Just like Natural Products Expo West and Expo East, Natural Products Expo Virtual is designed to connect buyers with brands. The difference is, NPEV can help you connect year-round instead of just in March and September.

The NPEV Retail Discovery Sessions were created to support brand and retail connections in a focused, efficient format. On May 11, July 13 and Nov. 9, each session will feature trend and retail insights from New Hope Network and SPINS, along with a different group of featured retailers including PCC Markets, Fresh Thyme, MOM’s, Target, Thrive and others.

All-Access NPEV brand members may also get the chance to meet directly with these retail buyers through the NPEV Community platform, thanks to curated recommendations provided by New Hope Network and based on brand and buyer needs. Other buyers are invited to attend, as well as set up their own meetings with NPEV All-Access brands. 

The first Retail Discovery Session, Wellness Reimagined, is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 11. New Hope Ingredients and Supplements Senior Editor Todd Runestad, with SPINS analyst Scott Decker, will start the event with a look at top wellness trends. They will present data on the future of healthy snacking, innovations in functional beverages, CBD and more. They'll also highlight some innovative companies' NPEV virtual booths, where buyers can find new product announcements, photos, nutrition information and sell sheets.

From 11:30 a.m. until noon, retailers take the stage. Jonathan Lawrence of Fresh Thyme and Steve Jamieson of PCC Markets discuss what they look for when new wellness brands are trying to get space on their shelves.

At noon, retailers can meet individually with innovative brands.

The theme for the July 13 Retail Discovery Session is Purpose-driven Innovation. Brands will hear from retailers who prioritize mission and purpose, while buyers will discover new brands and products created to have a positive effect on people and the planet. SPINS, Target, Thrive and Misfits will present trends and retail insights.

Opportunities in Organic is the planned theme for November's Retail Discovery Session, where SPINS and MOM's will provide trend information and retail insights.

and the other opportunities available this year.