World's Largest Natural and Organic Products Tradeshow Sets Record Attendance

BOULDER, Colo., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Products Expo West/SupplyExpo, (www.expowest.com, www.supplyexpo.com), celebrated its 30th anniversary, March 11-14, 2010, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Calif. The event drew nearly 56,000 from across the industry, uniting entrepreneurs and established natural products alumni indicating a healthy market outlook for growth.  

Nutrition industry sales totaled approximately $110 billion in the U.S. in 2009 up $10 billion from 2008, according to Nutrition Business Journal. "While the economy recovers, the natural and organic industry continues to grow. 2010 metrics including attendance and hundreds of new product introductions at Expo West are proof positive of the strategic value surrounding in-person business events," said Adam Andersen, show manager for Natural Products Expo West.

"Natural Products Expo West has grown because it is the premiere show in the industry.  This is the most economical way to see a broad spectrum of customers," said Michael Season, president of Natural Snacks LLC, who attended the first Expo West as a distributor, in 1981, when the show attracted 3,000 attendees.

The Natural Living pavilion at Expo West featuring eco-friendly home and lifestyle products doubled in size proving that trending pushes beyond food and beverage choices. "This year's Natural Products Expo West mirrors major business and consumer shifts to values of health and sustainability," said Fred Linder, president, New Hope Natural Media. "The focus on growth of natural products industry, as evidenced at this trade show, demonstrates the consumer's desire for products that are healthy and environmentally sound."  

SupplyExpo completes Expo West by bringing the entire industry value chain together in one place.  Len Monheit, Supply Network director notes "new products begin with the latest ingredients and technologies sourced at SupplyExpo to start manufacturer innovation and formulation for global success."

Natural Products Expo West/SuppyExpo, co-located with Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, Healthy Baking Seminar and Nutracon, encompassed more than 1 million sq. ft. of education, community and business building events and exhibits, including 654 new exhibitors for brands entering this market.  30 years later, the spirit of the industry is stronger than ever.  This fall Natural Products Expo East unites the natural and organic industry in Boston, October 13-16, 2010.

New Hope Natural Media (http://www.newhope.com/), a division of Penton Media Inc., is the leading media resource and information provider for the natural, organic and healthy products industry, with print, in-person/event and e-business products and services. As a leading, independent, business-to-business media company, Penton knows business and how to create and disseminate the vital content that moves markets.  Penton is where professionals turn to gain the critical insight, expert analysis and relevant connections needed to compete and succeed.  Headquartered in New York City, the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its co-investors.  For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.

SOURCE New Hope Natural Media