Natural Products Expo West Scores Record Attendance, Exhibitors

March 10, 2013

The natural and organic products industry continues to boom, as evidenced by Penton Media’s record-breaking show, Natural Products Expo West, held March 7-10 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

More than 63,000 attendees were able to check out the latest natural and organic products ranging from veggie burgers to lip balm being offered by 2,428 exhibitors spread out on a 393,000 net square foot showfloor.

Last year’s show drew approximately 60,000 attendees and 2,000 exhibitors.

“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.

He added of the newly opened Grand Plaza at the Anaheim CC, “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.”  

The show was collocated with Engredea and Nutracon, an event for the ingredient and supply chain.

Big news at this year’s show was natural and organic products supermarket chain, Whole Foods Market, 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. 

Entrepreneurs also had the ability to show off what they had to offer with the new NEXT Natural Products Industry Accelerator program.

“The NEXT Accelerator provides the information, tools, community and connections needed to cultivate the next generation of natural products entrepreneurs,” Andersen added.

There were several overall trends that continued to grow at this year’s show, including gluten- and allergen-free products, sprouted foods, healthy snacks, non-dairy alternatives, vegan and paleo offerings and healthier, cleaner kids’ products.

“The natural and organic market is at the center of many of the most important and positive changes happening in food, nutrition and wellness,” said Carlotta Mast, senior director of Content and Insights for New Hope Natural Media and editor-in-chief, Natural Foods Merchandiser, newhope360.com.

She added, “We face significant lifestyle-related health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and mood disorders, and many of the solutions to these problems were on display at Natural Products Expo West.”

Natural Products Expo West is produced through Penton’s New Hope Natural Media division.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates. Water Stewardship Efforts MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship. In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step. MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas. MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030. From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts. Caring for One Another MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include: Unserved perishable prepared foods from events Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community. Fostering Diversity and Inclusion To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all. MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.