Judging the NEXTY Awards is no easy task, which is why New Hope Network's in-house team gets invaluable help from some of the industry's most experienced professionals in selecting the winners.

This year will be no different, thanks to a cadre of guest judges comprised of natural product retailers, industry investors and experts in CPG product development, regenerative agriculture and more.

From 850 nominations to 100 finalists

Natural Products Expo West, an education and trade show that starts March 7, is the biggest event in the natural products industry, so its NEXTY Awards program is no stranger to large numbers. This year, New Hope Network received 850 nominations across 19 categories.

The judges will review 100 finalists, which New Hope has whittled from 850 nominated products during the preliminary round of NEXTY judging. 

The NEXTY Awards spotlight the best of the natural products industry and recognize brands taking the lead in terms of innovation, inspiration and integrity. 

For each round of judging, the judges gather to discuss, sample and debate how each product best demonstrates these attributes. These debates can get lively—particularly when trying to select a winner. 

The industry knowledge our guest judges bring to the table, combined with New Hope's expertise, ensures that the products with the greatest potential for impact are awarded. 

Click through the gallery to see the guest judges for this exciting Expo West 20223 edition of the NEXTY Awards.