Take 5: Read this | No soy | Spark Change Pitch Slam winners

We can't wait to read…

The Future of Nutrition, the third book by T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., who is widely known for The China Study. The subtitle says it all: An Insider's Look at the Science, Why We Keep Getting It Wrong, and How to Start Getting It Right. The plant-based doc says, "My primary interest is furthering an understanding of nutrition as a science for the entire population, both among citizens and governmental authorities. In this book, we address major societal problems like environmental issues and health care costs and their many manifestations. We review the science behind a whole food, plant-based lifestyle by focusing on health care over disease care."

Is seafood having its moment?

A handful of startups focused on the sea hope so. And they've come together to make it happen. AKUA, Atlantic Sea Farms, Blue Evolution, Mini Fish, Neptune, Scout Canning and 12 Tides joined to create the Seafood Collab. The group's mission is to build a healthier global food system by moving responsible seafood to the center of the plate, encouraging biodiversity in seafood and sea-plant based consumption and engaging consumers on responsible seafood and the importance of our oceans and waterways as a solution to climate change.

Stand against soy

Natural products retailers know the power of setting ingredient standards. So many maintain super no-no lists and hold the brands they carry to them. Imagine if retailers could band together like supermarkets in France are doing to battle South American deforestation. Almost all of the country's large grocers signed on to add non-deforestation clauses for soy in their supplier contracts. Granted, France has adopted a due diligence law that requires companies to identify human rights and environmental risks in their supply chains. But making a vocal and united effort adds power to the message. Such laws aren't likely in the U.S., so this collaborative model makes sense for businesses to stand up and make needed changes for people and planet.

And the Spark Change Pitch Slam winners are…

We missed out on both Natural Products Expos last year, but New Hope Network didn't let the Expo East gathering pass by. Instead, we gathered online through the new Spark Change online platform and, just as we would at Expo East, we hosted the annual pitch slam. A panel of natural products industry judges listened to 11 enthusiastic pitches from rising brand leaders who shared their products and the stories behind them. In the end, their missions for change, along with their market savvy, put three over the top: Scout canned seafood, Down to Cook's Adda Veggie protein mixes and Bread Srsly gluten-free sourdough.

Here's to being in person again

All of us at New Hope Network miss gathering with the natural and organic products community, and we were so excited to welcome you all during Natural Products Expo West 2021 in March. But because of the uncertainty of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, we have decided to reschedule Expo West 2021 for May 24-27. As we monitor progress and recovery, we are hopeful the additional time will bring increased security and safety for all of us while traveling and gathering with our peers. We are committed to providing timely and transparent communication as we navigate this next phase together.