BOULDER, Colo.—More than 21,000 industry members explored more than 1,500 booths at Natural Products Expo East/Organic Products Expo-BioFach America held Sept. 23 to 26, 2009, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
Natural Products Expo East hosted the 7th Annual New Products Showcase Awards and commended the following winners for new natural, organic and healthy products: Rescue Balm by Nelsons (Health & Beauty category), Mango Orange Pineapple Kefir by Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery Inc. (Food), Yummi Bears Organics by Hero Nutritionals (Supplement/Herbs), VerTerra Dinnerware/4 Square by VerTerra Ltd. (Green/Environmentally Friendly), Organic B.R.A.T. by B.R.A.T. Diet LLC (Most Innovative), Organic Honey by Honey Bunny Inc. (Best Packaging) and Pumpkin Pie Soda by Maine Root Handcrafted Beverages (New England’s Best).
Editors and experts from New Hope Natural Media identified the following top trends:
- Hot new ingredients include coconut oil, lavender, maqui, agave nectar and ancient ingredients such as salba grain.
- Superfood producers continue on their quest for even higher levels of antioxidants, omegas and other functional benefits; probiotics are being featured in drinks, powders, yogurts, cereals and bars.
- Gluten-free products were found outside of the baked goods aisle; low-calorie and low-sugar products are strong, especially in beverages.
- Dairy-free and nut allergy avoidance are hot topics, as is transparency of sourcing and a commitment to social and eco-responsibility across many product categories.
- Value products are being introduced in response to tightened budgets; packaging trends include mini-sizing, portion control and squeeze-packs or pouches, especially for kids.
