Nearly 400 exhibiting companies from 42 countries will be showcasing their latest food and drink innovations to thousands of trade buyers and retailers at The Natural Food Show (ExCel, London, 22-23 April), which opens on Sunday.
Part of Natural & Organic Products Europe, the show is expected to welcome over 10,500 attendees – all looking to discover the best choice of natural and certified organic food and drink from around the world.
As in previous years, there’s a big international presence at the show. This year’s pavilions include The Organic Hub hosted by the Soil Association & Organic Trade Board, Dio Greece (with 16 organic certified producers), Organic Peru, Demeter Biodynamic, Demeter Italy, Austria, Armenia, Ecuador, Thailand, Spain (Galicia region), Sri Lanka (speciality teas), Mezzogiorno – Southern Italian Food (including specialties from Campania, Calabria, Puglia and Sicily), Epirus, and South Aegean – winner of the ‘European Region of Gastronomy 2019’ Award – promoting Greek delicacies from across its 50+ inhabited islands.
Over 60 other nations are participating at an individual level – bringing the sights and sounds (not to mention the aromas and flavours) of the world to London – including Australia, China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Poland, and Sweden.
“Newness is crucial to our business, and nowhere in the UK is there more innovation that is relevant to my business than this show,” says Al Overton, head of buying at Planet Organic.
Among the companies and brands taking part at this year’s show are:
The Raw Chocolate Company is previewing new eco packaging (recyclable outer and compostable film) for its complete bar range. There’s also three new flavours to sample – Mint, Silky Coconut and Coffee Crunch. All bars are vegan, organic, soy free, dairy free, gluten free and refined sugar free (stand Q4, UK).
Matcha NOW is previewing its three new flavours, launching in the summer: Ginger&Turmeric, with organic extracts of turmeric, ginger and lemon; Peppermint, with organic extracts of peppermint and vanilla; and a CBD MatchaNOW, with 10mg water soluble CBD. Each no sugar drink holds 2.5g of organic, ceremonial grade matcha powder in the patented twist-cap (stand T33, UK).
Friendly Organic Foods is previewing new tropical fruit bars and dried fruit balls from Ecuador. The latest additions to its organic cacao product range, they’re available in various tropical combinations of banana, pineapple, mango, goldenberries and cacao (stand Z14, Ecuador).
SMILEAT, the 100% organic baby food brand, is previewing its new infant milk formula and baked fruit (both launching in July). Among its other new innovations are apple and spelt biscuits, muesli-like cereals, and Pear with Apple Organic – a 130g jar filled with fruits, which boasts a texture and a taste similar to homemade (stand X4, Spain).
Health Link, an organic producer of superfoods, smoothies, lattes, porridges and nutritional supplements, is previewing its new vegan latte drinks. Available in Acai Banana, Matcha, and Mango (60g packs), they contain no lactose, gluten, caffeine or preservatives (stand R28, Czech Republic).
Alara Wholefoods is going 100% organic. The rebrand, to be launched at this year’s Natural & Organic Products Europe, includes new look packaging that highlights their use of only natural and healthy ingredients. They are also pioneering a compostable film bag inside the already recyclable boxes. The revamped range will feature new gluten-free and vegan products alongside the brand’s staple best-sellers. The latest additions include Classic Apple Bircher Muesli; Swiss Style Muesli, with milk protein; and Everyday Muesli (stand N11, UK).
PlainTasty is launching its RYSP breads – artisan, hand produced, slow fermented, 100% Rye sourdough crisp breads. Available in Fennel, Chilli & Turmeric, Beetroot & Dill, and White Pepper & Sea Salt, they’re made with natural flavourings (just 5-6 ingredients per flavour); without wheat, dairy, baker’s yeast, added sugars or GMOs. The larger 180g pack size also helps to reduce packaging waste (stand V46, UK).
ZOOT is launching Zoot Vitamin – a new vitamin enriched range, which offers a revolutionary way to top up vitamin intake in a chocolate bar. Each 13.5g / 64 kcals bar is made with Zoot’s best-selling no-added-sugar Smooth Dark Chocolate. The four varieties include: Be Beautiful, with vitamins E and A, niacin and biotin; Sunshine Boost, with vitamins D, B6, B12 and folate; Anti-Stress, with vitamin B6, niacin, pantothenic acid, valerian and hop extract; and Refresh, with vitamin E and resVida trans-resveratrol (stand S6, UK).
Upton’s Naturals, the first company to launch pre-seasoned whole-food Jackfruit meat alternatives in the UK, US and Europe, is returning with two new flavours of Jackfruit: Sweet & Smoky and Chili Lime. They will also be introducing their newest line of vegan, shelf-stable Real Meal Kits (stand W31, USA).
Heywood Tea is making its European debut at the show. The Hong Kong brand, which specialises in organic functional tea, sources all its ingredients directly from sustainable farms in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Bulgaria. Its current range of caffeine free teas include: Bitter Melon & Green Tea; Rose & Wolfberry Tea; Red Dates, Angelica and Wolfberry Tea; Roselle & Red Date Tea; and new Chrysanthemum and Wolfberry Tea (stand W46, Hong Kong).
Aquamamma natural hydration water is making its European debut at the show. Developed by Australian obstetrician, Dr Robert Buist, it was created to provide women with a healthy way to stay hydrated during pregnancy and after giving birth. The waters are low in sugar and sodium and have added folic acid. Available in Lemon, Orange, Coconut and Mixed Berry, with BP-free bottles (stand E36, USA).
Bite Me Tonic is launching its Bite Me Immune Booster to Europe. Available in 240ml bottles, it’s made from an all-natural blend of Manuka honey, organic apple cider vinegar, ginger root, lime and lemon juice, turmeric and cayenne pepper (stand N43, New Zealand).
Britt’s Superfoods is launching Organic Boosters – powerful organic juice shots packed with nutritional benefits. Available in two flavours: Energy is a red-berry drink rich in B3, B6 and B12, with an added caffeine boost; and Health is a green booster, high in Magnesium and B6 vitamin (stand X45, UK).
Greedy Goat Ice Cream, the first UK ice cream company to package in 500ml recycled glass jars, is launching eight new flavours at the show. The range is 100% natural, egg free, gluten free, lactose friendly and suitable for vegetarians, and includes Billy Vanilly; The Goatfather – salted caramel; Nanny’s Rhubarb & Custard; Theresa’s Chocolate Orange; and Harry’s reMARKLEble Banana (stand W1, UK).
Gusto Organic is launching three new organic and Fairtrade carbonates in 275ml glass: A cherry cola packed with organic cherries, spices, essential oils, real cola nut and Fairtrade vanilla; a sparkling Sicilian blood orange; and a fiery ginger with chipotle. All are sweetened with Fairtrade agave (stand K2, UK).
Dr. Bronner’s is launching its very first food product into the UK market. This new Fairtrade and Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is fresh-pressed, unrefined and made with the whole kernel of the coconut to further increase its health benefits, as well as offering a nuttier flavour (stand C21, USA).
Healthy Food Brands is introducing Switchle Sparkling Organic Apple Cider Vinegar drinks. A new addition to the premium adult soft drinks market, they blend sparkling spring water with organic apple cider vinegar with mother, organic honey, fruit juices and botanicals. Flavours include Turmeric, Ginger and Peach; Matcha, Lime and Mint; and Rooibos, Raspberry and Pomegranate (stand Y40, UK).
KISSA Tea is launching a new Matcha Cranberry for Latte Mix, made with pure authentic Japanese Matcha. It’s quick and easy to prepare – especially as a cold drink. Also showcasing: original Japanese Matcha, green tea and tea powders (stand S10, Austria).
The Heart Of Nature is launching its new gluten free and organic gluten free pure grain bread at the show. High in fibre, protein and omega 3-fatty acids, it is baked without any flour or yeast, is main 14 allergens free, and packed with super seeds and grains. The six-strong range includes: Original Mix, Quinoa Seeds, Chia Seeds, Cranberries, Prunes, and Green Olives. Available in 450g or 275g packs, sliced or unsliced (stand W18, UK).
Greek Family Farm, the biggest producer of organic feta in Greece, is showcasing its organic feta PDO. Made exclusively from 100% organic sheep’s milk or a mixture of organic sheep’s and organic goat’s milk in Almyros, Thessaly, they control the entire production process from the field to the final product (stand R2, Greece).
Bluumers Honey is marking its show debut with the UK launch of its full range of Bulgarian honey – local, raw, artisan, and single-sourced. Single harvests reflect the terroir, the climate and the forage of the region, which gives the honey its unique taste. Variants include forest, field, acacia, coriander, lavender, oak, thistle, and linden honey (stand Z16, Bulgaria).
PROSVEGO is adding Wellness, an organic carob energy bar to its organic and vegan confectionary range. Handmade with a blend of high quality Peruvian cocoa butter, carob powder, ginger and cinnamon, it is gluten free, caffeine free and refined sugar free (stand W28, Latvia).
Sweet Revolution is launching two new organic and vegan instant lattes: a Chicory Latte enhanced with Lion’s Mane and a Beetroot Latte with a hint of ginger. Both are free from dairy, gluten and caffeine. Using a base of coconut milk powder, they’re quick and easy to make by simply adding water (stand Q3, UK).
Cocofina is launching a new organic coconut yoghurt alternative, which comes in make-it-yourself dairy-free powder sachets. Simply add hot water, a choice of probiotic and leave overnight (no more out-of-date yogurt!). Also new for 2018: organic dairy free Chocolate and Hazelnut Spread, made with quality hazelnuts, coconut nectar, cocoa and coconut oil (stand P7, UK).
Brain Fd is rolling out its new sustainable packaging. Moving away from plastic bottles, the natural energy drink will re-launch in renewable cardboard packs that are made from 75% renewable materials; with the caps being made from renewable sugar cane bi-products. Available in Berry & Coconut, Citrus & Mint, and Pineapple & Ginger flavours (stand T24, UK).
China Tea & Herbalworld HK, established in 1948, is introducing its natural Yumth頴ea blends to the UK. Recent innovations include: Chakra Guava Tea, blended from natural guava fruit, guava leaves and vitamin-rich mulberry leaves; and Chakra Mate Tea, a blend of Java tea and South American yerba mate – traditionally used to maintain the digestive system and help reduce uric-acid levels (stand P48, Hong Kong).
OLIART is the first Greek company to cultivate and process Konservolia Artas PGI (natural black olives of Arta) without using any additives or preservatives. Instead, they use natural ingredients such as lemon, sea salt, vinegar and oregano (stand U40G, Greece).
Kaldanis Family Apiculture has been producing honey since 1880. Its range of natural honey includes Epirus Gea Honey, as well as blossom, arbutus, orange blossom, thyme, oak and pine honey (stand U40F, Greece).
The House of Aran is showcasing its new I’M T range of natural tea blends in fully biodegradable muslin pyramids. Handcrafted from the finest whole leaf teas selected from holistic and biodynamic estates, the launch blends include: Tulsi Green, Indian Masala, English Breakfast, Garden Rose, and Earl Grey (stand V24A, UK).
Happy Butter Organic Ghee has just launched a new 150g jar, in addition to their existing 300g jar. The smaller jar, available for both their regular Ghee and Golden Turmeric Ghee, is designed to attract more first time consumers to try Ghee (stand Z54, UK).
Sweet Amsterdam recently launched a new Honey Stroopwafel, made with organic honey and with 60% less sugar. Their Stroopwafel range (which also includes Traditional Dutch Caramel Filling and Coated with Dark Chocolate) is organic, gluten-free and dairy-free (stand X3, The Netherlands).
De Smaakspecialist is showcasing its new Organic Pumpkin range, including passata, curry, ketchup and spread. They are all made of freshly processed pumpkin, without refined sugars (stand T50, The Netherlands).
Northern Bloc recently launched a new range of all natural vegan ice cream. It’s available in 500ml tubs for retail and 2.5L Napoli for scooping and foodservice, in four unique flavours: Strawberry & Yuzu, Chocolate & Orange Blossom, Hazelnut & Rose, and Peanut Chip (stand V24C, UK).
Coconut Merchant’s Organic Coconut Nectar – Honey Alternative is now available in a squeezy bottle (250ml and 500ml). A vegan friendly alternative to honey, it is sweet and smooth and ideal for drizzling on pancakes, lathering on toast or stirring into porridge (stand S9, UK).
Organic Bakery Zemanka is sampling its new Red Lentil biscuits, available in chocolate, coconut or apple. Red lentil flour is high in protein, fibre and other nutrients and is naturally gluten-free. Also showcasing: sweet (gluten) and gluten-free biscuits, biscuits for children, and savoury crackers (stand T44, Czech Republic).
EDA ORGANIK GIDA recently launched a new organic range of crunchy dried fruit and vegetables. Dried under hot air with pressure (no microwaves), with no added ingredients, they are presented in popcorn chip pots (stand U5, Turkey).
SugaVida is showcasing its Great Taste Award winning Turmeric Lattes. Launched in February, they are available in Original, Cardamom and Spicy Ginger 300g packs (with 100g and 8g single serving sachets coming soon). Bursting with B vitamins and essential minerals, these healing elixirs (turmeric lattes aka ‘Golden Milk’ was heralded as the healthiest drink of 2017) contain a fusion of the highest grade turmeric, organic black pepper and SugaVida natural sweetener (stand Y46, UK).
Orballo’s Eco Rice range features five different recipes of rice, blended with aromatic plants and spices harvested from their fields in Galicia. Just add water, salt to season, and it’s ready in 20 minutes. Choose from: Rice with beetroot; Rice with nettles and tomato; Rice with herbs; Hindu rice; and Rice with boletus and chestnut (risotto). All products are organic, Galicia Calidade and EVU V-Label certified (CRAEGA Organic Food – stand N15, Spain).
BIO MARE is sampling its latest sweet treat – the Organic Raw Bar Bio Mare. The rich combination of exotic bio-certified ingredients include raisins, cold-pressed cacao butter, goji berry, cranberries, and grated coconut. Also showcasing: gluten-free sweet and salty cookies and crackers (stand Z12, Bulgaria).
kAAKAO is presenting the future of not-chocolate at the show. Its kAAKAO creation is all organic, plant-powered ‘chocolate’ sweetened with dates (with no added sugar). The launch range includes: Original, not plain (40g), made with cacao, cacao butter, dates, coconut milk, and that’s it; plus Strawberry & Vanilla (40g), with freeze-dried strawberries and Madagascan vanilla (stand M2, UK).
Great Stuff Organic’s latest additions include Super Seed Crispy Bites and Super Seed Crunch. The bites are available in either Matcha & Spirulina or With Turmeric. The crunch in Almond with hemp seeds & raw cocoa or Cashew with hemp seeds & Ceylon cinnamon. A nutritious snack food alternative, based on seeds, nuts and plant based proteins, they are gluten free, high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids (stand P13, UK).
C.A.M.P food & Co recently launched its online marketplace offering a range of niche products sourced from Italian family run businesses. The products, now available in the UK for the first time, include organic jams, pasta and rice, cereals, pulses and condiments (stand Z60, UK).
FZ Organic Food is showcasing its Organic Stoneground Tortilla Crisps, available in plastic-free, compostable packaging. The product is made from cooked whole corn kernels instead of corn flour. These grains are cooked and ground into a paste, the mixture is rolled out and then the triangles are punched and fried (stand P46, The Netherlands).
Benevo Vegan Pet Foods has added to its Pawtato natural dog chew range, with new Purple Sweet Potato Knots. Made from a blend of organically grown, non-GM Purple and Orange sweet potatoes and rice, these hypoallergenic vegan dog chews are a healthy alternative to rawhide (stand X13, UK).
Mount Olympus Pure Foods has launched three Dairy Kefirs for 2018. They are already a big success in Greece, where they have been produced in traditional ways, using natural (no preservatives or infusions added) local ingredients. The new Cows’ Kefir is available in: 300ml and 480ml packs, and in 300ml Lemon and Peach variants (stand P50, UK).
Plenish Cleanse’s Chocolate Almond M*LK contains a dash of anti-oxidant rich cacao. The 250ml snack-sized bottle is free of nasty additives and is completely vegan-friendly (stand M5, UK).
Agrover, the Italian rice specialist, has created a new natural range for 2018 called AGRONATURE. The latest products include nine types of rice (many of which are also organic – Sushi, Jasmine, Basmati and Nerone for example), couscous, polenta, legumes and soups (stand V32, Italy).
NATPROD Natural Products is showcasing Smile Organic Greek Flowers Honey with Equisetum from the Peloponnese area. The 410g jar, with organic certification, is ideal for hair, nails and skin (stand V38G, UK).
Grace Official (Thailand) is sampling its latest release – DURY: freeze dried durian and strawberry. This new snack marries the creaminess and acidity of durian and strawberry with just the right sweetness. It is high in protein and calcium, and gluten free (stand S40H, Thailand).
TrooFoods’ launch product – Troo Granola, is a breakfast cereal with a difference. It’s the first 100% natural, totally-plant based, gluten free, low sugar, high fibre, gut-healthy granola available in 100% plastic free, compostable packaging. Variants include Chocolate & Orange, Nutty & Cinnamon, and Super Seedy (stand Z56, UK).
SweetLeaf Stevia is presenting its SweetLeaf Water Drops in six fruit-flavoured blends. The latest innovation from the award winning stevia brand, the water drops are all 48 ml (48 servings per bottle), with zero calories or sugars, gluten free, Kosher, and non GMO. Choose from Tropical Punch, Mixed Berry, Peach Mango, Strawberry Kiwi, Raspberry Lemonade, or Lemon Lime (stand S7, USA).
Community Foods has added Orgran Vegan Easy Egg to its range. This vegetable based egg-free alternative is cholesterol free and low in fat. One pack is equal to 15 eggs (stand T34, UK).
Vintage Roots Organic Wine is showcasing Pri Secco Alcohol Free Sparkling Fruit Drink. Created by ex-winemaker J. Geiger to offer an interesting alternative to wine, it’s produced in Germany’s Swabian region using heritage meadow fruits, herbs, spices and wild flowers. They will also be sampling the award-winning Hoopoe wine range from Sicily at the show (stand M6, UK).
JOM Organic is a new organic and vegan candy that comes in carefully designed, portion controlled bags. Wild Raspberry and Fizzy Caramel is just one of the latest innovations they’ll be sampling at the show (stand X28, UK).
The Protein Ball Co is promoting its all-natural Peanut Butter + Jam protein balls. Made with a simple handful of raw pitted dates, crushed peanuts, plant protein powder (pea + rice), blueberries + strawberries, it’s their healthy twist on a classic American combo (stand R40, UK).
PHENALEX is showcasing its Organic Orange Raw Fructonata (fruit preserve). Concentrated in a vacuum at a temperature under 42C, without pasteurisation, the process preserves the fruit’s nutrients, phytonutrients and fresh flavour. The range is free of added sugar, pectins, preservatives, dyes or other food additives (stand Z20, Romania).
Pakka’s choco-peanuts are the first organic certified peanuts grown in Colombia. They are covered with Equiori Colombian organic chocolate, made from selected native cacao varieties, and coated in a thin coloured candy shell. The vegan, gluten and lactose free range includes new Peanut Candy Choco Noir (stand W23, Switzerland)
MightyBee is showcasing its Bananito solar-dried banana bar (launched in December). Flavours include: Original & Chewy, Dark Chocolate Dipped, and Dark Chocolate & Almond Crush. These vegan treats are all natural, gluten-free, high in fibre, and classified as one of your five-a-day (stand P5, UK).
Primera Technology Europe is demonstrating its latest POS solutions for in-store, on-demand label printing. Customers can personalise products with a message or image before having it printed live at the point of sale to take away. Primera’s LX500e Colour Label Printer is the ideal hardware for kiosk solutions because of its small footprint and low on-going maintenance (stand Q36, Germany.
Ecolife Food is showcasing its plant-based ps, made traditionally with fresh vegetables, a seed or nut base, olive oil and that’s it. The 50g packs are available in Pistachio and black garlic (a bestseller in Spain); Asparagus and almonds; Carrot and hemp seeds; Artichoke and quinoa; Pumpkin and raisins; Tomato and zucchini; Cucumber and dill; and Hummus. They don’t contain any sort of gum, artificial thickener, tofu, or unhealthy oils (stand W34, Spain).
Lazy Vegan’s latest frozen convenience meals include Lazy Vegan Mexican and Lazy Vegan Proven硬e. They are packed with fresh vegetables and unique protein chunks – Pulled Peaz, made from green peas, which contain more protein than meat (stand X32, The Netherlands).
ALCE NERO is promoting its all-Italian, organic baby food range, which is produced directly from raw materials: fruit, cereals and vegetables grown by Alce Nero partners and cooperative members. The fruit pur饳 include Apple; Pear; Plum and Apple; and Mixed Fruits; plus one Legumes and Vegetable pur饠(stand V18, Italy).
OSKRI’s Simply Fruit Snack Bars are available in apple, fig, blueberry, cranberry, peach, and apricot. They are organic, gluten free, vegan, and low in sodium, with no refined sugars (stand P37, USA).
Eirini Plomariou Unfiltered is showcasing its award-winning, unfiltered organic olive oil, which is harvested by hand on the highlands of Plomari. One of Greece’s most pungent olives, it is bright golden yellow in colour with green hues, has a strong fruity taste and an earthy bouquet with tones of freshly cut grass, oregano, rosemary and bitter almond (stand S38H, Greece).
Evdokia’s Properties is bringing its Iliahtida dry white wine to the UK. Made from the Skiadopoulo variety, which is grown in their vineyards in Arachthos valley in the Tzoumerka Mountains, it won a Gold award at the 2017 Olymp Awards in Athens (stand U40D, Greece).
Free trade registration
The Natural Food Show at Natural & Organic Products Europe is open from Sunday 22 April to Monday 23 April at ExCeL London. The full exhibitor list is available to view at www.naturalproducts.co.uk/exhibitor-list.
For more information, and to register for a free trade ticket in advance, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk (direct link: https://eventdata.uk/Visitor/NOPE2018.aspx?TrackingCode=PR1).
