40 • May | June 2026 • abasto.com IN THE HALLS OF EXPO WEST: 1. Eric DelaMare, Erick Bolanos, Efrain Mendoza, and Rolando Terriquez, from Novamex. 2. Josseline Lamberck, Rebecca James, and Mabel Neira, from Goya. 3. Ariela Nerubay and Alfonso García, from Mexilink. 4. Eduardo Pérez, Diego Armando Lemus, and Roberto Villasana, from Yoopy. 5. Bianca Bergado, Héctor Saldívar, Vince Giudice, and Elizabeth Lang, from Tia Lupita. • Continues on page. 42 The wellness-focused trade show served as the stage for new launches from renowned brands BY VIOLETA MONTES DE OCA N atural Products Expo West, produ- ced by New Hope Network, brought together more than 66,000 registered leaders from the health and wellness sec- tor at the Anaheim Convention Center (March 3-6, 2026). The event is recogni- zed as the premier gathering for the na- tural and organic products industry. More than 3,200 brands showcased the latest innovations in the natural products industry—valued at nearly $342 billion—spanning food and beve- rages, health and beauty, lifestyle, vi- tamins, supplements, raw ingredients, and solution providers. In the snack category alone, 196 com- panies displayed healthy sweets and snacks, many of them debuting new pro- ducts that will soon hit store shelves. Notably, among this year’s new featu- res, the trade show included The Snack Lab, a dedicated space to explore the latest “better-for-you” snacking trends. Located on the third floor of the exhibit hall, brands presented innovative pro- ducts that blend wellness, flavor, and indulgence, redesigning the snacking experience and highlighting the next ge- neration of delicious, guilt-free options. The major protagonists of this 45th edition of Natural Products Expo West were protein and fiber—two power- house ingredients reflecting the consu- mer’s search for wellness. About Natural Products Expo West 2026 The event was characterized by its ener- gy and sense of community, offering a Expo West 45: Healthy Sweets and Snacks in Anaheim unique opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build relationships that dri- ve the industry forward. With representation from more than 110 countries across 26 pavilions, the show demonstrated the sector’s incre- dible global reach and diversity. The event recorded an increase in attendan- ce from countries such as Japan, Peru, and Spain, bringing fresh perspecti- ves, unique innovations, and dynamic energy to the show floor. This inter- national presence underscored the growing global momentum and shared commitment to advancing health and wellness worldwide. “Expo West was vibrant this year, and the energy throughout the show floor was incredible. Seeing so many key retail partners, industry leaders, and brands aligned with our mission in one place was truly revitalizing; a powerful reminder of the momentum moving the natural products industry.” – Kim Larsson, Painterland Sisters. Attending buyers ranged from natu- ral, specialty, and independent retai- lers to mass-market and big-box stores such as The Fresh Market, DoorDash, Hungryroot, REVOLVE, Sam’s Club, Target, Whole Foods Market, Walmart, and many more, all in search of the most innovative natural and organic brands and products. 1 3 4 5 2 Special Insert Sweets & snacks