Natural Products Expo West

This weekend I am attending the Natural Products Expo West, a huge trade show for natural, organic and holistic products. Closed to the public, this event attracts over 43,000 retailers, buyers, distributors and manufacturers of food, skin care, supplements, pet supplies, clothing and beverages. It is the largest such event in North America and is the mecca for all things natural.

Like any trade show, it is about vendors trying to sell their lines to retailers and distributors. This show is interesting because it has such a diverse group of attendees and participants. It was at this show last year that I was personally motivated and inspired to start buying organic foods whenever possible. I am far from a tree-hugger (quite the opposite in fact) but I have come to appreciate the value and benefit of the organic industry.

While at the Expo, I had a chance to chat with Dr Andrew Weil, health guru and giant in the natural industry.

Above: Dr. Andrew Weil autographing his books for the attendees.

Above: Some of the booths had music, fun, and colorful displays


Above: In case you think the natural expo is all just boring stuff for hippies, there was plenty of entertainment on hand to attract people to booths: from hula girls in grass skirts, to belly dancers.
Above left: Everything from Organic soaps to above right: organic and holistic pet food from Castor and Pollux (brands Natural Ultramix and Organix)

Above left: Even more fun, with "Bessie the organic cow", and above right: a serene Japanese garden with a bamboo forest...
-Rick Rockhill