The natural products industry is hopping! There have been a whirlwind of events this spring—and more to come as we head into summer. Here are highlights from some of the latest.

Naturally Informed’s Microbiome - Mastering the Market: We are learning more daily about the role of our microbiomes and overall health and longevity. Having a healthy microbiome may thwart degenerative conditions and cognitive decline, allow us to be more fit and active, have an impact on inflammatory status, contribute to digestive and immune health, and much more! During this 3-day virtual event, which to9ok place June 25-27, world-class experts discussed the latest. Register to view the educational sessions on demand.

Natural Products Expo West: The show in March was major. We had a blast getting updated on the latest science and sampling our way across the show floor. We’ve shared our insights in several articles. In case you missed it, head to WholeFoodsMagazine.com for:

SupplySide East: On April 16 and 17 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in NJ, leaders in the food, beverage, supply, distributor, manufacturing industries, and more came together to present and discuss information across their fields. Get the scoop.

Vitafoods Europe: More than 19,000 attendees from over 162 countries gathered in Geneva this spring to explore the latest innovations and insights. What trends emerged, and how are branded ingredients suppliers helping brands meet consumer demands? Discover the top trends.

NPA Fly-In Day: Heather Wainer, WholeFoods Magazine Publisher and VP of Media, went to Washington D.C. in May for the Natural Products Association's advocacy Day on the Hill. Retailers, brands, suppliers, and all industry stakeholders from across the country had the opportunity to meet with members of Congress and explain how public policy can impact the thousands of Americans who are part of the industry, as well as the millions of Americans who safely use supplements. "We get to discuss the issues that affect us all and learn how each and every one of us can make a difference,” Wainer noted. “If we do not fight for ourselves, who will?" Take a look at issues that were addressed at the event.

ACI/CRN's Dietary Supplements Forum: Just a few of the pressing topics that covered at this event in NYC on June 25-26: 

  • DSHEA Turns 30 – Examining the DSHEA of Today and Projections for the DSHEA of Tomorrow
  • Spotlight Interview with FDA: Assessing the Full Impact of the FDA Reorganization on the Dietary Supplements Industry
  • Analyzing New State Laws and Legislation Impacting Supplements – Age Restrictions, Ingredient Bans and More
  • Formulating Strategies to Insulate Yourself from the Latest Dietary Supplement Class Action Activity

And on the horizon in the natural products industry:

MAHO Expo Summer Splash: This annual event, which focuses on the Independent Brick & Mortar Retailer, takes place at the Hilton Columbus at Easton July 26-28. The event joins association retailers, exhibitors and industry professionals for a 3-day education and buying opportunity that will cover important legislative advocacy updates and present “extreme show specials.” Get the details and register at Maho4Health.org.

Plant Based World Expo North America: On September 11-12 in NYC, plant-based professionals will gather to sample the latest trends offerings and explore the science and innovations in plant-based. Check out the keynotes, and get details and register at PlantBasedWorldExpo.com.

Plus! WholeFoods Magazine’s Annual Retailer Survey. We published our 2024 survey in March. If you missed it, you can read up WholeFoodsMagazine.com. And now it’s time to start collecting data for the next survey. Every year, WholeFoods Magazine partners with Readex Research to survey independent natural products retailers on the state of business. To all of the retailers who take their time every year to be part of this valuable educational project, we extend our deepest thanks. This year’s survey will be coming your way soon, so be on the lookout! And if you haven’t participated but would like to, please email me at editor@wfcinc.com and we will get you on the list. 

What are you looking forward to this summer? We’d love to hear from you, and to see you at future events!