Over 9,200 natural and organic industry professionals were out in force over 19-20 April, as ExCeL London was transformed into a vibrant showcase of the very best in natural and organic products at Natural & Organic Products Europe. Around 89% of surveyed visitors have rated their experience as excellent/good, with 95% planning to return next year.
Europe’s biggest trade show for natural, organic, fair trade, free-from, vegan, vegetarian, and eco-living brands, combined a bustling 600-strong exhibition with a packed programme of focused seminars and live cooking demonstrations.
Retail and hospitality buyers pack the aisles
Renowned for attracting key buyers, decision makers and influencers from across the food, beauty, health and eco-label categories, the show’s aisles were packed with a ‘who’s who’ of the sector – including well-known operators like Superdrug, Waitrose, Ocado, Aldi, Co-op, M&S, Holland and Barrett, Whole Foods Market, Planet Organic, Infinity Foods, Harrods, Victoria Health, LoveLula, Big Green Smile, John Bell & Croyden, Lloyds Pharmacy, Glossybox, The Body Shop, Abel & Cole, Costco, BaxterStorey, Sodexo, Mad&Vin, SOK, Life Europe AB, Biocoop, Helsemin, and Carrefour.
They were joined by thousands of independent retailers and foodservice buyers, distributors, wholesalers, importers, and exporters, plus specialist and organic shop owners from all across the UK.
New Products Showcase
The show’s New Products Showcase was a hive of activity – and for the first port of call for many visiting buyers. Featuring a record total of 325 entries for 2015, showcase visitors voted for their favourites on Sunday 19 April. The winning exhibitors were presented with their trophies at the industry’s prestigious Natural and Organic Awards later that night.
This year’s winning products included Mint Choc Chip Protein Snack by Pulsin’ (food);Kale-os – kale crisps by InSpiral Visionary Products (organic food); Coyo Cherry Coconut Milk Yoghurt distributed by Marigold Health Foods (special diet); BodyMe Matcha Tea by BodyMe Ltd (drink); PRO-30 Max by Natures Aid (health & nutrition); 100% Organic Liquid Iron by Viridian Nutrition (organic product); Royal Jelly Body Butter by Savannah Bee Company (natural beauty & spa); and Humble Brush by Humble Brush (natural living & home).
The new UK Juicing Championships 2015
Audience participation was also key to the show’s first ever UK Juicing Championships, sponsored by Juico. Open to professional juicers from across the country, nine contestants battled their way through a series of exciting live heats to make it to the grand final. Calan McIntosh from Crussh Fit Food & Juice Bars won out. Impressing the judges – Arthur Potts Dawson, Christine Bailey, Scott McArthur, and Dale Pinnock – with Crussh’s winning juice Lean Green + (made by combining zingy pineapple, pear, apple and kiwi with Swiss chard, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce and parsley). Aside from winning the wealth of industry kudos, Calan – the nation’s top juicer – took away the prize of a Juico juicer and knife set worth over £400. The runners-up were Richard Brookes from Spark Juice in London and reigning British Smoothie Champion Indy Wilson-Fish from Juicafe in Lancaster.
Save the date for 2016
Natural & Organic Products Europe includes three show sections: Natural Health & Living, Natural Beauty & Spa and The Natural Food Show. The next edition will take place on 17-18 April 2016 at ExCeL London.
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