The organic industry in the UK and Europe is thriving. According to Soil Association’s 2019 Organic Market Report (just released), sales of organic increased by 5.3% in 2018. With Europe’s organic market worth 37 billion euros[1] and £45 million a week now spent on organic in the UK, this growth is certainly reflected at Natural & Organic Products Europe trade show, which is on track to feature a record number of certified organic products when it opens its doors on 7-8 April, at London ExCeL.
Longstanding show supporter Finn Cottle, trade consultant at Soil Association Certification, says: “Natural & Organic Products Europe gives a great platform for innovative organic brands to showcase their range and communicate why organic is important to them. Organic is in the right place to capitalise on many of the current consumer trends as shoppers are looking to purchase sustainable products to reduce their impact on the planet. It is a really good time for organic as the market is in its seventh year of growth, with a steady rise in 2018.”
Over half (55%) of the 700 exhibiting companies are expected to display certified organic products – including food and drink, health and nutrition, beauty and personal care and eco-living. Between them they’ll be promoting certification marks from around the world, including Soil Association, Organic Food Federation, Organic Farmers & Growers, IOFGA, Demeter, Ecocert, COSMOS, EU Organic (Euro Leaf), USDA Organic, BDIH, DIO, Bioagricert, Skal, Bio Suisse, Organic Food Chain, ICEA, Kiwa BCS Öko-Garantie, and JAS, among others.
The Organic Hub
The Organic Hub, hosted by the Soil Association and the Organic Trade Board, will showcase over 40 certified organic brands for 2019, ranging from some of the UK’s biggest to newest organic innovations.
Brands already confirmed include The Green Milk Company, Carley’s of Cornwall (nut butters), Elements Organic (vitamin tea), Borough Broth Company, Pure Joy Honey, AUSHA (superfood powders, infused teas, and organic nuts), Rokit Puds/Buddah Teas, PLAYin CHOC, Raw Pot, Heath & Heather, Devon Cottage Organic Fudge, Spice Root, Premcrest Distribution, James White Drinks (fruit and veg juices), Organico Realfoods (Fish4Ever, Organico, Wild Thing and Artysan), Mr Organic, Community Foods (Crazy Jack Snacking and Tarantella), Sweet Revolution (superfood lattes), Alara Wholefoods, Cocofina, Clearspring, Good Mushroom Nutrition, Biona/Amisa/Bonsan, Living Ayurveda Products, Infinity Foods (Wholesale), Raw & Wild (pre-sprouted nuts), Ayurveda Pura London, Heart of Nature (pure grain bread), and Equinox Kombucha.
“Natural & Organic Products Europe is the place to be for retailers looking to tap into the growth opportunity organic offers. It’s a dynamic and exciting event where you can source the breadth of the certified organic offer, see the latest innovations in line with consumer trends from new brands and established ranges, network with like-minded companies working together to grow organic and learn more about what’s driving momentum for organic,” says Aileen Nicol, campaign director at the Organic Trade Board.
Organic beauty & health
Sustainable shoppers have driven the market for certified organic and natural beauty products to grow by 14% in 2018, according to Soil Association’s recently released Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Market 2019. With the report further revealing certified organic and natural beauty sales reaching £86.5m, this surge in organic green beauty and wellness is certainly well-represented at the Natural Beauty & Spa Show (part of Natural & Organic Products Europe).
From makeup with naturally derived organic ingredients to certified natural skincare solutions, visitors can discover what’s new and next in the exciting world of organic beauty and personal care. Expect to see organic innovations from Natura Siberica, Eco By Sonya, Saaf Skincare, Organii, Inika Organic, Green People, The Yes Yes Company, Absolute Aromas, Evergoods Global Co (Naveen), Blend Collective, ZOJO Beauty Elixirs, Natracare, Kingfisher Natural Toothpaste, Pravera, Sukin, Organ(y)c, Léa Nature, Dr Bronner’s, UpCircle, Urtekram, TrueSkincare, SOiL Organic Aromatherapy, Naturtint, Olivos, Organically Epic, Dr. Hauschka, & Sisters, True Skincare, Bio Snail SRL, Mellor & Russell, Eco Bath London, Honey Corn UK, and Ethically Organic.
While over in the Natural Health & Living area – visitors can discover certified organic VMS and eco home products from G&G Vitamins, KIKI Health, Lifeplan Products, The Colloidal Company, Living Planet Distribution, Motion Nutrition, Royal Green, Specialist Supplements, Natures Aid, and Viridian Nutrition, a fine choice (Lamazuna and Oriculi), Natural by Nature Oils, and more.
Debating the future of organic
As in previous years, the show’s three theatres will have a raft of dedicated talks, giving exclusive insights into the future of organic health, beauty and food – including sessions hosted by the Soil Association Certification. Georgia Barnes will be discussing the main findings of the Soil Association’s Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Report in the Natural Beauty Theatre, whilst Clare McDermott will be hosting a panel debate on ‘The Conscious Organic Consumer’ in the Natural Talks Theatre. Over in the Natural Food Talks theatre, Lee Holdstock will be discussing why organic is a systemic approach to food and farming. And author and journalist, Pat Thomas, will be hosting a panel session – bringing together experts in farming, plant breeding, and organic business – for a topical discussion on the question; Can organic GMOs ever be a 'thing'?
Free trade registration
The next edition of Natural & Organic Products Europe will take place on 7-8 April 2019 at ExCeL London.
For more information, and to register for a free trade ticket, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk.