Expo West 2026 highlights innovation, sustainability, and market intelligence across natural products

Editor’s Note: this article has been updated on February 17, 2026 at 2:10pm to include an AI disclosure.

Natural Products Expo West will return to Anaheim, California, March 3–6, 2026, marking the event’s 45th anniversary with expanded programming, new experiential features, and a keynote lineup designed to address the evolving priorities of the natural and organic products marketplace, a February press release from event producer New Hope Network explains.¹ Nutritional Outlook will be onsite to provide live coverage on insights and trends in this evolving sector.

This year’s industry focuses

Held annually in Anaheim, the trade show has long served as a central meeting point for brands, ingredient suppliers, retailers, and investors across the consumer health and nutrition ecosystem. Organizers say this year’s agenda places particular emphasis on actionable education, sustainability, and forward-looking market intelligence to help stakeholders navigate shifting consumer expectations and competitive pressures.

Keynote speakers and programming

A series of high-profile keynote sessions anchors the 2026 program, with Exhibit Halls open March 4–6. The opening presentation, “The State of Natural & Organic,” will convene industry leaders and analysts to explore product innovation, retail dynamics, and trends shaping the category. Later in the week, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk is scheduled to discuss how changing patterns of consumer attention and online culture are redefining brand relevance and growth strategy. The closing keynote will feature nutrition scientist Jessica Knurick, PhD, who is expected to address evidence-based nutrition, the influence of food policy on everyday decision-making, and evaluating scientific information.

Beyond keynote programming, Expo West 2026 introduces several new initiatives intended to deepen engagement across the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) value chain. The CPG Innovation Summit, hosted prior to the trade show’s official opening, will gather brands, investors, and service providers to examine AI-enabled marketing, evolving retail models, and impact-driven business strategy. Meanwhile, the newly launched Snack Lab will spotlight better-for-you snacking concepts that blend wellness positioning with indulgent taste profiles. The Launch Pad feature will showcase emerging brands and early-stage innovations, offering attendees exposure to novel product concepts and entrepreneurial talent shaping the sector’s future.

Along with the new initiatives, other events include Climate Day, the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, the annual American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Herb Walk, the Expo West Block Party, Gender Equity in Nutraceuticals Networking Event, J.E.D.I (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Community Happy Hour, NEXTY Awards Ceremony and Celebration, LGBTQI + Allies Networking Reception, and more.²

Promoting collaboration and innovation in the industry

According to event organizers, this year’s event underscores Expo West’s role as a convening force for collaboration and commercialization. “This year’s Expo marks an extraordinary milestone as we celebrate 45 years of serving as the definitive hub for the natural and organic products community,” explains Jeff D’Entremont, senior vice president, natural products, Informa Markets. “Natural Products Expo West is more than just an event, it is the essential gathering for the CPG industry, where established and emerging brands come together to connect, innovate and lead the way forward. We are continually evolving the show to deliver unparalleled opportunities to discover groundbreaking products, uncover the next big trends and gain actionable insights that drive business success for established and emerging brands to connect, innovate, uncover the next big trends and gain valuable insights that drive business success and shape the future of the natural products industry.”

As Expo West enters its fifth decade, its continued expansion highlights both the resilience of the natural products sector and the accelerating convergence of nutrition, lifestyle health, and mainstream CPG innovation.

This article was created with assistance from AI. The content has been reviewed and edited by Erin McEvoy, Associate Editor. For more information on the extent and nature of AI usage, please contact us.

References

1. New Hope Network. Natural Products Expo West Celebrates 45 Years This March with Exciting New Features and Keynote Lineup. February 3, 2026. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/03/3231417/0/en/Natural-Products-Expo-West-Celebrates-45-Years-This-March-with-Exciting-New-Features-and-Keynote-Lineup.html (Accessed 2026-02-16).
2. Natural Products Expo West. Can't Miss Events. https://www.expowest.com/en/attend/cant-miss-events.html (Accessed 2026-02-16).