PHILADELPHIA – More than 1,200 brands will be exhibiting at the Natural Products Expo East at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from September 28 to October 28. 1. Organized by Informa Markets’ New Hope Network, the event is expected to attract more than 20,000 attendees.
Before the presentation, a panel discussed the trends and new things to look for during an online presentation. Many exhibiting companies are committed to addressing environmental and social issues, said Amanda Hartt, director of market research at New Hope Network, Boulder, Colorado. Brands and entrepreneurs are stepping up to solve some of the most intractable challenges facing our CPG system, and expect to make a more positive environmental and social impact in the communities around their headquarters and communities around the world. procurement and materials,” Ms. Hartt said.
Many exhibitors display regenerative organic certifications, indicating that ingredients have been produced using methods that promote soil health, animal welfare, and social equity.
It seems like everyone has a regenerative story these days,” said Adrienne Smith, director of content for the New Hope Network. Brands and suppliers are relying on these regenerative practices to support healthier soils, animal welfare, and biodiversity.
He highlighted several brands that stock regeneratively grown ingredients. Dr. Bronner (Vista, Calif.) works with regenerative organic cacao farmers to make plant-based chocolate bars. Force of Nature in Austin, Texas markets grass-fed, grass-fed, and pasture-raised meat on regenerative farms. Baltimore-based Simple offers certified organic regenerative quinoa blends.
The speakers also reviewed brands and new products based on climate and sustainability aspects.
“Some of the ways brands are sending sustainability messages include carbon footprint, packaging stories, recycling stories and sourcing stories,” Ms. Smith said.
Airlie, St. Louis, offers Salted Caramel Cookies made with regeneratively farmed ingredients. The company offsets the carbon produced during the production of firecrackers.
Neutral Foods, Portland, Oregon, measures the overall carbon footprint of its products and works directly with farmers on projects to reduce the carbon intensity of milk. Its whole milk, 2% of its milk and half of its products are 100% carbon neutral through investments in carbon offsets, including credits from farmers that convert cow emissions into renewable energy.
Goodsam Foods (Greenwich, Connecticut) engages in direct trade practices and regenerative agriculture with smallholders and indigenous communities.
Another trend discussed during the presentation is the increased diversification of the natural products industry, as historically neglected entrepreneurs receive more shelves and support.