Informa Markets’ Natural Products Expo East trade show was safely and successfully hosted September 22-25 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Celebrating its 36th running, the event drew more than 800 exhibitors and over 15,000 registered attendees to reconnect with colleagues, learn from experts and see first-hand the latest innovations coming soon to retail stores.
Among frozen food product exhibitors on the scene were Brazi Bites, Breckon Ice Cream, Caulipower, Daiya Foods, Cream Pops, Futero Ice Cream, GoodPop, New Acai Amazonas, SweetPea Non-Dairy Ice Cream and Schar.
As the first major food industry trade show in the United States to resume face-to-face activities since the onslaught of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic that spread from China to infect virtually the entire world, Expo East attracted retailers from major retail grocery stores and supermarkets including Kroger, Whole Foods, Earth Fare, Dawson’s Market, Freshly and others.
The expo floor was filled with brands that highlighted the future of food and wellness. According to New Hope Network’s Nutrition Business Journal, the natural and organic industry is forecast to surpass $300 billion in sales by 2023 and $400 billion by 2030, driven by conscious consumers who place a premium on ensuring their health and well-being while increasingly looking toward social responsibility and sustainability.
An overview of consumer trends at the show can be found online, covering everything from plant proteins to waste reduction. A gallery featuring winners of the prestigious NEXTY Awards, representing what tomorrow’s healthy living landscape will look like, can be viewed online.
“Being together again with our community was important on several levels, from the fun of catching up with old friends to making those magical Expo connections that always seem to materialize when this group of people convenes to do business,” said Carlotta Mast, senior vice president at Informa Markets’ New Hope Network. “We were thrilled to see the people and products that make this fast-growing industry so special. During these four very busy days we were reminded why we do this work – to bring more health and wellness to people and planet.”
“Hosting a safe and successful event this year was our top priority and we are grateful to our community for partnering with us and adhering to health and safety guidelines so that we could make this much-needed event happen for our industry members,” said Lacey Gautier, group show director of Informa Markets’ New Hope Network.
Expo East celebrated its move to Philadelphia with a partnership to donate leftover food and beverage products from the event to local food rescue Philabundance as well as through supporting Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia.
Natural Products Expo East is produced by New Hope Network and is co-located with BioFach America and Harvest Festival. Natural Products Expo West 2022 will be held March 8-12 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, while Natural Products Expo East 2022 will take place September 28-October 1 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
