Natural Products Expo West Scores Record Attendance, Exhibitors
March 10, 2013
The natural and organic products industry continues to boom, as evidenced by Penton Media’s record-breaking show, Natural Products Expo West, held March 7-10 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
More than 63,000 attendees were able to check out the latest natural and organic products ranging from veggie burgers to lip balm being offered by 2,428 exhibitors spread out on a 393,000 net square foot showfloor.
Last year’s show drew approximately 60,000 attendees and 2,000 exhibitors.
“You truly had to be present at this year’s event to experience the energy felt on the show floor and throughout Anaheim,” said Adam Andersen, show director for Natural Products Expo West.
He added of the newly opened Grand Plaza at the Anaheim CC, “The Grand Plaza at the convention center became the natural products community’s living room for four days and is where we celebrated the industry’s continued success.”
The show was collocated with Engredea and Nutracon, an event for the ingredient and supply chain.
Big news at this year’s show was natural and organic products supermarket chain, Whole Foods Market, commitment to full genetically-modified organism (GMO) transparency by 2018.
“This compelling news is an important next step for the industry, possible legislation and ultimately consumers,” said Fred Linder, president of New Hope Natural Media.
Entrepreneurs also had the ability to show off what they had to offer with the new NEXT Natural Products Industry Accelerator program.
“The NEXT Accelerator provides the information, tools, community and connections needed to cultivate the next generation of natural products entrepreneurs,” Andersen added.
There were several overall trends that continued to grow at this year’s show, including gluten- and allergen-free products, sprouted foods, healthy snacks, non-dairy alternatives, vegan and paleo offerings and healthier, cleaner kids’ products.
“The natural and organic market is at the center of many of the most important and positive changes happening in food, nutrition and wellness,” said Carlotta Mast, senior director of Content and Insights for New Hope Natural Media and editor-in-chief, Natural Foods Merchandiser, newhope360.com.
She added, “We face significant lifestyle-related health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and mood disorders, and many of the solutions to these problems were on display at Natural Products Expo West.”
Natural Products Expo West is produced through Penton’s New Hope Natural Media division.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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