Natural Products Expo West 2006 - Part 1
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 03.27.06
[This is the first in a series of guest posts by Siel from Green LA Girl. She helped us out by covering the Natural Products Expo at Expo West 2006 in Anaheim (California), and for that we thank her! -Ed.] Wanna ask Daryl Hannah about biodiesel while sipping on a triple-certified (fair trade, organic, shade grown) cappuccino?
Then get over to the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif., a self-described "four-day total immersion course in all things natural and organic." Unbeknownst to most organic foodies, the Expo is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend in sunny SoCal at the Anaheim Convention Center.
The event, produced by New Hope Natural Media, features more than 1600 exhibitors on natural and organic food, supplements, personal care, natural home, health care, and pet products. Organic and natural products mean big money these days: Organic food sales in the US rose to about $13.5 billion in 2005, compared to $1 billion in 1990, according to the Organic Trade Association.
Which is why this Expo attracts everyone from the die-hard 100% organic-or-bust companies to the money-savvy upstarts trying to cash in on this growing trend. On the one hand, we get companies like Caffe Ibis -- a coffee business that's gone into the trouble to get triple-certified -- and Aubrey Organics -- a personal care products business that's almost-all vegan and organic. On the other, we have Metromint -- basically water with mint flavoring -- and American Spirit -- organic cigarettes. Hmmm...
We'll be reporting on the Expo the next few days, with an enthusiastic treehugging 'tude and a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, the event's held right next to Disneyland -- The happiest place on earth that caters to some of our worst consumer impulses...
Things to come:
Grab-N-Go!: The hot new trend in organic, natural food products that sets the slow food movement's blood boiling:
New Products Showcase: More new products are launched at the Natural Products Expo West every year than at any other trade event.
Last but not least -- Organic Wine & Beer Tasting: BTW -- We're looking for a designated driver Saturday night...
[Once again, a big "thanks" to Siel from Green LA Girl.]
Just wondering, I see where you said "sets the Slow food movement's blood boiling."
Why would you want to do that?
Hey Kurt -- Not quite sure what you're asking here -- Do you mean why would you want to make those products, or why would you want to write about those products? Lemme know, and I'll try to clarify :)
I meant why would you want to set the Slow Food movement's blood boiling, either by writing about or making these products, and what about these products would have that effect? Why would they have that effect?
Hey Kurt -- I think the post about the to-go products will answer your questions :)
Nope, the link you gave just went to an article about water. I'm just trying to find out if/why there's this apparent animosity toward the Slow Food movement, either at treehugger or at teh Natural Foods expo.
The to-go products posts can be found here. The link above was to part 2..
Kurt, I can assure you that TreeHugger has nothing against the slow food movement. In fact we share many of the same values. I suspect that Siel used the expression "blood boiling" just to mean that the "to-go" stuff was quick food, not because she has anything against slow food.
Kurt,
I have wanted to get involved with the slow food movement, CSA, sustainable agriculture, food and education for quite a while. My profession (Professor of Education) has allowed me no more time then to 'lurk' at postings at various sites. I am now in a positions to retire early and relocate (although I love my hobby farm on the border of town). Formerly, I lived and worked at ISU in Ames. As I consider my "heart/soul" career, I would appreciate any advise as to how I could become more involved in my passion (money is not the priority).
I appreciate any suggestions or insight you could provide.
Sincerely,
Julie DeVall McElroy