Natural Products Expo West, often called simply Expo West, is the largest and most influential trade show for the natural, organic, health and wellness products industry in North America. It’s one of the biggest events on our Trade Calendar. Every year, tens of thousands of retailers, grocery buyers, food manufacturers, distributors, investors, entrepreneurs and industry professionals gather to discover new products, identify emerging consumer trends and shape the future of natural and organic retail.
For grocery retailers, supermarket executives, independent natural food stores, CPG companies and specialty food buyers, Natural Products Expo West has become one of the year’s most important events for identifying the products and brands that will define tomorrow’s grocery shelves.
Whether you’re searching for What is Natural Products Expo West?, Who attends Expo West?, Why is Expo West important?, or What products are launched at Expo West?, this guide explains everything grocery industry professionals need to know.
What Is Natural Products Expo West?
Natural Products Expo West is an annual trade show dedicated to natural, organic, better-for-you and health-focused consumer products. The event is produced by New Hope Network, a division of Informa Markets, and is recognized as one of the premier business-to-business gatherings for the natural products industry.
The conference showcases thousands of exhibitors representing categories such as:
- Organic foods
- Natural foods
- Functional beverages
- Plant-based products
- Dietary supplements
- Vitamins
- Sports nutrition
- Fresh foods
- Frozen foods
- Refrigerated products
- Snacks
- Coffee and tea
- Beauty and personal care
- Household products
- Sustainable packaging
- Pet products
Because of its scale and influence, Expo West is widely viewed as the industry’s annual launching pad for emerging brands and consumer trends.
Why Natural Products Expo West Matters
Many of today’s most successful grocery products first gained widespread industry attention at the expo.
Retail buyers attend to discover:
- Innovative food products
- Fast-growing emerging brands
- New health and wellness trends
- Sustainable packaging solutions
- Functional ingredients
- Plant-based innovations
- Better-for-you snacks
- Organic grocery products
- Premium beverages
For manufacturers, Expo West offers an opportunity to introduce products directly to buyers representing supermarkets, natural food retailers, wholesalers, distributors and e-commerce companies.
The event has become an important indicator of where consumer preferences—and grocery merchandising—are heading.
Who Attends Expo West?
The Expo attracts professionals from nearly every segment of the consumer packaged goods ecosystem.
Grocery Retailers
Attendees include buyers and executives from:
- National supermarket chains
- Regional grocery retailers
- Independent supermarkets
- Natural food stores
- Specialty food retailers
- Club stores
- Mass merchants
- E-commerce retailers
Retail teams attend to evaluate products, identify emerging categories and meet suppliers.
Consumer Packaged Goods Companies
Manufacturers range from global brands to early-stage startups introducing products for the first time.
Distributors and Wholesalers
Food distributors use the event to identify brands that may become future category leaders.
Investors
Expo West has become an important destination for venture capital firms, private equity investors and strategic corporate investors seeking high-growth consumer brands.
Industry Service Providers
Additional attendees include:
- Packaging companies
- Ingredient suppliers
- Marketing agencies
- Regulatory consultants
- Research firms
- Technology providers
- Logistics companies
What Products Are Featured at Natural Products Expo West?
Nearly every natural and wellness-oriented grocery category is represented.
Major product areas include:
Organic Foods
Certified organic foods continue to occupy a central role throughout the exhibition.
Functional Foods
Products featuring protein, probiotics, fiber, adaptogens, mushrooms, botanicals and other functional ingredients receive significant attention.
Plant-Based Foods
Plant-based innovation remains one of the show’s largest product categories.
Examples include:
- Dairy alternatives
- Meat alternatives
- Plant proteins
- Vegan prepared meals
- Alternative snacks
Functional Beverages
Growing beverage categories include:
- Energy drinks
- Adaptogenic beverages
- Sparkling waters
- Hydration drinks
- Protein beverages
- Kombucha
- Functional coffee
- Functional tea
Snacks
Snack innovation remains one of Expo West’s strongest product categories.
Popular launches often feature:
- High protein
- Low sugar
- High fiber
- Organic ingredients
- Clean labels
- Sustainable sourcing
Why Grocery Buyers Attend Expo West
Retail buyers use the expo to identify products before they become mainstream.
Buyers evaluate:
- Product quality
- Consumer demand
- Packaging
- Brand positioning
- Innovation
- Margin opportunities
- Category differentiation
Many purchasing decisions for the coming year begin with meetings held during Expo West.
Major Industry Trends at Natural Products Expo West
Although each year’s event introduces new ideas, several themes consistently dominate industry conversations.
Health and Wellness
Consumers continue seeking products that support:
- Gut health
- Immune health
- Protein intake
- Hydration
- Heart health
- Brain health
- Healthy aging
Functional Ingredients
Popular ingredients frequently highlighted include:
- Mushrooms
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Collagen
- Adaptogens
- Prebiotics
- Probiotics
- Fiber
- Electrolytes
Clean Labels
Manufacturers continue emphasizing shorter ingredient statements, recognizable ingredients and transparency.
Sustainability
Packaging innovation, regenerative agriculture and environmentally responsible sourcing remain important priorities.
Premium Grocery
Many emerging brands position themselves around quality, convenience and premium ingredients rather than price alone.
How Is Natural Products Expo West Different From Other Grocery Trade Shows?
Every grocery conference serves a different audience.
| Conference | Primary Focus |
| Natural Products Expo West | Natural, organic and health-focused products |
| Summer Fancy Food Show | Specialty and gourmet foods |
| NGA Show | Independent grocery retailers |
| FMI Midwinter Executive Conference | Executive grocery leadership |
| IDDBA Show | Dairy, deli and bakery |
| IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show | Fresh produce and floral |
| PLMA Private Label Trade Show | Store brands |
| Groceryshop | Grocery technology and digital commerce |
| NACS Show | Convenience retail |
Natural Products Expo West stands apart because it concentrates on innovation in health-conscious consumer products and the brands most likely to shape future grocery assortments.
Is Natural Products Expo West Open to the Public?
No.
This expo is a business-to-business (B2B) trade show intended for qualified industry professionals, including retailers, buyers, manufacturers, distributors, investors, media and service providers.
Consumers generally cannot attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Expo West Known For?
Expo West is best known for introducing new natural and organic products that often become widely distributed in supermarkets, natural food stores and mass retail.
Who Organizes Natural Products Expo West?
The event is produced by New Hope Network, part of Informa Markets.
Is Expo West Worth Attending?
For grocery buyers, natural food retailers, CPG companies and suppliers, this expo is considered one of the industry’s most valuable product discovery and networking events.
What Types of Companies Exhibit at Natural Products Expo West?
Exhibitors include:
- Food manufacturers
- Beverage companies
- Supplement brands
- Ingredient suppliers
- Packaging companies
- Technology providers
- Personal care companies
- Household product manufacturers
- Pet product companies
Why Do Retail Buyers Attend?
Retailers attend to discover innovative products, evaluate suppliers, identify category trends and develop merchandising strategies for the coming year.
Why Food Trade News Covers Expo West
This expo consistently previews the consumer trends that influence grocery merchandising long after the show ends. Product launches, ingredient innovations, packaging developments and retailer buying priorities introduced during Expo West often shape assortment decisions across supermarkets nationwide.
Food Trade News covers the expo because its readers—including supermarket executives, category managers, wholesalers, distributors and CPG manufacturers—need timely insight into the emerging brands and wellness trends driving growth in the grocery industry. Our coverage highlights notable product introductions, retailer strategies, market trends and business developments that matter to food retailers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Natural Products Expo West at a Glance
Event: Natural Products Expo West
Organizer: New Hope Network (Informa Markets)
Industry: Natural Products, Organic Foods, Grocery Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods
Primary Audience: Grocery buyers, natural food retailers, supermarket executives, distributors, manufacturers, investors and suppliers
Conference Features: Trade show, educational sessions, keynote presentations, networking events and new product showcases
Major Categories: Organic foods, plant-based products, functional beverages, dietary supplements, snacks, personal care, sustainable products and health-focused consumer goods
Best For: Grocery retailers, category managers, CPG brands, wholesalers, distributors, natural food stores and professionals tracking consumer health and wellness trends
Expo West remains one of the grocery industry’s most influential events for discovering emerging brands, evaluating consumer trends and understanding where the natural and organic marketplace is headed. For retailers, suppliers and manufacturers looking to stay ahead of changing shopper preferences, following Expo West provides an early look at the products and ideas likely to influence grocery shelves in the years ahead.