As we look back on 2020—and ahead to 2021—the numbers point to opportunity for growth and a need for improvement. Just a few of the points addressed in this issue:

83%

That’s how many supplement users say dietary supplements play an important role in helping to support health and wellness during COVID-19, according to CRN. See part 1 of our special feature reviewing 2020 and this month's Tracking Transparency for more on what’s driving demand now, and what experts predict is going to be in demand in 2021.

16%

That’s how many People of Color made up company leadership teams in 2020, according to a natural products industry survey, despite making up 40% of the U.S. population. In his call to action, Ibraheem Basir, Founder & CEO, A Dozen Cousins and Co-founder of Project Potluck, discusses the statistics and actions needed.

50%

That’s how much out-of-stocks one natural products retailer was seeing from the biggest national brands of supplements and foods in mid-August. During the COVID-19 crisis, this retailer told us, “Our biggest challenge is the supply chain....If we had inventory to sell, we would be heading towards a record year.” Read this month's Merchandising Insights, wherein natural products retailers paint the picture of life on the frontlines.

95%

In Sub-Saharan Africa, that’s how much wasted food on the continent is due to food loss—the stuff lost on the farm and what gets processed and thrown away by a manufacturer. But food waste is a $940B market opportunity, says Jacob Foss, COO, Agricycle, in his call to action.

100%

That’s how much of our annual carbon dioxide emissions we could sequester if we were to implement regenerative practices on all global crop and grazing land. Jeff Moyer, Rodale Institute CEO, discusses keys to improving our climate in his call to action.

56%

That’s how many people feel stressed, according to FMCG Gurus. No surprise that a report from the Global Wellness Institute found that the global mental wellness economy is a $121 billion market. Get the overview of the latest science and mental wellness strategies.

There’s still so much uncertainty as we leave 2020 behind us, but the one thing we know for certain is that we can come together to make a positive difference in 2021.

Maggie Jaqua Editor-in-Chief

On January 20-21, 2020, WholeFoods Magazine and Trust Transparency Center will host our next virtual event in the #NaturallyInformed series: Mental Wellness: Mastering the Market. This event will cover a wide range of pressing topics focused on boosting brainpower with strategies such as nootropics and brain hacking, as well as fostering mental wellbeing by enhancing stress resilience, elevating mood, and more. An impressive line-up of world-class experts will provide insights on the latest science and technologies driving development, merchandising and communication strategies for brands and retailers, and the inside scoop on what will drive new opportunities in the market.

Visit www.NaturallyInformed.net to reserve your spot for all of the 2021 events:
Mental Wellness: Mastering the Market on January 20-21
Nutri-Beauty: Mastering the Market on April 21-22
Active Nutrition: Mastering the Market on June 29-30
Healthy Aging: Mastering the Market on September 29-30