The Natural List - Inside natural product investments and innovation

In this episode of The Natural List, co-host Jessica Rubino shares highlights from the Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) Fall Investor Meeting, where entrepreneurs and investors gathered to explore innovations and business strategies in the health and wellness industry. Jessica discusses the shift in the investment landscape, with investors now focusing on profitability over fast growth. Plus, how can brands balance capital efficiency with ESG and sustainability commitments? 

As for trends, Jessica recapped NCN's top trends: women’s health, multi-functional products and science-backed ingredients and technologies. While some may question the possibility of innovation today, advancements in regenerative practices, new-to-market solutions and AI show ingenuity are thriving.   

Jessica also highlights key concerns for CPG CEOs, including rising tariffs, labor challenges and the high costs of retail partnerships. Despite these hurdles, optimism is strong, with Newtopia Now a proven hub for innovation and the Natural Products Expo West NEXTY Awards just around the corner. Brands, don’t forget to submit your NEXTY nominations by Dec. 2!

In this episode:   

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Your hosts 

About Jessica Rubino  

Jessica Rubino is a natural products industry expert and content strategist with more than 15 years experience in media, events and natural products. As New Hope Network’s vice president of content, Jessica oversees digital and print content, conference programming and branded content for CPGs, retailers, investors and service providers. Jessica is passionate about using innovation as a force for good and leveraging content to spark the changes we want to see in the world.  

About Adrienne Smith  

Adrienne Smith is the director of content for newhope.com and the editor-in-chief of Natural Foods Merchandiser magazine where she helps ideate and produce content for natural products retailers, brands and entrepreneurs. She also runs the NEXTY Awards, an annual program held in conjunction with Natural Products Expo West that recognizes emerging and established natural CPG brands for their innovation, inspiration and integrity. 

Before coming to New Hope Network, Adrienne spent two decades writing about food and beverage products and trends for the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Trade in Madrid, Spain, as well as for publications including the International Herald Tribune/New York Times and El País. A former restaurant owner, chef and sommelier, Adrienne is passionate about food in all its forms.