Highlights from the Natural & Organic Products Expo, April 2024
I started the week with a trip to what is most often my favourite trade show Natural & Organic Expo. My interest is focused on their food and drink exhibitors, but I also enjoy a quick update on what is happening with household products, beauty products, and supplements.
It’s an excellent show for me to spot or confirm the trends I am seeing in clean products, sustainability, and packaging. While they may be seen elsewhere, they are often amplified here as they align with the ethos of natural products.
What stood out for me were the food and drink-based businesses that have elevated their products and packaging. One such standout was Froosh, a Swedish-made product whose range of smoothies in FSC-certified paper cans tasted great and delivered on packaging, too. I particularly loved their mango, orange, carrot, and ginger energizer smoothie. Amazingly, they have achieved the same shelf life in these as they do in their glass bottles without any preservatives. Their smallest cans are the perfect amount for breakfast on the go- but also great for airlines, rail companies, etc., as they will fit neatly into trolleys.
I also spent a very happy hour on the International Trade Show stand stand talking tea with some Sri Lankan tea producers from Amba Estate and Gralgo, CATA ( Ceylon Artisan Tea Association- who promote the production and sale of hand-crafted teas made in Sri Lanka.) and Forest Hill.
I particularly loved the packaging on Forest Hill Tea’s range of award-winning teas in a card gift box – the teas were packed in foil envelopes and covered in hand-screen printed recycled newsprint – they look so eye-catching and are recycling. All these producers have entered The Great Taste Awards, too, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for them- as brands that are not as well known in the UK, it is an excellent way for them to get a stamp of approval for the quality of their products.
I saw a lot of nutrient-based gummies, too. It was interesting to see how many of these sorts of brands go to market through sites like Amazon and more traditional health retail. This is a useful way of getting into the market and getting some good seller information and proof of concept that you can share with other retailers, too. We are grateful we have a strong partner who works with Amazon with our clients and can help them get it right from the start.
I caught up with several distributors we work with. It’s nice to say hello and not just rely on emails, spreadsheets, and samples going back and forth, too.
I came away from a very productive day feeling invigorated and excited that we have many clients in this part of the market as more people continue to take responsibility for their health and well-being and look for products that support that, too.
