Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden joins Natural & Organic Products Europe’s seminar line-up for 2016
Top business women Deborah Meaden is to co-host a Natural Beauty & Spa Theatre seminar at this year’s Natural & Organic Products Europe trade show, which returns to London ExCeL this weekend on 17-18 April.
‘Surviving and thriving in the natural baby care industry: a start-up story’, will also feature entrepreneur Amy Wordsworth, founder of Good Bubble, who received a £60,000 investment boost from Meaden after appearing on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den series last year. Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International, completes the trio of presenters for this exclusive session (at 10.15am on Monday 18 April).
“I’m a big believer in being aware of what goes into the products we eat, use on our bodies and in our homes,” says Meaden, “that’s why I invested in Amy Wordsworth and Good Bubble – a fantastic range of natural, free-from children’s toiletries.”
“In our seminar we’ll be talking about the Good Bubble journey so far, and the steps we’ve taken to not only survive but thrive in the crowded natural baby care industry," she says.
Deborah Meaden will also be presenting the prestigious Natural & Organic Awards Europe 2016, taking place before the show opens on Monday 18 April (early entry available to accredited press and exhibitors only). Visitors to the show that day will be among the first in the natural and organic trade to discover the standout brands and best new products of the year.
Other highlights for 2016 include sessions by Paul Lindley, founder of Paddy's Bathroom and Ella's Kitchen; Jayn Sterland, commercial director at Weleda UK; Nikos Koutsinas, founder of Apivita; Amena Warner from Allergy UK; and the Natural Health International Beauty Awards presentation. Market updates and insights will be provided by Francesca Morgante from NATRUE; Soil Association Certification (marketing officer Jo Morley and senior certification officer Michelle Ames); and Amarjit Sahota, president of Organic Monitor.
Amarjit Sahota has also been confirmed to moderate a high-profile ‘buyers’ panel session discussing the future of beauty retailing. It will feature Mark Steel, buyer for haircare, suncare, luxury toiletries and gifting at Waitrose; Lucy Pottinger, head of category – ethical beauty & aromatherapy at Holland & Barrett; and Joanne Hill, owner of award-winning independent health store Amaranth. Topics are likely to include: certification, current trends, tips for new brands entering the UK retail market, and future developments for natural and organic beauty.
The Natural Beauty & Spa Theatre is sponsored by Kinetic Natural Products Distributor and supported by Organic Monitor. For full timings and session details, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk/theatre/natural-beauty-theatre.
Buyers prepare for biggest ever show
Celebrating its 20th anniversary edition this year, Natural & Organic Products Europe will feature an unprecedented 650 exhibiting companies. Around 150 of them will be showcasing natural and organic beauty and personal care products from around the world.
Reflecting the show’s broad appeal, representatives from Whole Foods Market, Waitrose, Tesco, Ocado, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Amazon, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Infinity Foods, Planet Organic, Holland & Barrett, Harrods, Costco, Hilton Worldwide, The Health Store, Revital, TK Maxx, Love Lula, Naturisimo, Feel Unique, Victoria Health, The Organic Pharmacy, Debenhams, The Hut Group, and, hundreds of independent health and beauty retailers, have pre-registered to visit. Over 10,000 key buyers and decision makers are expected to attend for 2016.
“I have been going to Natural & Organic Products Europe for years now, and sure, it is always nice to see old friends and familiar faces, but that’s not why I go. I go to make new friends and find new products and opportunities. Newness is crucial to our business, and nowhere in the UK is there more innovation that is relevant to my business than this show,” says Al Overton, head of buying at Planet Organic.
“Natural & Organic Products Europe is the highlight of the year in the natural beauty industry, and it is a wonderful opportunity to talk to existing suppliers, meet new and up and coming brands, and experience the current trends as they happen!” says Sonia White, managing director of LoveLula (winner of Best Online Retailer at the Natural Beauty Retail Awards 2015).
“Natural & Organic Products Europe is the perfect show for Ocado. Each year the show gets better, with the new brands we meet. It is a great place to look for new and up and coming brands, which our customers love. The best thing about the show is the amount of choice that is available,” says Melissa Broomes, senior buying manager – health, beauty & baby at Ocado.
“Our customers love natural products and we have a high market share in products that are kinder to the environment and/or kinder to them and their families. I’m keen to see what new trends and innovations are in the natural and organic market that could enhance our already comprehensive ranges,” says Stephanie Chafor, head of buying – family, household and personal care at Waitrose (winner of Best Supermarket at the Natural Beauty Retail Awards 2015).
“I'm really looking forward to seeing new emerging brands in both the natural skincare market and the ultra-fast growing wellbeing sector. As an e-retailer, it's great to put a face to the names of people who I haven't yet had the chance to meet, to discuss new trends and to trial new products. Natural & Organic Products Europe is the show that we know will be worth visiting in the UK every year,” says Nicole Milloy, product manager at Naturisimo.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing what new and innovative natural products we´ll see at the show this year,” says Ben Wigley, co-founder of BigGreenSmile.
“Natural & Organic Products Europe is great for us because it brings suppliers from all over the world to our doorstep, and gives us a chance to see, touch and taste the latest innovative new products which could help our customers live healthier lives,” says Lysa Hardy, chief commercial officer at Holland & Barrett.
Natural & Organic Products Europe – Europe’s biggest showcase of natural, organic, Fairtrade, free-from and eco-friendly products – includes four show sections: Natural Beauty & Spa, Natural Health, Natural Living, and The Natural Food Show. The next edition will take place on 17-18 April 2016 at ExCeL London.
For more information and to register for a trade ticket, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk (alternatively, use direct link: https://registration.n200.com/survey/1x8mta7p0nbu6?actioncode=NPPR22). Free trade registration closes on Saturday 16 April, after which a £20 door charge will apply.
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