2012 Natural Products Expo Trends & #2 of the Top 12 New Products
INDUSTRY TRENDS 2012 total Expo attendees of 60,000 and new exhibitors (500+) set a new record, indicating the Natural Products industry is recovering faster than many others.NOTE: This is Anaheim, California for those who do not know. Big traffic and exposure for Southern California. By the way, nice find Pacha!
Major trends include the introduction of Celestial Seasonings Kombucha Energy Drink, Coconut Water Powder that reduces the carbon footprint of transporting coconut water, coconut flour, vegan everything, more natural beauty and personal care products for babies and teens, new whole foods based supplements and foodaceuticals including plant based vitamin C and B complex and lots of mushroom and algae products. The gluten free category grew 40% in 2010 and is a $2 billion market. 93% of Americans think GMO’s should be labeled. The Non-GMO Project is helping to get this critical issue on the ballot in California that would require GMO labeling. Non-GMO certified products reached $1billion in sales last year.
Overall, we are shifting from a production driven world to a consumer driven world. Consumers can learn all about any product on the shelf with a simple phone app and will increasingly choose those products they feel offer the highest health, environmental and social benefits. And very large companies are reacting. For instance, Nestle has eliminated artificial colors in its foods. Chipote’s recent ad showing a farmer going from farm to industrial methods and back again with the tag line Cultivate a Better World went viral and has received over 6 million hits to date. The Food Corps is a nonprofit Peace Corps for food.
MY TOP DOZEN Here are my top twelve picks of the most compelling new products from this year’s Natural Product Expo in Anaheim, some of which you may be able to find at Whole Foods and others may still be awaiting distributors. Websites will provide more info on the products and their availability.
AND LETS JUMP TO THE BIG #2
2. Incrediwear: A breakthrough in infrared textile technology
A fascinating discovery at the show were Incredisocks and incredibrace.
When the body warms, their unique bamboo charcoal and bamboo/germanium products release anions, negatively charged atoms that, when absorbed by the body, stimulates molecular vibration and circulation. Infrared anion technology has been used for years at medical clinics to address vascular and circulatory health, and pro athletes have slept in ionized environments since the 70's The technology has been used by chiropractors and physical therapists to accelerate recovery. Both products are constantly therapeutic.
Results show that most people who experience muscle or joint discomfort and try an Incredibrace feel a difference in 20 minutes and sometimes sooner. Incredibraces have helped those with pain from sprains, arthritis, inflammation, cramps and fatigue. Wearers report a reduction in discomfort and an enhanced range of motion while walking, working, running, biking, dancing, competing in martial arts, lifting weights and even sleeping.
The socks are also made from bamboo charcoal, and some have a mix of germanium in them. As your body heats the sock, it releases the therapeutic anions, resulting in increased circulation. Laser doppler studies has revealed up to a 17% increase in blood flow which can result in accelerated performance and recovery.
Enhanced circulation= more oxygen supplied to local tissues which combined with increased blood flow keeps you cool in warm weather and warm in cool weather and even warm when the socks get wet! The natural fibers are antimicrobial and odor absorbing.
Germanium helps supply oxygen and supports cellular defenses.
Market Data 
Markets 
...................
AI
