For three days last week, the Anaheim Convention Center played host to the latest information, trends and products in the natural products industry, a segment valued at $110 billion, noted Patrick Rea, publisher of Nutrition Business Journal, during his address on the state of the industry to open Natural Products Expo West 2011. According to organizers, the 2011 Expo West featured the largest number of exhibitors in its history, with more than 3,500 booths displaying products focused on such trends as natural/organic, gluten-/allergen-free and healthy.
Antioxidant-rich Superfoods continued to be an area of distinct interest, with acai, baobab, chia seeds, goji berry and sea buckthorn all making their way into various foods and beverages. Beverages, in fact, enjoyed a particular focus, notably beverages with benefits. Activate Drinks, for instance, debuted three new flavors in its Better For You range: Lulo Pear, Blueberry Pomegranate and Raspberry Citrus, each promising vitamins and electrolytes.