As the final day of Natural & Organic Products Expo comes to a close, let’s take a moment to revisit the standout moments that brought the industry together to learn, connect and celebrate everything the natural and organic sector represents.
Celebrating innovation
This year, the Natural & Organic Innovation Awards and the Natural Beauty Awards were merged into one exciting celebration, hosted on the evening of Day 1, following the close of the show. The prestigious event recognised the outstanding individuals and businesses pushing the boundaries of sustainability and innovation within the natural and organic sectors. This integral part of NOPEX saw 20 awards given, including Best Independent Retailer to Amaranth, and Lifetime Achievement Award to Ruth Hawthorne, Managing Director of Natural Trade Brokers. Other winners include:
- Best New Facial Skincare – Sweet Bee Organics, Sweet Bee Organics Glow Moisturiser
- Best New Speciality Health – Take On Goliath, GOODIE Fermented Superfood Drink
- Best New Snack – Organic Oat Biscuits, Matcha, Clearspring
A full list of the award winners, celebrating the trailblazers and changemakers of the industry, will be revealed soon.
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Amplifying Artisan
The 29th edition of Natural & Organics Products Expo saw the launch of The Artisan Food & Drink Expo – a new initiative offering a dedicated platform for brands that champion provenance, high quality ingredients and unique curation.
The specialised area provided retailers, buyers and foodservice professionals with a dedicated space to discover and source exceptional products that resonate with their customers, such as CHILL SPRITZ, a refreshing beverage infused with Ashwagandha, Emmett’s Store, award winning Suffolk Black ham and naturally cured bacon from 100% free range pigs, and GEN Collagen, the UK’s first on-the-go sparkling collagen drink with 8g of Marine Collagen in two delicious flavours.
Future Trends Take Centre Stage
Visitors looking to stay ahead of the curve were treated to a rich program of forward-thinking seminars spotlighting the biggest trends shaping the future of natural & organic products. Two standout sessions – delivered by leading industry voice Jade Hoai, Executive Leader at Whole Foods Market, and Mary Allen, Founder and President of Natural Brand Works LLC – drew crowds keen to decode the evolving demands of consumers in 2025 and beyond.
In her session, “Whole Foods Market: Our Top Trends 2025,” Jade Hoai offered a preview of what’s rising to the top across Whole Foods’ shelves. International flavours are influencing the snack aisle, with globally inspired snacking gaining traction, while plant-based aquatic ingredients such as algae and seaweed are being tapped into for their nutrient density and sustainability.
Mary Allen’s session, “10 Trends to Watch in 2025,” highlighted the trends that have seen significant growth over the past several months. She explored the fast-growing world of functional beverages, where drinks are being formulated with targeted health benefits in mind – from gut health and hydration to mood enhancement and cognitive performance.
Adaptogens, mushrooms and superfoods such as sea moss, tiger nuts and ancient grains are making their way into more and more everyday products. Allen also identified a rise in GLP-1 friendly products, catering to consumers using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, who are seeking nutrient-dense, satiating options.
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Join Us Next Year
NOPEX will take place 22 – 23 June 2026 – providing a dedicated platform for the natural health and beauty community at its exceptional new home: Business Design Centre (based at the heart of Islington). To find out more about the change of venue, click here.
The Natural & Organic Food Show will take place alongside lunch! and The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show at Excel London on the 16-17 September 2026, remaining as the leading trade event for the natural food and drink industry. To find out more about The London Food & Drink Shows, click here.
For more information on exhibiting or attending, visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk or contact Georgina Baker, Event Director at [email protected].
