The continuing strong growth of the organic sector confirmed by this year’s Soil Association Market Report is reflected at this year’s Natural & Organic Products Europe trade show, which is on track to feature a record number of certified organic products when it opens this weekend on Sunday 2 April, at London ExCeL.
Last year was already a record-breaker. Now, thanks to a 15% increase in exhibitors for 2017, the number of organic products on offer will be unprecedented in the event’s 21-year history.
Over half (55%) of the 700 exhibiting companies have announced that they will be promoting certified organic products – including food and drink, health and nutrition, and beauty and personal care. Between them they’ll be promoting certification marks from around the world, including the Soil Association (over 80 licensees have been confirmed), Organic Food Federation, Organic Farmers & Growers, IOFGA, Demeter, Ecocert, COSMOS, EU Organic (Euro Leaf), USDA Organic, BDIH, Bioagricert, Skal, Bio Suisse, Organic Food Chain, ICEA, Kiwa BCS Öko-Garantie, and JAS, among others.
“Natural & Organic Products Europe is a fantastic opportunity for demonstrating the range and innovation within the organic sector and has to be the main event on every organic manufacturer’s and retailer’s calendars,” says Clare McDermott, business development director at Soil Association Certification.
“Natural & Organic Products Europe represents the sharp end of innovation for products and future trends in the organic market, with great start ups and more established businesses displaying the latest in ideas and concepts. A great, intense, exciting show,” says Paul Moore, CEO of the Organic Trade Board.
Organic food & drink The returning Growing Organic Together pavilion – hosted by the Soil Association & Organic Trade Board in the Natural Food Show, is a good starting point for visitors to see what’s new. It’s 65% bigger – featuring 30 organic brands – and boasts a prominent new location near the entrance.
Alara Wholefoods, Atlantic Kitchen, Carley’s, Cocofina, Dash Organics, Infinity Foods, JEAM Super Mixes, Mr Organic, Naturally Coconuts, Nom Foods, Ogilvy’s, Omnivita, One Earth Organics, Organic Wellbeing, Planet Organic, Provamel, Queenswood Natural Foods, Riverford Organic Dairy, Booja-Booja, The Raw Chocolate Company, Geo Organics/Organica, and Yogi Tea are just some of this year’s pavilion participants.
Pukka Herbs, Biona, Clearspring and Suma Wholefoods – recently named by the Soil Association as the top selling organic brands in UK independent stores – plus other big names like Aduna, BodyMe, Creative Nature Superfoods, Eat Real Healthier Snacking, GEO, Gusto Organic, Heath & Heather, James White Drinks, Marigold Health Foods, Pulsin, Rainbow Wholefoods, Seed & Bean Chocolates, and The Organic Herb Trading Company are also exhibiting.
As in previous years, the Soil Association will host exclusive presentations in the Natural Products Talks Theatre discussing market trends and opportunities:
• Capitalise on the growing organic market – selling organic in independent retail featuring the Soil Association, the Organic Trade Board (OTB) and Queenswood Natural Foods (Sunday 2 April)
• A Healthy Organic Market in the UK – the facts and the latest consumer research from Soil Association including a comprehensive overview of the 2017 Organic Market Report (Monday 3 April)
Independent retailers and café owners planning to host Wake up to Organic events on 14 June 2017, can also benefit from free mentoring sessions on the OTB stand. Places are limited and need to be booked in advance (please email Annie Seeley on [email protected]).
River Cottage’s head chef Gill Meller, and food and health blogger Madeleine Shaw, will be showcasing their organic breakfast recipes for the Wake up to Organic campaign in the Natural Food Kitchen at 10am on Monday 3 April.
Organic beauty & health
Lauren Bartley, from Soil Association Certification, will also be hosting two sessions in the Natural Beauty & Spa Theatre. On opening day (Sunday, 2 April), she’ll give an overview of plans for this year’s Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Week. While on the Monday (3 April), she’ll be discussing the main findings of the Soil Association’s first ever Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Report, which revealed a 13% increase in sales for 2016.
Following its successful launch last year, the Soil Association Organic Beauty pavilion (in the Natural Beauty & Spa area), is also 40% bigger. Exhibitors include 21st Century Health (EcoSoapia), Amina’s Natural Skincare, Aqua Oleum, Ecocare, EverGoods Global Co (Naveen), Good Day Organics, Nourish London, Pearmine Health (rawganic), SKN-RG England, Terre Verdi, Totally Wild, YES the organic intimacy company, and Uoga Uoga.
Other Soil Association certified organic beauty brands at the show include Absolute Aromas, LoveLula Boutique, Natracare, and Daniel Galvin Jr. International.
While over in the Natural Health & Living area – G&G Vitamins, Greenscents, KIKI Health, Lifeplan Products, Living Planet Distribution, Motion Nutrition, Natures Aid, Green People, and Viridian Nutrition will be promoting their latest Soil Association certified ranges.
100s of new organic products
Reflecting the highly competitive nature of the sector, the number of new product showcase entries – competing for prestigious Natural & Organic Awards – has increased to over 325 for 2017.
The awards, which recognises the best products launched over the last twelve months, includes three dedicated organic categories (out of a total 13 categories).
Voting opens at the two New Product Showcases from 9.30am on opening day and will run until 4pm. The exhibitors to have secured the most visitor votes will then be judged by an independent panel of industry buyers; including Julian Wright, purchasing director at The Health Store; Andy Derbyshire, buying controller at Tree Of Life; Alan Martin, owner/retailer of Food For Thought Kingston and Guildford; Wendy Atkinson, MD of Modern Herbals; and Shona Wilkinson, technical and corporate nutritionist.
The winners will be announced the following morning at the Natural & Organic Awards Europe, hosted by Madeleine Shaw (open to exhibitors and press attendees only).
