Natural & Organic Products Europe (NOPEX) has announced a major new initiative to help connect natural and organic food, drink, beauty and health brands with leading health food retailer, Whole Foods Market UK.

The Whole Foods Market UK buying team will take part in a range of carefully curated meetings over the two days of the show at ExCeL London (16-17 April 2023), providing an exclusive opportunity for exhibiting brands to facilitate a life-changing partnership with the major retailer, which has seven UK stores in London in addition to 500 stores in North America.

“As Whole Foods Market continues to lead the way in bringing innovative trends to the high street and unique food, drink and health and beauty developments from across the globe, we are delighted to be attending next year’s Natural & Organic Products Europe,” says Jade Hoai, executive leader, operations, Whole Foods Market.

“The event is a chance to focus our priorities on quality, local and sustainability in all new product initiatives, which for Whole Foods Market is at the centre of our business to make sure we are nourishing people and the planet. We look forward to attending the event to network and stay current with the latest trends and research in the industry.”

The event is a chance to focus our priorities on quality, local and sustainability in all new product initiatives

In addition to the one-to-one meetings, Hoai and Tim Howard, category merchant – culinary, at Whole Foods will be part of the judging panel for the Natural & Organic Innovation Awards Europe and will also present an award at the ceremony. Cillian Cook, Category Merchant – Health & Beauty, Whole Foods Market will also present an award at the dedicated Natural & Organic Beauty Innovation Awards.

NOPEX event director, Carol Dunning, adds: “We are thrilled to have worked with Whole Foods Market over the years, but this is another step up in our working relationship … We cannot wait to introduce the buying team to our exhibitors to find the latest innovative products on the market from the organic and natural world.”