A few weeks ago, I represented Charles Communications Associates at what has to be one of the largest conventions in the nation: the Natural Products Expo West. Over 60,000 people attend this event, with thousands of vendors showcasing their new products, and let me tell you, every kind of product imaginable is there. In the late 1970’s, the natural products industry was estimated at $2.4 billion. Today, the industry is worth nearly $68 billion,
according to Natural Foods’ Merchandiser’s 2009 Market Overview.
I was lucky enough to go with one of our clients, Bunnery Natural Foods. Our booth was located in the heart of the ‘Hot Products’ floor, right next to Ziggy Marley’s diet supplement drinks table. Each day of this three-day trade show, thousands of people bustled through the aisles, discovering new foods, skin-care products, toys, cooking supplies, beverages and more. There was a vivacious energy at the Anaheim Convention Center, where the event took place. Distributors, buyers and media were the majority of attendees.
After a full weekend, literally, of eating, drinking and talking, we felt confident our artisanal granola brand made an impact on those who came by our booth. It was a phenomenal experience unlike any other. Being surrounded by others with the same kind of excitement and enthusiasm for the sustainable and natural world was inspiring. Hope to be a part of it again next year!