 (worth £1,750) and a one-on-one coaching session with a judge. Two runners-up get a half-price ticket to the event plus a free coaching session. All entrants gain access to early bird pricing for veg-net.

No membership with Vegan Business Tribe is required, and videos don't need to be professionally produced.

ENDS

For more information or images please contact: Sam Beeny sam@sharprelations.com or Clare Pope clare@sharprelations.com

Notes to Editors

veg-net is a one-day event on 4th June 2025 at Radisson Blu London Stansted Airport, offering pre-arranged buyer meetings, industry expert clinics, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities for plant-based brands.

Last year, when surveyed, 80% of attendees felt the event was so beneficial that they intend to attend again next year.

Many of the plant-based food and drink founders who attended veg-net last year have reported tangible results.

Anna Gorman founder of Plantside, a vegan Yorkshire pudding company, says: 

“We got listed with Suma in August directly as a result of veg-net. We had been in contact with Matthew previously, but he wouldn't be convinced there was a market for our Yorkshire puddings. Getting to sit down face to face and explain in more detail about our products and how sales had risen since we were last in touch worked wonders and we got a yes on the day!”

Natasha Orumbie, founder of The Vegan Patty Lady, says:

“One of the best investments in my business ever! The fruits of attending are still very much here and blossoming!”

Strategic Partners include Kale United, The Vegan Society, Plant Futures, FoodBev Media, Proveg International, Kitchen Republic, and Plant-Based Food Alliance.