The 2026 Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim gathered roughly 66,000 industry professionals. This article distills the most relevant data, product highlights, and macro‑level trends for natural‑and‑organic retailers, drawing from the new digital‑only issue of Natural Foods Merchandiser .
From March 3‑6, Anaheim hosted the largest gathering of natural and organic product professionals to date, with ≈66,000 attendees and a record number of exhibitors. The event’s scale underscores the sector’s continued growth and the increasing importance of retail partners as gatekeepers of the market.
Attendee profile: A majority were retail buyers, category managers, and independent store owners, reflecting the event’s retailer‑centric focus.
Exhibitor mix: Over 2,300 brands showcased, with a noticeable rise in plant‑based, clean‑label, and functional‑food offerings.
Top‑selling categories on Beacon Discovery: The Beacon app data highlighted rapid consumer interest in probiotic‑enhanced beverages, adaptogenic snacks, and sustainably packaged pantry staples.
Certification trends: USDA Organic and Non‑GMO Project Verified remained the most cited certifications, while newer seals such as “Regenerative Agriculture” and “Carbon‑Neutral” gained traction among exhibitors.
The flagship “State of Natural & Organic” session delivered three overarching messages:
An in‑depth analysis (page 12 of the issue) breaks down the data behind these points, offering actionable insights for buying teams.
The Products and Trends section (starting on page 26) catalogues five standout products in each of nine store categories, ranging from dairy‑free cheeses to upcycled snack bars. Two editorial pieces—by Meredith Kaufman and Douglas Brown—identify three macro trends shaping the next year:
| Macro Trend | What It Means for Retailers |
|---|---|
| Functional Nutrition | Expect sustained demand for ingredients that support immunity, stress relief, and sleep. Shelf‑ready formats (e.g., fortified waters, ready‑to‑drink powders) are gaining shelf space. |
| Sustainable Packaging | Biodegradable films, refill stations, and minimal‑use packaging are moving from niche to mainstream. Retailers can differentiate by highlighting these attributes in‑store. |
| Digital‑First Discovery | Tools like Beacon Discovery illustrate how shoppers are using mobile platforms to locate new products. Integrating QR‑code experiences can bridge online curiosity with in‑store purchase. |
The 2026 NEXTY Awards celebrated 40 winners across categories such as “Best New Ingredient,” “Most Sustainable Packaging,” and “Retailer‑Favorite Product.” The ceremony, captured in a series of behind‑the‑scenes photos, highlighted the sector’s collaborative spirit and the growing importance of retailer feedback in product development.
Audit assortments for emerging functional categories and sustainable packaging options.
Leverage certification data to prioritize products that meet the most trusted consumer seals.
Engage with digital discovery tools to capture early‑adopter interest and translate it into shelf sales.
Expo West 2026 has set the tone for the rest of the year, with clear signals that retailers must balance innovation, transparency, and sustainability to meet evolving consumer expectations. By translating the event’s data and trends into concrete buying strategies, natural‑and‑organic retailers can position themselves for growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Prepared by the editorial team of Natural Foods Merchandiser, based on the Expo West Insights issue released April 28, 2026.
