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Still Thriving: Natural Products Expo West 2005 demonstrates growth of the health and nutrition industry
Largest natural and organic products show in North America expects another record attendance

Today, many U.S. consumers, especially aging boomers, recognize that healthy foods, products, and dietary supplements are part of a preventive healthcare package they can take into their own hands. This demographic of health-seekers is pushing the natural and organic industry to 10 percent growth annually. Timely health and nutrition topics—special diets, children's health challenges, anti-aging solutions, healthy convenience food and new organic products—fill four jam-packed days at the Natural Products Expo West trade show, held March 17 to 20, at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif.

In its 25th year, Natural Products Expo West, produced by New Hope Natural Media, a division of Penton Media, Inc., showcases products from more than 1,500 exhibitors in the areas of natural and organic foods, health supplements, personal care products and more. More than 36,000 professional and trade attendees from more than 80 countries attended last year's event.

The natural products industry is part of what Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) calls the "Healthy Planet, Healthy Products" (HP2) market. NBJ calculates the HP2 market at $440 billion. "These products and services have been driven by a segment of the population seeking companies and solutions that reflect their concern for both personal and environmental health," said Grant Ferrier, publisher of NBJ. "Consumer demand for healthier lifestyles and a healthier planet have also impacted government policy and product development—creating opportunity for two or three generations of entrepreneurs."

"We strive to cover the topics and trends that are crucial for this industry right now," said Fredrik M. Linder, president of New Hope Natural Media. "Natural Products Expo West is not just a B2B trade show focused on retail relations, but an event to educate and spread awareness of how much the healthier living trend influences our lives."
http://www.newhope.com/mainpage/press1.cfm