My first trip to Expo West

Expo West, also known as Natural Products Expo West (or "the granola conference"), is one of the largest trade shows in the natural and organic products industry. The event is held annually in Anaheim, California, and attracts thousands of attendees and exhibitors from all over the world. Some years, attendance has surpassed 80,000 people!  This year, we can meet over 3,100 exhibitors.

Expo West is organized by New Hope Network, a media and events company focused on the natural products industry. The event features exhibitors showcasing a wide range of products, including food and beverage, supplements, personal care, and household products.

In addition to the exhibit hall, Expo West also includes educational sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations on topics such as sustainability, health and wellness, and business trends in the natural products industry. The event is also known for its networking opportunities, providing attendees with the chance to connect with industry leaders, influencers, and fellow professionals.

Expo West has been running for over 40 years and has grown significantly in size and scope over that time. The event is considered a must-attend for anyone working in or interested in the natural products industry.

Tuesday was Climate Day, focused on how farms, brands, distributors and retailers can cooperate to reduce the impact of our operations as we provide products to consumers. We heard inspiring stories about regenerative agricultural practices, coalitions formed, and the focus on clean ingredients and improved packaging. Booths open Wednesday and we have a lonnnnng list of existing and potential vendors to meet and products to test!

When customers come to the store, they ask how we find so many natural products and how we can speak confidently on them.  It's because of the extensive research that we do!  We are always on the lookout for new items that are changing the world, we grill potential vendors, and we are picky. Not only do we ask for their story, we review the ingredients and the packaging.  We compare the transportation involved in sourcing a product, and then we test the products. If they work, great!  If they can't compare... sorry. 

We're planning to add new inventory in the next few weeks, and a lot of the new stuff is going to come from what we find at this tradeshow. Stay tuned on our instagram for more on our journey!