Went pretty much straight from Expo West in Anaheim to the CHPA Leadership Summit on Amelia Island...and now I find myself finally out of the haze of it all.
It was my first Expo West, and quite the experience. 65k attendees, 3300 exhibitors, 11 halls/pavilions, 850 first-time exhibitors, 700 international exhibitors...and probably about 40,000 steps in just two days!
Here's my brief recap of the experience and trends we saw firsthand.
Real Food Revolution: It’s clear that people are craving authenticity on their plates. Organic is the new black, with brands peeling back the layers of processing to reveal wholesome, organic ingredients. Picture this: bars that boast a 100% organic pedigree and a return to the roots with naturally nutritious eats, ditching the artificial for the authentic.
Wellness Wonders: Imagine snacks that do more than just satisfy hunger—they’re brain boosters and mood enhancers. We’re talking nootropic nibbles and beverages that do the body good, packed with gut-friendly prebiotics, brain-loving adaptogens, and even mushrooms that might just be magic for your health.
Eco-Chic Eats: Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the main course. Brands are digging deep with regenerative farming, giving leftovers a second life through upcycling, and wrapping it all up in packaging that Mother Nature would approve of. It’s food that feeds you and nurtures the planet.
Global Gastronomy: The world’s a stage, and every meal’s an act from a different play. Asian comfort foods, Latin zests, and a kaleidoscope of flavors are making their way into our daily diets, turning each bite into a passport stamp for your taste buds.
Plant-Powered Progress: Plant-based isn’t just a phase—it’s a full-blown evolution. We’re seeing a garden variety of plant-derived wonders, stretching beyond the usual suspects of meat and dairy lookalikes. It’s a plant-based parade that’s as diverse as it is delicious.
Mindful Mixology: Who said drinks need a kick to be fun? (Maybe it was me?) The rise of alcohol-free libations and mocktails is crafting a new narrative for nightlife—one where the only thing you’re high on is life. It’s a toast to health, without the hangover.
Functional Fuel: Beverages and bites are getting an upgrade. Think sodas that soothe, teas that turn up the tranquility, and snacks that support your smile. It’s a menu designed not just to fill you up, but to lift you up.
Oh, and did I mention bees? Yes, bees. From caring for your skin to satiating your hunger pangs, we lost count of how many exhibitors featured products focused on honey! I hope this is a good sign that all the stories we have heard about bee colony collapse disorder and bees dying en masse are bee-hind us (see what I did there!).
See you next year Expo West.
Expo West 2024 recap!💥
Thank you Natural Products Expo for having us at this year’s Expo West event! We had a great time connecting with everyone and seeing all the different brands. It was also great to see our partners Vermont Smoke & Cure and enjoy all of their delicious snacks!
Until next year Expo West!
#expowest #expowest2024 #naturalproductsexpo #advertisingagency #branding #naturalbrands
Interim Services | Head Of Finance | Management Accounting
6moThis is very cool! Good job. 👏