The UK’s biggest and busiest natural and organic trade event, Natural & Organic Products Europe (NPE), opens its doors to the industry this weekend, with record attendance expected.
With over 700 exhibitors now confirmed, and a seminar programme featuring more than 70 speakers, NPE is set to host the biggest showcase of natural and certified organic products the UK has ever seen at London ExCeL, spanning two days.
Doors open at the new time of 9am on Sunday, with over 10,500 food, health and beauty buyers preparing to attend over the show’s duration (22-23 April).
This show is truly one of the best places to spot new talent
As a landmark event on the industry calendar, the show may need little introduction to the sector it serves. This year’s visitor list features senior buyers and decision makers from some of the UK’s biggest retailers, wholesalers and distributors – including Amazon, Boots, Holland & Barrett, Aldi, M&S, Waitrose, Ocado, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Debenhams, Superdrug, Nisa, Spar, TK Maxx, John Lewis, Whole Foods Market, Infinity Foods, Planet Organic, NBTY, CLF Distribution, The Health Store, Suma, Revital, Costco, BigGreenSmile, Abel & Cole, Feelunique, Lloyds Pharmacy, Victoria Health, Fenwick, Naturisimo, Sodexo, wagamama, Pizza Hut, Eurostar, British Airways, Pret A Manger, Whitbread, and more.
For them – and thousands of independent stores, multiples, pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, contract caterers, hotels, salons and spas – it’s the ‘go-to’ show for keeping up-to-date with the latest innovation and retail trends.
Nick Janda, Holland & Barrett’s head of trade, explains: “Natural & Organic Products Europe has always been a go-to for us for the best in innovation, niche products and ingredients we’ve never seen before. You’ll see by the sheer number of my team walking around the show that we rely on this chance to meet new brands and get a real understanding for the biggest new trends in the industry.”
“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.
Natural & Organics Products Europe is the one event that has everything we need
“Natural & Organics Products Europe is the one event that has everything we need to plan the business for the year ahead: new product ideas from new and existing suppliers, merchandising and promotion ideas and education seminars,” says Joanne Hill, MD of Amaranth Wellbeing.
“This show is truly one of the best places to spot new talent, not least because the trends and NPD on offer are second to none. Whether it’s a new take on an established product you’re looking for, or something brand new to knock your socks off, you’ll find it here,” says Holly Shackleton, editor of Speciality Food.
The full exhibitor list is available at www.naturalproducts.co.uk/exhibitor-list. The full seminar schedule, including further details and timings, is available to view online at www.naturalproducts.co.uk/seminars.
The Show Guide is now available to view online at www.naturalproducts.co.uk/show-guide-2018.
The Innovation Pitch Live to Holland & Barrett, featuring the company’s CEO Peter Aldis and members of his senior executive buying team, is also back on the menu for a third year running (3pm, Monday 23 April).
Other highlights include the announcement of the Natural Beauty Retail & Product Awards, taking place at 2.15pm on Monday 23 April.
Natural & Organic Products Europe is open from Sunday 22 April to Monday 23 April at ExCeL London.
Free advance trade registration ends soon – to register please visit https://eventdata.uk/Visitor/NOPE2018.aspx?TrackingCode=PR1). Free advance registration closes at 5pm on Saturday 21 April, after which a £20 door charge may apply.
