February 16, 2022

Natural Products Expo West slated for in-person in Anaheim in March

An industry event will gather the organic products industry in Anaheim, California the second week of March.

Informa Markets’ Natural Products Expo West, part of the New Hope Network family of brands, said in a news release that it’s committed to “gathering the natural and organic community in person … prioritizing a safe and comfortable experience for all participants.”

The show, which runs at the Anaheim Convention Center March 8-12, 2022, will be “the first Expo West in Anaheim since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic,” according to the news release. It follows Informa Markets’ Natural Products Expo East event held in Philadelphia during September 2021, and Informa said it expects “strong turnout” from retailers, exhibitors, sponsors and industry partners.

Those attending to re-connect with colleagues and focus on the future of the nearly $300 billion natural and organic industry can expect an exciting show with best-in-class health and safety measures, according to the release.

Among the buyers at the show will be Jimbo’s Naturally, which sells organic foods including produce.

“The Jimbo’s Buying Team is looking forward to Expo West 2022 and interacting with the natural foods community in person!” said Kelly Hartford, Jimbo’s director of marketing, said in the news release. “Not only is it an opportunity to catch up with owners, vendors and brokers, but it is the perfect venue to explore and experience new products. Expo West is always a highlight of the year and we are excited to be back.”

Expo West is following similar registration trends as Expo East in September. The first industry event to return in-person, Expo East provided a valuable opportunity for in-person discovery, drawing retailers from stores such as Kroger, Whole Foods, Earth Fare, Dawson’s Market, Freshly and many more, who sought out the hottest products in organic and natural foods; clean beauty and home products; and supplements and ingredients. The quality Expo East audience resulted in a strong return on investment for many exhibitors, a trend expected at Expo West.

“I’m so happy you put Expo East on, New Hope,” exhibitor Joe Christensen of NuSkool Snacks said in a news release “We met everyone we wanted to meet. Wegman’s, the Whole Foods team, 7-11, CVS and several investors we’re courting. Honestly, if [Expo East] didn’t happen right now, I’m not so sure this company would be around in several months. Thank you so much for putting this on and can’t wait for Expo West!”

General Expo West 2022 will see the return of a robust lineup of events and education as with years past. Highlights include Climate Day, the annual State of Natural & Organic session, Pitch Slam, Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, a JEDI Community Happy Hour, and Evenings on the Plaza with live music. Industry members who are unable to attend in-person this year will have access to the new Natural Products Expo Virtual Community platform that opened Feb. 1.

Virtual events will begin February 16 with the Natural Products Expo Kickoff and will include a trend session with SPINS, the live announcement of NEXTY Award winners and more virtual extensions of the in-person Expo West event.

 


Tags:



Be sure to check out our other specialty agriculture brands

Organic Grower