A few of us had the opportunity to attend ExpoWest last week – the grand daddy trade show in the Natural Products industry – and judging from the attendance of both exhibitors and buyers, this segment is roaring back from the recession.  Everywhere we walked in the cavernous Anaheim Convention Center, we heard deals being cut, sales orders being written, and marketing spiels being perfected.  All to say, these are good signs that America is back to buying, and ready to commit to natural products and organic foods.

Our client Hero Nutritionals had a smashing show, and were very pleased with the turnout of customers, new prospects and media. And judging from the number of people interacting in their booth, I’d say it was a very successful outing for them.  As we toured through the wares of many exhibitors, we were impressed with the caliber of booth design, materials and overall savvy that many companies displayed. And surprised by the lack of materials that some others offered.

Overall the show was brimming with cool stuff, designed well and presenting a host of opportunities for creative marketing firms (ahem). Here’s a few of our favorites:

Sunfood – Great company selling raw and organic products like cacao paste and goji berries, and with style and panache. I even got a free tshirt.

Evolution Fresh – The freshest and most delicious organic/natural fruit drinks I have ever tasted. Love me some watermelon juice…

Mrs. May’s – Ridiculously addictive nut bars and crunches that are ripe (’scuse the pun) for growth. Could take off it a big way.

Sibu – OK this one is so out there that it has to take off big. Derived from the elusive Sea Buckthorn berry and grown only in the Himalayas, this product is good for your skin, hair and nails.  Tasty too – just like candy.

Honeynz – Pure New Zealand honey products, including delicious spreads made from honey mixed with apricot, cinnamon, raspberry and many other delicious natural fruits and spices. I predict this one will hit it big.

Kind Snacks – I love this company’s position and goal – to help the world through kind acts and nutrition. Wonderful use of cause-based marketing to create a movement.  Brilliant. And delicious.

Tetra-Pak – The most incredible innovation in packaging I have seen in years. This carton replaces the dastardly plastic bottles we all drink our water from. Buy stock in this company now.

Mrs. Meyer’s – Definitely one of the bigger brands on my list, this company does a fantastic job at marketing. Their trade show booth was a camper, with “Mrs. Meyers’ Kitchen” inside for all to see, complete with squeaky clean appliances, clothes line, and bright white linens.  Super fun.

We are all inspired to work more diligently in the area of natural products and with organic, eco-concious companies. It’s a growth market, and thankfully, one that is here to stay.