More than 2,500 exhibits will highlight future consumer trends
 
BOULDER, Colo. (Jan. 16, 2006) — While the nation’s obesity crisis and health care quagmire remain top concerns, the country’s entrepreneurs aren’t waiting for a government solution. Retailers, manufacturers and leaders in the natural, organic and wellness industries will gather in California to take note of trend-setting products for every demographic, from kids to seniors to pets, at the Natural Products Expo West trade show, held March 23-26, at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Natural Products Expo West, produced by New Hope Natural Media, will showcase more than 2,500 exhibits featuring products in the areas of natural and organic foods, health supplements, personal care, natural living and more. Last year, more than 38,000 industry members registered to attend the show, making it one of the top 100 largest trade shows in the U.S., according to Trade Show Magazine.

Consumers are fueling a $45.8 billion natural products industry, according to The Natural Foods Merchandiser’s 2004 “Market Overview,” and the natural and organic products industry continues to see double-digit growth. Organic product sales grew by approximately 20 percent, to reach $10.8 billion in 2004, according to the Organic Trade Association’s 2004 Manufacturer Survey.

“Our show debuts the trends that will be hitting the mainstream radar a year or more down the road,” said Fredrik M. Linder, president of New Hope Natural Media. “By serving as a resource where retailers find the best new products, we offer a competitive advantage for buyers — and for manufacturers hoping to reach the market.”

Natural Product Expo West helps make the most of retailers’ time on the floor, by dividing the show into special segments:

·          Pavilions make it easy to navigate more than 250,000 square feet of trade show floor. Categories include Natural Foods, Organics, Personal Care, Pet Products, Specialty Foods, Supplements/Herbs, Vegetarian Foods, Natural Living, Wine, Beer & Spirits and Healthcare.

·          Hot Trends Icons will identify exhibits, seminars and events throughout the show that tie in to the biggest trends in the industry: Anti-aging, Grab-n-Go, Kids, Sports Nutrition, Special Diet and Ethnic Foods.

The show floor is open Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Daryl Hannah, renowned actress and environmental advocate, will deliver the keynote address on Sunday, March 26, 9-10 a.m., on sustainability and holistic living.

Thursday, March 23, is designated Education Day with free seminars covering important news-making trends in the health and nutrition industry. Thursday also marks the 14th annual Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, noon-5:30 p.m. This event combines a traditional farmers’ market atmosphere with a focused business-to-business event for buyers and sellers of certified organic products.

On Friday, at 3 p.m., New Hope Natural Media will hold a Meet the Editors event at Booth #2436. Editors from New Hope’s publications, including Delicious Living, The Natural Foods Merchandiser, Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals and Nutrition Business Journal, will meet show exhibitors, retailers and guests.

This year’s Natural Products Expo West also features co-located events/shows:

·          World Ethnic Market, an exhibition including kosher, halal and ethnic and specialty foods, March 23-24.

·          SupplyExpo, March 24-26, the leading trade show for ingredients and technologies in the health and nutrition industry.

Press may register online at www.expowest.com/press/registration.cfm . Editorial staff who meet press guidelines attend free of charge. For more information, visit www.expowest.com

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New Hope Natural Media is a division of Penton Media Inc. (OTCBB: PTON), a diversified business-to-business media company that provides high-quality content and integrated marketing solutions to the following industries: health/nutrition and natural and organic products; aviation; design/engineering; electronics; food/retail; government/compliance; business technology/enterprise IT; leisure/hospitality; manufacturing; mechanical systems/construction; and supply chain.