The Natural Products Expo West 2024, held in March at the Anaheim Convention Center, saw a remarkable turnout of over 77,000 industry professionals, marking a substantial increase of 12,000 from the previous year. This dynamic event highlighted more than 3,300 exhibiting companies from around the globe, including 825 first-time exhibitors, all highlighting a range of organic and conscious products, natural foods, and lifestyle items. Central to the expo were themes of sustainability, women’s health, healthy aging, and regenerative products, underscoring the industry's commitment to wellness and environmental consciousness.
INFRA Members at the Retailer Dinner, Sponsored by New Hope Network
Expo West remains a pivotal platform for industry players, whether retailers seeking the latest trends or brands pushing boundaries. It serves as a nexus for connection, learning, and shaping the future of the natural and organic sector. The event's exhibit halls were bustling with companies introducing groundbreaking innovations, many making their debut and setting the stage for future trends in food and wellness.
A highlight of Expo West 2024 was the inaugural "Organic Oscars," hosted by The Organic Center and Organic Voices. This glamorous event, dubbed "An Organic Night Out," celebrated honorees across eight categories, all selected by their peers. The presence of esteemed hosts like Jennifer Garner and Gary Hirshberg added star power to the awards ceremony, highlighting the industry's achievements and innovation.
Pat Sheridan (INFRA President & CEO) and Meggie Smith (Director of Communications)
at the Organic Night Out Event
Trending Products
The expo also showcased a plethora of trending products, from cookie dough and dumplings to mushroom chips and jerky, freeze-dried foods, and an array of gummies infused with adaptogens and health benefits. Beverages like bubble tea, kombucha, and collagen drinks were in high demand, alongside a variety of non-alcoholic wines and spirits.
Notable trends that emerged at Expo West included the rise of global flavors and spices, with established brands and newcomers alike embracing diverse taste profiles. Fruits like peach, mango, ginger, and passionfruit were particularly popular, with some brands even incorporating unique ingredients like Durian, known for its distinctive aroma and health properties.
Exciting Asian Eats
Plant-based meats in international foods found brands like Sobo Foods have some meat alternative dumplings. Bibigo’s delicious line of Asian items including dumplings, rolls, rice, crunchy chicken, and sauces stood out from the crowd. The Gimbap is usually made with beef, however, they have one made from tofu.
Innovation in Plant-Based
We also saw a new trend in plant-based meats that piqued our interest. Many up-and-coming brands are focusing in on whole foods rather than aiming to provide a meat-tasting alternative. Windy City Mushroom and Actual Veggies stood out in this category – with plant-based meat products that tasted like they were actually made of veggies! We were thrilled by the taste and excited on this new avenue in plant based!
Drink Discoveries
In the beverage category, brands like Wildwonder, Mela Watermelon Water, and Sanzo showcased unique flavor profiles that resonated with consumers seeking novel taste experiences from the global sector.
Non-alcoholic beverages transitioned from a trend to a lifestyle choice, with brands like Abstinence Spirits, Hella Cocktail, and Hoplark offering innovative alternatives. Exciting new offerings like MIXOLOSHE, Kul Mocks, SAYSO, and Ghia Berry Non-Alcoholic Apéritif captured the imagination of attendees. Hiyo is a new addition to this growing category with the introduction of mindful social tonics crafted with organic adaptogens, natural nootropics, and functional botanicals to elevate your mood and empower you to be truly happy in your own.
A standout at Expo West was Nixie, introducing three new all-organic, zero-sugar sodas in flavors like Cola, Ginger Ale, and Root Beer. Their innovative approach to healthier beverages resonated strongly with health-conscious consumers.
Crave-Worthy Snacking
In the snack category, meat sticks and jerky saw a surge in popularity, with brands like Country Archer and their Nexty Award winning flavor Ancestral Blend Meat Stick and Mighty Spark Chicken Sticks introducing new flavor Nashville Hot. Chef’s Cut spiced up their line with a Ghost Pepper flavor. The Chompians had two new flavors, Sea Salt and Taco, that are delicious! Plant-based alternatives also made a splash in this category, with brands like Theo’s and Pan’s offering innovative options like sweet potato and beet jerky and shiitake mushroom-based jerky.
Additionally, the expo saw a strong focus on regenerative products, with brands like Alec’s Ice Cream leading the way with their commitment to regenerative organic practices.
Category Managers Kim Route and Robin Davis
Overall, Expo West 2024 highlighted the industry's dynamism, innovation, and commitment to wellness and sustainability. It provided a glimpse into the future of food and wellness, highlighting exciting trends and products that are set to shape the natural products landscape in the years to come.
Didn't get to attend Expo West this year? Discover amazing natural foods brands at the 2024 INFRA Annual Conference! Learn more and register for the event here.