Once again our team had the opportunity to attend Natural Products Expo West!
It is the largest trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry and we enjoyed every minute of it!
Sunny skies and palm trees helped, but the fantastic showcase of innovative and tasty products stole the show.
This year, Bernie Desgagnes, Erin Taraborrelli, and Leanne Lutomsky attended the 4-day tradeshow to meet with many existing clients and create new connections with many more brands.
Here's some trends we observed:
Magnesium
Supplements, cosmetics and beverages containing magnesium were definitely a top trend. Promoting relaxation and sleep, mental clarity and focus, as well as mood enhancing benefits, it was great to see such a wide array of products using this ingredient.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms have continued as a powerhouse ingredient in the health and wellness space, with tons of products featuring their nutritional benefits. From mushroom-based supplements to functional foods and beverages infused with adaptogenic mushrooms like reishi and lion's mane, Expo West highlighted the growing popularity of fungi for their immune-boosting, cognitive-enhancing, and stress-reducing properties.
Functional Beverages
No one was thirsty this year at Expo West! Ready-to-drink beverages as well as drink mixes were very popular, including functional ingredients like adaptogens, probiotics, prebiotics, algae, amino acids and much more.
Dill
Dill flavour emerged as a surprising trend at this year's Expo, with an increasing number of products incorporating this refreshing herb into their formulations. From dill-flavored snacks to electrolyte drinks, Expo West showcased the versatility and appeal of dill as a flavour profile, catering to consumers seeking unique and adventurous culinary experiences.
Real Meat
Despite the growing popularity of plant-based diets, Expo West featured a resurgence of interest in "real" meat products that prioritize quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Attendees had the opportunity to sample a diverse array of artisanal meats, including grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, and sustainably sourced seafood, reflecting a shift towards conscientious carnivory.
Honey
As a flavour or functional ingredient, honey products seemed to keep popping up. We saw honey used not only for its delicious taste but also for its antioxidant properties and potential immune-boosting effects, further solidifying its status as a staple in the realm of natural products.
Once again, it was great to be out in the warm California air, talking to clients, making new connections and sampling many, many products.
We talked to so many brands who are eager to get their products into the hands of consumers, and we are pleased to support this by offering quick, compliant market entry solutions in the areas of regulatory affairs, creative services and clinical research.
To hear more from Leanne and Erin including a trends recap, check out our podcast!
Contact us at [email protected] for all your industry inquiries.
