As the curtain draws on the final day of Natural & Organic Products Expo, it’s time to reflect on the pivotal moments that have defined this gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and advocates for sustainability.
Mary Portas, fireside chat with Janey Lee Grace
Midday saw the Main Stage filled to the brim as crowds gathered for Mary Portas’ keynote fireside chat with Janey Lee Grace, which saw the businesswoman and broadcaster delve deep into the ever-evolving landscape of the natural and organic products industry. She began by covering her luxury brand experience, and the heightened consumerism that has ruled for the last 40-50 years, before turning the conversation into the ethical practices and sustainable trends that are apparent in the sector. Portas’ described how she has seen more creativity now than over the last 20 years, as the former skin-deep ideals of money, fame and success are being replaced with inner beauty and diverse roots. “We need to follow what is absolutely right,” explains Portas’, “we can’t consume our way into a sustainable future”.
Portas continued by sharing valuable insights on how to build both successful businesses and successful communities – the future of the high street is not just about selling, it’s about making places where people can commune and convene. “We need to move away from a ‘Me’ society to a ‘We’ society,” said Portas, as she spoke about community spaces with less retail, but better retail, for a social infrastructure that gives us a connection.
Throughout the session, Portas reiterated the importance of the natural and organic industry in the future of retail, dubbing it the right path in this difficult landscape. “You’re in the right industry … the shift is happening,” she highlighted, as the chat rounded off with a sense of optimism and hope for what is to come.
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Celebrating the movers and shakers of the natural & organic sector
Whilst the evening of Day 1 saw the homecoming of the Natural & Organic Innovation Awards, the afternoon of Day 2 saw the return of the Natural Beauty Awards – a celebration of the businesses, people and innovative products that are championing sustainable beauty and driving the industry forward. This integral part of NOPEX saw 10 awards given including the Outstanding Achievement Award to Millie Kendall OBE, Best New Organic Beauty Product to Odylique, for their Odylique Natural Foundation and Best New Personal Care Product to Queen of the Thrones for their Organic Castor Oil with Rose Quartz Roller. A full round up of all the awards and winners will be coming soon!
Calling Independent Retailers
Throughout both days of NOPEX, a spotlight was placed on independent retailers, recognising their vital role in driving the organic movement forward. The second day continued to offer a platform for these passionate entrepreneurs to look for product inspiration, make new contacts, and learn the latest trends and insights from top industry figureheads, to amplify their impact on local communities.
“We can’t consume our way into a sustainable future.”
Over the coming weeks we will be diving deeper into our favourite moments from NOPEX 2024, so make sure to stay connected and join the ongoing conversation around sustainable, natural and organic living by following us on Instagram and Linkedin, and by signing up to our fortnightly newsletter.
Next year’s Natural & Organic Products Expo will take place on 11-12 May 2025 at ExCeL London.
