April 15/Chicago -- This year’s Natural Products Expo West registered record numbers of both attendees and exhibitors. In fact, the March event showcased more than 2,400 companies catering to the latest trends and demands in natural and organic foods, beverages and consumer products.

Once again, allergen-free products represented a prominent trend, and introductions were not limited to the increasingly popular gluten-free positioning. In fact, numerous products touted their elimination of dairy, soy, and tree nuts; many boasting a lack of all eight of the top allergens.