Selling natural and organic: Education sessions for retailers

What would Natural Products Expo West be without retailers and buyers? Fortunately, we’ll never know: New Hope Network estimates that more than 40,000 buyers will attend next month’s event.

In addition to exhibitors filling the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace tent on Wednesday, March 13; the two floors of Hot Products in the North Hall and the third in the Convention Center on Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15; and Halls A-E and the Arena on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 16—as if that wouldn’t keep the busiest buyers occupied—New Hope Network offers a full slate of events and education sessions.

New this year, buyers with green badges will have exclusive access to the North Hall and ACC Level 3—the Hot Products exhibit areas—from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 13.

The list below includes some of the most important events and seminars for retailers and other buyers. For more information, visit the Expo West agenda page.

Keynote: The State of Natural & Organic

This data-packed session will highlight industry trends and consumer insights, with a focus on Gen-Z shoppers and the perspectives brands and retailers need to empower their businesses.

Speakers include New Hope Network SVP Carlotta Mast, McCoy Capital founder Nick McCoy, SPINS Head of Industry Relations Kathryn Peters and Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel.
Sponsored by Acosta Group.
Date | Time: Wednesday, March 13, 8:30-10 a.m.
Location: Marriott, Marquis Ballroom Center

Related:8 ways retailers can prep for Expo West

The State of Supplements

This data-driven session will take a comprehensive look at the trends and categories that continue to drive supplement industry growth, along with key opportunities and barriers to growth for brands, retailers and investors. Also hear from industry experts what advancements in AI will mean for the future of supplements.
Date | Time: Wednesday, March 13, 10-11 a.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom F

The Future of Retail

This presentation will delve into the future of the retail industry, featuring a panel of experts specializing in wellness, beauty, omni-channel retail, and analytics. Discussion will encompass topics such as channel transitions and shifts among generations, among other relevant subjects.

Explore the core preferences and tendencies of different generations and understand how their buying behaviors are influenced by social media and their preferences for natural products. Furthermore, uncover the sectors that are thriving due to the influence of Generation Z and the continuing significance of Baby Boomers in shaping this dynamic industry.

Related:Dig into organic and regenerative practices at Natural Products Expo West

From sustainability trends to emerging flavors, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of what awaits us on the retail horizon.
Date | Time: Wednesday, March 13, 12-1 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom E

Getting Back to Real Food: Why We Need to Course-Correct the Natural Products Industry

For the past 20 years, the natural products industry has reshaped the "natural" aisle for better-for-you options. However, in an effort to cut costs and deliver more certifications and natural-led claims, brands have evolved to using a sea of new ingredients. As an industry, we've stepped away from acknowledging that sometimes simple is best. This becomes particularly problematic for new brands fighting for shelf space as they introduce foods celebrating cultural diversity, back-to-basics cooking formulations and an emphasis on simple whole ingredients.

In this chat, led by Mason Dixie Foods CEO Ayeshah Abuelhiga, we'll challenge the industry to celebrate real, simple foods and focus on culinary basics and flavor authenticity.
Date | Time: Wednesday, March 13, 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom F

Closing the Gap: Bridging Online & In-Store Conversions with Omnichannel Strategies

Gain valuable insights on leveraging omnichannel approaches to seamlessly connect online and in-store experiences while maximizing attribution. Discover effective techniques for amplifying conversions through technology, data integration and acquisition, and personalized customer journeys.
Date | Time: Wednesday, March 13, 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom E

The State of Natural Beauty: Unmasking Future Trends & Opportunities

Take a deep dive into the booming natural and organic beauty industry, which continues to be a bright spot in CPG innovation and investment. Gain a bird's-eye view of the industry's current size, growth trajectory and key segments. Plus, stay ahead of the curve with insights into the hottest trends and hear from diverse brand, retail and investor perspectives about what’s next.
Date | Time: Wednesday, March 13, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom E

Farm to Brand: Pioneering and Protecting the Future of Food

Discover insights from forward-thinking organic farmers  Lauren Perkins, Organic Valley farmer-owner; Hayley Painterland, co-founder of Painterland Sisters yogurt; and Sara Holman, chief commercial officer at Bobbie, a baby formula and pediatric supplement brand.

Moderated by Jaclyn Cardin, chief brand officer at Organic Valley, the discussion will dive into how brands can resonate with consumers to help pioneer and protect the next generation of organic food.
Presented by Organic Valley
Date | Time: Thursday, March 14, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Platinum Ballroom 1-2

Mindful Revolution: Trends in Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Simon Sacal, CEO of Solely Inc.; Laura Taylor, founder of Mingle Cocktails and a founding member of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association; and Julie Terrazzino, category manager at KeHE Distributors will discuss the growth of adult non-alcoholic beverages, a category expected to reach $30 billion in sales by 2025, according to Global Market Insights.
Hosted by New Hope Network Senior Retail Reporter Douglas Brown.
Date | Time: Friday, March 15, 12:15-1 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom E

Natural Products Expo West, the leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry, begins March 12 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Click through for the agenda, registration, travel information and more.