Natural Products Expo West & Engredea filled multiple venues to capacity, drawing exhibitors, buyers, and visitors from all four corners or the world. Expo West continues to be the leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry, attracting more than 80,000 industry professionals and 3,100 exhibits to the newly expanded Anaheim Convention Center and adjoining venues. Rated as one of the top 200 trade shows in the US by Tradeshow Week, Natural Products Expo West is the largest of its kind in the world. (All photos courtesy of Frank Kecskes)
This year’s highlights included inspirational keynotes, executive roundtables, workshops, music, networking, climate awards, and live performances by Sister Sparrow, Con Brio and the Record Company.
Visitors took advantage of early morning yoga, morning meditations, community breakfast under the Big White Tent at Anaheim Marriott, and a Diversity in Naturals Networking event that underscored the coming together of the natural products community to celebrate and recognize our individual differences.
A mellow band livens up things for Alaffia’s new line of Age Defying Skin Care products. Alaffia notes that their nourishing and age-positive skin care line is said to promote youthful and radiant skin by reversing the appearance of environmental damage.
Katie & Katherine showcasing Brainiac’s line of real and delicious food to support brain health. Brainiac notes that their line includes Omega-3 DHA, Omega-3 ALA & Choline and key nutrients to support brain development. Brainiac says that their products are kosher and gluten-free with more protein and less sugar.
Rose & Michelle showcasing Dave’s Bread. Their products are packed with protein, fiber, and whole grains, with no artificial ingredients. The company gives back to the community through its Second Chance Employment program by hiring those who have a criminal background and are ready to change their lives for the better. The company started the Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation, which helps get other businesses involved in the Second Chance Project.
Giada Simone showcasing Tootsi Impex bulk foods. Tootsi supplies nuts, dried fruits, seeds, grains, organic and specialty foods to Canadian, U.S., and other major world markets. They supply over 1,500 food products, sourced and produced both locally at their state-of-art manufacturing facility and globally.
Angie & Emmy showcasing Think! High Protein Bars. ThinkThin® was born when single mother of two Lizanne Falsetto needed nutritious food to take on the go. Today, thinkThin® products are sold in grocery and health food stores nationwide and the company is a passionate supporter of health through nutrition.
Demonstration of Harmony Cone Ear Candles. Harmony notes that the candles allow the body to shift from a sympathetic (stressed) state to a Parasympathetic (relaxed) state, which allows a person to return to a state of wellbeing. The candles are made with all-natural 100% certified organic cotton, a safety tip, burn line label, and non-dripping wax.
“Mother Nature” showcasing Avafina Organics, which includes raw, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher superfoods—everything from Himalayan Pink Salt to Organic Coconut Oil. The company supports small-scale family farms around the world.
Alex A. Kecskes is a published author of "Healer a Novel" and "The Search for Dr. Noble"—both now available on Amazon. He has written hundreds of film reviews and celebrity interviews for a wide variety of online and print outlets. He has covered red carpet premieres and Comic-Con events for major films and independent releases.
