Go Organic This Spring

Sam Sloan, marketing manager for the show, puts the reason for its continued growth down to an increasingly quality and health-conscious public. “People who understand the benefits of natural and organic food don’t want to compromise, even when times are tough. It has become an essential part of many people’s lifestyles and retailers who adopt the same ethos also continue to do well.”

Over half of the show is dedicated to some of the most exciting organic food suppliers from the UK and abroad, with a record number of overseas pavilions taking part this year, including Indonesia, France, Cyprus, Italy, the Netherlands, Argentina, the USA, Australia and New Zealand. For speciality food buyers, it’s an unmissable mecca featuring some of the best products from around the world, which offer a real point of difference over familiar mainstream lines. Adding to the ‘global village’ effect will be the 100s of overseas buyers who visit the show.

As the major trade show for the sector, it enjoys a close partnership with the Soil Association, including the popular Soil Association Marketplace, an area dedicated to small, start-up companies, farmers, and established organic producers. With mountains of tasty, locally-sourced, sustainable, and free-from samples, not to mention unlimited access to both Soil Association certification advisors and charity representatives, it’s the best place to get your organic queries answered, your organic contacts made, and all achieved while satisfying your palate at the same time.

Another popular feature making a return in 2009 is the event’s culinary showpiece, the Organic Kitchen, which has been given an even more prominent position. Leading chefs already confirmed include the charismatic Arthur Potts Dawson, of Acorn House - the most talked about eco-eaterie in London - and top chefs from the some of the best establishments in London including renowned Mark Hix restaurant, Cyrus Todiwala MBE, executive head chef at the award-winning, organic, Michelin star restaurant, Café Spice Namasté and Michelle Roux’s La Gavroche. Also making an appearance in the kitchen are freelance food writer, chef and nutritionist, Christine Bailey, and Jason Vale (aka The Juice Master).

New products are the life-blood of any successful retail business. And it’s the 100s of exciting new products - many being seen for the first time - that draws 1000’s of retail buyers to Natural & Organic Products Europe. Which is why, for many visitors, The New Products Showcase is the must-see feature of the show. It’s a comprehensive showcase of the best new products coming onto the market and a brilliant way for retailers to spot tomorrow’s best-sellers today!

Also for the first time, check out the Natural & Organic Food and Drink section, dedicated to delicious, free-from, vegetarian and organic delights. Centrally located next to the existing Organic Food and Drink area, this new layout will make navigating your way around the show floor even simpler. With all food and drink situated to the left of Olympia’s Grand Hall, and all other natural products situated to the right, the organisers have made it easier than ever for visitors to ‘work’ the show.

For more information or to register for trade tickets, visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk