WASHINGTON, March 12, 2013- Natural Products Expo West, produced by New Hope Natural Media (A division of Penton), today announced the successful wrap-up of its 33rd annual event. The Expo showcased a record number of new natural and organic product launches, and provided the definitive community platform for brands, retailers and influencers in the natural, organic and healthy living sector.
Topping both exhibitor and attendee records, Natural Products Expo West drew more than 63,000 industry members and 2,428 exhibiting companies at the Anaheim Convention Center, March 7-10, 2013 in Anaheim, CA.
“You truly had to be present at this year’s event to experience the energy felt on the show floor and throughout Anaheim,” said Adam Andersen, show director for Natural Products Expo West. “The Grand Plaza at the convention center became the natural products community’s living room for four days, and is where we celebrated the industry’s continued success.”
Whole Foods Market announced at the event its commitment to full genetically-modified organism (GMO) transparency by 2018.
“This compelling news is an important next step for the industry, possible legislation and ultimately consumers,” said Fred Linder, president of New Hope Natural Media.
Supporting this product labeling rally, the National Cooperative Grocers Association also made connections with a majority of its suppliers at Expo West asking that they follow the guidelines set forth by Just Label It.
The fact that so many of the brands advocating for this call-to-action exhibit at the show and are in retail stores such as Whole Foods, as well as the co-ops that serve communities nationwide, demonstrates Expo West’s critical mass to push this campaign forward, Linder said.
Hail Merry
The NEXT pavilion, part of New Hope Natural Media’s new NEXT Natural Products Industry Accelerator program to support emerging natural brands, featured innovative new products, and added to the event’s buzz. “The NEXT Accelerator provides the information, tools, community and connections needed to cultivate the next generation of natural products entrepreneurs,” Andersen added.
Trends still prominent at Natural Products Expo West, with significantly more product options launching into the market, include gluten- and allergen-free products, sprouted foods, healthy snacks, non-dairy alternatives, vegan and paleo offerings, and healthier, cleaner kids’ products.
Natural Products Expo East 2013 will return to the Baltimore Convention Center, Sept. 25-28, 2013 in Baltimore, MD.
Follow @NatProdExpo on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn
Article Information provided by Heather Smith, Natural Products Expo West
Adam Omkara is mind/body health Guru and spiritual consultant. His clients have included celebrities, politicians, professional athletes, and professional sport team owners. Adam is the founder of Omkara World and produced the mind/body fitness DVD “Intelligent Fitness.”
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
