Largest Organic and Natural Food and Beverage Event on East Coast Draws Over 1,350 Exhibitors - 25% are New Company Launches

BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The 30^th annual Natural Products Expo East tradeshow and conference drew over 25,000 attendees from independent retailers to big box chains to see 1363 exhibiting companies representing the natural, organic and healthy living marketplace.  This premier business-to-business event, produced by New Hope Natural Media, was held at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland, September 16-19 and was co-located with Biofach America - All Things Organic, NPA East, and the Harvest Festival.

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"Each year our mission is to build the growth potential for the attendees and exhibitors of Expo East, though we never lose sight of the tandem goal to create a stronger community between our industry and Baltimore itself.  This year we launched a unique community concept, the first Farm-to-Market tour which visited nearby farms and the retail stores they serve, all within a drive of the city center; the added experience of this connection far surpassed our expectations," said Adam Andersen, Managing Director for Natural Products Expos.

This year saw a debut of over 400 new brands that utilized Expo East as a launch pad into the marketplace.  Healthy food and beverage trends which emerged from the show floor included: floral ingredients; upcycled food and packaging waste; "Pegan" products (a paleo and vegan mashup containing no dairy, grains, or animal ingredients); enhanced waters, such as watermelon, alkaline, aloe, coconut, maple, probiotic-packed; and cashews as the new almonds.

"What excites me most about coming to Expo East is the opportunity to see new and upcoming companies. It's a great avenue to meet the people behind the brands, make new connections, and see old industry friends. I am reminded how truly fortunate we are to have so much abundance and variety in one location," said Rhonda Penecale, Bunn's Natural Foods.

Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to participate in the Natural Products Business School, a full day of learning and networking that provided in-depth solutions to common business challenges and accelerate growth potential.  The morning started with a keynote address from Josh Tetrick of Hampton Creek, who spoke about finding the ingredients that we used 100 years ago and how we can use food as the platform to have impact. "Good people will do good; just make it easy for them," said Josh Tetrick.

The Natural Products Business School Pitch-Slam competition winner was Heavenly Organics, based in Fairfield, Iowa; for their sustainably harvested honey and support of local farmers. Heavenly Organics is committed to creating and selling sustainable, fairly traded organic products that preserve and nourish the biodiversity of the planet and the traditional people and cultures where the products are produced and harvested.

The conference program was headlined by keynote speakers: Dylan Ratigan, a sustainability entrepreneur and former MSNBC host; Joel Salatin, a third generation farmer; and Michele Simon, a public health lawyer.  The education sessions were broken into six themes: Natural in the Media, Ingredient Reform, "Future of" Series, Non-GMO Series, Trends & Growth Series, and Conscious Leadership.

"Expo East is an amazing opportunity to reconnect with our retail partners, especially as we are a young company and building these relationships. We felt the positivity from buyers who were genuinely excited to meet us and learn about innovative products. The environment is brimming with positivity and a true community of like-minded buyers and brands on a mission to make a more sustainable and healthy planet," said Elizabeth Patton, Bitsy's Brainfood.

The Best of East Awards, the official Natural Products Expo East show award, were presented to the most innovative products exhibiting at the event.  Winners included:

• Chosen Foods, based in San Diego, California, for their Avocado Oil Mayo
• Tio Gazpacho, based in New Haven, Connecticut, for their Gazpacho de Sol
• Savannah Bee Company, based in Savannah, Georgia, for their Royal Jelly Body Butter

The Retailer of the Year awards were presented for the second year in a row to stores that exemplify excellence in today's retail world through sustainability, innovation, and community, values that define the natural products industry.  Winners included:

• Most Sustainable category: MOMs, based in the mid-Atlantic
• Community Engagement category: Kimberton Whole Foods, based in Pennsylvania
• Best New Store category: Mustard Seed, based in Ohio
• Innovation category: Local Foods, based in Illinois

Natural Products Expo West 2016 will return to the Anaheim Convention Center, March 9-13, 2016 in Anaheim, CA. Natural Products Expo East 2016 is scheduled to take place at the Baltimore Convention Center, September 21-24, 2016 in Baltimore, MD.

Follow @NatProdExpo or #ExpoEast on Twitter for ongoing conversations or connect on our Facebook or LinkedIn groups to keep up on Natural Products Expo latest developments.

About New Hope Natural Media

New Hope Natural Media, is the leading media resource and information provider for the natural, organic and healthy products industry, with print, in-person/event, and digital products and services.

CONTACT: Heather Smith
New Hope Natural Media
Phone: (303) 998-9232
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE New Hope Natural Media