According to a keynote speech from Natural Products Expo East, the state of natural and organic growth is strong. More and more new customers are seeking out products that are minimally processed to reach their health goals. Plant-based products are very popular and the pandemic brought new consumer interest in products that reflect their health/social/environmental values.

Consumers purchase these products primarily from brick and mortar retails shops including supermarkets, Walmart, and other stores. E-commerce is growing; however, it still is a small percentage of total natural and organic sales.

During this presentation reference was made to how quickly the USA is diversifying and this is having an influence on food production. Many more multi-cultural products are being manufactured. However, there’s still need for more minority representation in leadership positions such as company boards.

There is also a strong push for the natural foods industry to contribute towards solving problems in the world including environmental issues such as water pollution and decrease in arable land. Also, the industry should lead the way to getting healthy food into poor neighborhoods.

For further information see: https://cet.gcp.informamarkets.com/sites/cet.com/files/NPEE21%20State%20of%20Natural_Master%20%26%20Organic%20Presentation.pdf