Expo West: By the numbers

The 29th annual Natural Products Expo West/Supply Expo attracted a record number of movers and shakers, despite a slow economy. Patrick Rea, publisher and editorial director of Nutrition Business Journal, said this about the core of the industry and their shopping behaviors, ''Buying natural products is what they do, not what they think about. Because of this, the natural products industry will be much better off than other consumer products industries in the next two years.''

Here are a few highlights:

Expo West was attended by more than 53,000 industry members--up from last year's record-breaking event!

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The event showcased the newest and most innovative products in natural and organic and drew an unprecedented number of buyers, attracting 2 percent more in 2009 than in 2008.

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Attendees came from around the globe, representing 90 different countries.

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The event occupied more than 300,000 square feet.

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Featured more than 1,900 exhibiting companies, including 484 new exhibitors, from 28 countries.

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131 exhibitors participated in the Expo West Green Exhibitor Program.

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See you at Natural Products Expo East in Boston, Sept. 23-26!