Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) is an industry-leading trade show, home to the newest natural and organic products in foods and beverages; clean beauty and home products; and supplements and ingredients hitting the market. This year, the show brought together 100,000 people in the CPG industry, with over 65,000 registered attendees and more than 3,000 exhibiting companies. The show is a must-attend event for industry professionals looking to find the newest trending products hitting store shelves.
According to New Hope Network’s Nutrition Business Journal, the natural and organic industry grew 5.4% to $278 billion in 2022 and is forecasted to surpass $300 billion in sales in 2023, proving the changing consumer needs that fueled healthier habits during the COVID pandemic are helping the natural and organic industry remain resilient through challenging economic times. Read on to learn about a few of the trends and/or hot items our team noticed in our Natural Products Expo West 2023 Recap.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens have been around for millennia. In Eastern medicine, people mix potent herbs and roots with liquid to make adaptogen drinks that promote healing. These ingredients have a calming effect on the mind. They also improve energy, boost the immune system, deliver pain relief, and enhance focus. Throughout the show floor, we saw products that contained adaptogen ingredients, including coffee, better-for-you canned beverages, and snack bars. We even sampled our very own sugar-free Black Forest Adaptogenic Latte, utilizing our Legacy™SWEET systems!
Indulgent Organic Products
No surprise that organic CPGs containing ALL organic ingredients were everywhere. Consumers want ingredients they trust and recognize on product labels and brands are tapping into that. Even if that means indulging in higher-calorie products such as those containing organic sugar. We saw frozen treats, breakfast bars, RTD coffee beverages, energy drinks, and more that contained sugar leaning into their organic messaging. Organic foods are perceived as environmentally safe because chemical pesticides and fertilizers are not used in their production and they don’t contain GMOs.
Entrepreneur Diversity
BIPOC (black, indigenous, and other people of color) and women-owned companies were throughout the show floors. These smaller brands amplify unique perspectives and culturally authentic products that pique consumers’ interest. According to Mike Dovbish, executive director of Nutrition Capital Network, “Industry investors are anticipating that in the near future, women-led businesses will be the majority.”
NPEW Continues to Grow
The event grew so much this year that it had to expand its’ Hot Products halls to include a section of Level Three in the convention center. Many of the 898 first-time exhibitors were featured on this floor, including IFPC! We were surrounded by exhibitors who brought new passions and ideas that will shape the future of food and wellness.
This year’s Natural Products Expo West show was another glimpse into the future of food. We are looking forward to the 2024 show!
