Catching the eye of Holland & Barrett

Brands hoping to catch the eye of Holland & Barrett (H&B) at this year’s Natural & Organic Products Europe (NPE) won’t be disappointed, as the high street retailer is confirmed to be returning to the stage at the show’s Natural Products Talks Theatre on Monday 23 April to judge the Innovation Pitch Live.

H&B’s buyers – which will include Lucy Pottinger (ethical beauty and aromatherapy), Lisa Sinclair (VMS) and Nick Janda (sports nutrition) – will make their judgements based on the strongest innovation in each category. Competing brands – who will be shortlisted from more than 700 exhibitors before the show – will each be given five minutes to ‘pitch and impress’ in front of the judges and an audience of visiting buyers and retailers.

“As a business that is known for bringing innovative health products to the high street, we were delighted to get the opportunity for another live pitch session at this year’s Natural & Organic Products Europe. Several brands we’ve met at the show in this way have gone on to have successful ranges in more than 750 stores across the UK and Ireland, and this year we are hoping to find more original and brilliant creations this industry has become known for,” says Pottinger.

Several brands we’ve met at the show … have gone on to have successful ranges in more than 750 stores

Event director Carol Dunning adds that at the 2017 show it was ‘standing room only’ in the theatre, and she expects 2018 to attract no less attention. “If anything, this year’s competition is going to be even more intense, as more exhibitors are preparing to take part,” she says.

The Innovation Pitch Live is open to all booked exhibitors in The Natural Food Show, Natural Health, Natural Living and the Natural Beauty & Spa Show. For entry, terms and conditions, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk/holland-barrett-pitch-buyer.