NEXT Trends 2020 series: In an effort to help support retailers and brands, we will be publishing regular brand features for the next few weeks. Brands are selected from those that registered to exhibit at Natural Products Expo West 2020 and were curated as great examples of one of 50 trends New Hope Network is monitoring in the marketplace.

These trends are part of New Hope Network's NEXT Expo Guidebook and trend hierarchy.

Today, we look at five companies that are innovating in the "Food Access" trend within the Social Impact Commitments macro force. Brands are emerging on the scene to make sure more populations have access to nutritionally rich and culturally sensitive and relevant foods.

1. The Not Company

What is it? Plant-based foods company based in Latin America that sells products like mayo and milk substitutes.

Innovation: Based in Chile, The Not Company’s mission to scale plant-based foods in the Latin American market, addressing malnourishment and a market full of poor food choices, while leveraging machine learning and Silicon Valley biotech to offer plant-based dairy alternatives.

2. Happy Family Organics

What is it? Happy Family Organics is a baby and toddler nutrition company.  

Innovation: Happy Family Organics is WIC-approved in 15 states. It also has a program called Happy to Help, which allows the company to donate food and run workshops. Since 2015, Happy Family Organics has donated 2,133,018 meals and snacks around the world.

3. Eat Just

What is it? Eat Just is a plant-based food company that sells an egg substitute and other products that are affordable and delicious.

Innovation: Eat Just is leveraging the plant kingdom and technology to make food more sustainable. By making eggs from mung beans, the company use 98% less water, 93% fewer greenhouse gases and 86% less land than conventionally producing eggs—thus also making them more accessible to more people.

4. Solely

What is it? Solely is a fruit jerky company. Its jerky has the fewest possible ingredients and are made without added sugar, preservatives or additives.

Innovation: Solely has worked to increase access to organic fruit that is affordable, accessible and easy to store and share.

5. LifeStraw

What is it? LifeStraw makes water filtration products using membrane microfilters, carbon filters and ion exchange filters. Many of its products are portable, for use cases such as camping or hiking.

Innovation: LifeStraw’s Give Back program involves donating water filters to high-need areas around the world where water is contaminated. The company leverages staff and volunteers to assist in planning, training, education and quarterly follow-up visits for a period of five years.