New York, NY—The Plant Based World Conference & Expo announced the keynote speakers for 2019: Ann Beaty, the director of Kroger Merchandising Consulting at 84.51°; Edward Brown, president of Restaurant Associates; and Michele Simon, executive director of Plant Based Foods Association. They will be discussing the growth of the plant-based food industry, according to a press release.

Ann Beaty is leading a passion project that is targeting and capitalizing on the vegetarian/vegan customer at Kroger, the release says, as well as using consumer data and industry trends to fulfill the needs of plant based consumers at Kroger. She develops the most effective use of retail space, analyzes consumer data and develops data-driven solutions to business problems, according to the release.

Ed Brown, according to the release, is an experienced chef that has worked in kitchens worldwide. He has received a Michelin Star and multiple New York Times stars. His company, Restaurant Associates, is a member of the Compass Group and is recognized as the nation’s top on site dining management company, according to the release.

The release also says that Michele Simon has 20 years experience in food and beverage law and policy and she has written about food politics, litigation, and food and beverage advocacy efforts. She founded the Plant Based Foods Association in 2015, which is a trade group that offers legal advice on federal regulatory compliance for labeling and marketing and represents the nation’s leading plant-based good companies, according to the release.