Natural & Organic Products Europe: More visitors than ever before

Over 700 exhibitors, 70 speakers and 10,571 attendees from 92 countries: this year’s Natural & Organic Products Europe attracted more people than ever before (a rise of 13% since 2015) and got rave reviews and huge endorsement by exhibitors and visitors alike.

This year's trade show attracted not only top buyers from some of Europe’s largest retailers, wholesalers and distributors but also representatives from the whole spectrum of independent stores, multiples, pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, contract caterers, hotels, salons and spas across the UK. This international show was once again a place of discovery of new products, new developments and new trends in the industry. The aisles were packed with a record number of well informed retailers, buyers and managers ready to do business.

Views and trends

The show revealed consumer trends such as the move towards free-from products, organic and vegan, and the development of the health food sector. The latest findings show that 78% of health food retailers saw footfall rise in 2016, while 61% said that average customer spend had risen over the previous 12 months – evidence that consumer awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle is increasing.

The show is an opportunity for buyers to discover the latest trends and innovations in the vegan market. With a new Vegan World section, Natural & Organic Products Europe attracts many vegan businesses. The Vegan Society reported huge interest in their Vegan Trademark and are looking forward to an even stronger vegan presence in 2018.

Jim Manson, editor-in-chief of Natural Products News, discussed trends in the health food trade and identified the biggest drivers of sales: digestive health, sleep & energy, and stress & anxiety. Vegan, supplements and remedies, and organic were the categories he identified as showing the greatest potential for growth.

The show also acts as communication hub: it is the ideal place to meet existing customers face-to-face and the many representatives from industry also made it fruitful for business meetings. Alongside the exhibition there were some very informative speakers and discussion events in the show’s three dedicated theatres addressing, for example, opportunities for natural and organic businesses.

Save the date for 2018

The next edition of Natural & Organic Products Europe will take place on 22-23 April 2018 at ExCeL London.  For more information, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk.