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 "Immunity" trend within the Modern Conditions macro force. Who has time for being sick? Shifting from reaction to prevention, consumers are seeking ways to strengthen the body’s defenses and stave off illness.

1. Quicksilver Scientific

What is it? Quicksilver Scientific is a manufacturer of nutritional supplements featuring proprietary enhanced delivery systems.

Innovation: Quicksilver Scientific uses a phospholipid delivery system that increases bioavailability of vitamins and nutrients.

2. NKMax America

What is it? A supplement company focused on boosting the immune system by harnessing the power of Natural Killer (NK) cells, the body’s first line of defense. 

Innovation: NKMax America offers proprietary immune-boosting NK cell-based products, including the NK Everyday supplement and the NK Vue immune system monitoring test.  The test is a blood test that measures the strength of a person's innate immune system for fighting disease, while the supplement is a blend of agaricus mushroom, vitamins and minerals.

3. Beauty Gourmet

What is it? A line of ready-to-drink sparkling teas that incorporate Ayurvedic adaptogens and antioxidants. The teas are low in sugar, calories and caffeine.

Innovation: Ingredients like amla, ashwagandha and grapeseed extract, as well as deep ocean minerals, are incorporated into flavors like Peach Vanilla and Grapefruit Ginger green, white and rooibos teas. 

4. HyVida

What is it? A line of hydrogen-infused functional sparkling waters with antioxidants and electrolytes.

Innovation: These hydrogen-infused sparkling waters contain no calories, sweeteners or caffeine. HyVida's hydrogen-infusion process slightly increases the pH, making its sparkling water less acidic than other sparkling waters.

5. Butterfly Superfoods

What is it? A functional nut butter company.  

Innovation: Butterfly Nut Butter contains cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts, MCT oil and salt. Ingredients like reishi, cinnamon and rosemary provide antioxidants, polyphenols, adaptogens and other immunity-related benefits.