Natural Products Association MarketPlace tradeshow still the grassroots venue for new brands to launch into healthy living channel

Boulder, CO (June 27, 2011) — Natural Products Association MarketPlace, co-located with World Tea Expo and the second annual NutriCosmetic Summit, commenced its 74th year running, engaging nearly 5,000 participants, on a show floor comprised of 250 exhibits.  The show was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, June 23 – 25, 2011.

Retailers within the natural and healthy living channel, from across the country, convened at this industry-centric tradeshow to support the lobbying efforts of the Natural Products Association (NPA), scope out the latest product introductions, and buy for their store shelves.  Show floor traffic drew names from all sectors including Alfalfa's Market, The Andersons, Safeway, Ralph's, CVS, Sunflower Farmers Market, Whole Foods Market, Disneyland Resort, GNC, Great Earth Vitamins, HerbMart and Natural Foods Market.

“Through the demos conducted, I found new gluten free products to bring into my stores and I am excited to learn more about cooking with Sabinsa Curcumin and coconut functional ingredients.  Keynote speaker Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, MD, inspired me to continue learning and sharing more alternative health information that would benefit our customers," said Sharon Haeflinger,of The Andersons health food store in Maumee, Ohio.

“It is essential to have face time with the manufacturers and distributors I do business with throughout the year. This show is about personal connections and keeping our relationships current.  We were excited to see such a dynamic show and will continue to attend," said Sarah A. Wilson of the HerbMart stores in Texas.

In celebration of the NPA's 75th anniversary, the Diamond Manufacturer Award was given to Tree of Life, a KeHE Company, Aubrey Organics and Carlson Labs for their longtime commitment to the association and the industry as a whole.  The Best of Show Retailers' Choice Award went to The Seaweed Bath Co. and the Young Entrepreneur Award was presented to 13 year old Henry Miller of Henry's Sweet Miracle Honey.

“The representation of buyers and sellers from coast-to-coast created one of our most dynamic shows to date, and after 74 years, seeing this innovation and collaboration is inspiring and is what keeps our industry growing, despite tough fiscal times," said Erica Stone, Show Director, New Hope Natural Media.

Long time participation of industry veterans as well as a record number of first time exhibitors to the show, were great contributors to the overall success of the show.

Natural Products Association MarketPlace 2012 will move back to the Sands Expo and Convention Center and the Venetian Resort Hotel next June 14 – 16, 2012.

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Natural Products Association MarketPlace (www.npamarketplace.com), the official show of the Natural Products Association produced by New Hope Natural Media, is an intimate trade show for the natural and healthy products industries. Thousands of industry professionals gather to see the latest new products and trends.  The show also features a highly rated education program with leading experts and community-building networking events. The NutriCosmetic Summit (www.nutricosmeticsummit.com) and WorldTea Expo (www.WorldTeaExpo.com) co-located with Natural Products Association MarketPlace.

New Hope Natural Media (www.newhope360.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 professional 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.