Sunday afternoon marked the close of the largest Natural Products Expo on record. More than 60,000 industry members and over 2,000 exhibiting companies filled more than 1 million gross square feet at the Anaheim Convention Center March 8 – 11, 2012. Natural Products Expo West, produced by New Hope Natural Media, has been an industry staple for 32 years running with education, events and expert editorial coverage of new products and trends.

“The number of new exhibiting companies and products launched at Expo West demonstrates the strength of our industry and the level of confidence in the growth of natural, organic and healthy lifestyle products," said Adam Andersen, show director for Natural Products Expo West.

Robust industry discussion revolved around the US and EU organic equivalency, the non- GMO movement through support of the Just Label It campaign, and recent developments in the FDA’s NDI Guidance.

USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Kathleen Merrigan spoke at Natural Products Expo West on how to build regional food systems across the country, while supporting producers, stimulating local economies and creating job opportunities.

Retail Buyer attendance at Expo West grew 13% this year. Jimbo Someck, owner of San Diego’s premier natural grocer, Jimbo’s Naturally, commented, “The fact that there are this many people here and so many new products is reflective of how well the industry is doing.” Nutrition Business Journal data indicates industry growth of 8% over 2010 reaching annual sales of $127 billion in the U.S.

Retailers found over 540 new companies exhibiting at Expo West. Members of the press, voted on best new product launches at “Best of West: Press” with awards going to Noosa, Aussie culture yoghurt; Bambooee, bamboo towels; and Inner-Eco, Coconut Water Probiotic Kefir.

Building on the momentum of Natural Products Expo West, the next tradeshows produced by New Hope Natural Media are NPA MarketPlace, June 14 – 16, 2012, at the Sands Expo and Convention Center Venetian Resort Hotel, Las Vegas, NV; Natural Products Expo Asia, August 23 – 25, 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention Centre; and Natural Products Expo East September 19 - 22, 2012, in Baltimore, MD. For news, trends and coverage of Natural Products Expo West and the natural, organic and healthy living industry visit newhope360.com. Follow @NatProdExpo or #ExpoWest on twitter for ongoing conversations or connect on our Facebook or LinkedIn groups.

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Natural Products Expo West is produced by New Hope Natural Media, a division of Penton Media Inc., 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.