Natural Products Expo identifies macro forces

The 33rd edition of Natural Products Expo West ended with new record highs in participation and product launches. It noted three major trends that will greatly impact players in industry.

New Hope Natural Media, the producer of the show, recorded some 63,000 industry members and 2,428 exhibiting companies at the Anaheim Convention Center, March 7-10 in Anaheim, California. Engredea and Nutracon, the ingredient and supply chain’s most comprehensive trade show and conference were co-located with Natural Products Expo West. The event was attended by brands, retailers and influencers in the natural, organic and healthy living sector.

One of the highlights is the announcement from Whole Foods Market saying that it would commit 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, a division of Penton. 

Supporting this product labelling 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, Mr Linder said.  

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