Natural Products Expo West

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Natural Products Expo – West. This is an annual event, and the largest trade show and display of natural products in the world, to the best of my knowledge. Virtually every product, food item, supplement, herb, vitamin, clothing, etc., that you may see at a large health food store or online, is on display at this show. It takes five huge halls of the Anaheim Convention Center, and one can easily spend all weekend at the show, and still not see everything.

The purpose is for each product manufacturer to try and convince those in attendance, whether it be doctors like myself, or retail stores, like Whole Foods or Sprouts, to purchase their items. So most of the product booths offer free samples. And it’s really a lot of fun.

Every year, I’ve notice a focus on certain types of product categories. This year, I noticed an emphasis on essential oils, like krill, salmon, flax, and the other other 3-6-9 oils. Another well-represented category was medicinal chocolates. There was chocolate with vitamins, oils, herbs, anti-oxidants, and organic chocolate as well.

The organic displays were much better represented than in previous years, telling me that the public’s awareness of the need to eat organic is definitely increasing as more and more people become aware of the harmful chemicals in our foods.

Performance, both sexually, and athletic, and weight loss products were also a large section of the show.

Of course the homeopathic sections are ever increasing in number and the supplement displays are expanding every year. There are also organic meats, and poultry, and organic cotton clothing. Foods and natural supplements for your pet was also a large section this year.

I learned a lot about new products, and it was also gratifying and fun to see the increasing number of new people who are getting involved in the natural products industry. Going to this show really convinced me of the consumer demand for a healthier lifestyle. This “movement” is really becoming more and more mainstream.

There were also machines on display that manufacter and encapsulate the herbs and lots of booths with healthy and organic cosmetics.

I hope you get a taste of the show and enjoy my pictures.

“….You Got To Love Your Acupuncturist….”