Press Release – Natural Products Europe | Organic Products Europe
4 – 5 april 2004
Business booms at record Olympia show
"We couldn't have gone to a better show ….. it was phenomenal, absolutely
unbelievable ….. the stand’s been absolutely packed ….. absolutely manic …..
impressive numbers of independent retailers ….. professional but friendly at a
grassroots level ….. triple digit leads ….. a great place for ideas, inspiration and
contacts ….. this is the best show we’ve been to in Europe ….. we go to all the
shows in North America and this one is the best"
These were just some of the comments from delighted exhibitors and visitors
who attended Natural Products Europe and Organic Products Europe at Olympia
on April 4-5.
With over 7500 industry professionals converging on Olympia for the two-day
event, the mood of the show was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a recent
resurgence of optimism within the UK’s £2.5 billion health food industry. Visitor
numbers showed an impressive increase of 30% on last year, with a particularly
strong showing from independent retailers and practitioners.
There was a hugely enthusiastic response from exhibitors who reported packed
stands, quality leads and record sales – exhibitor numbers increased by 16% to a
new high of 475 for this year. The overwhelmingly positive response from across
the sector and all the show statistics confirm the status of Natural Products
Europe and Organic Products Europe as the premier trade event for the industry.
Once again the international pavilions were a striking feature of the show,
providing a visual feast and a wonderful array of products from around the world.
There were 12 overseas pavilions this year representing the USA, Canada, New
Zealand, Australia, France, Wales, Turkey, Greece and Italy, plus the regions of
Murcia, Extremadura and Catalan in Spain. Raising brand awareness and
attracting new customers were the aim of most overseas exhibitors and they
were not disappointed.
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the New Products Showcase - with
over 300 new natural and organic products on display. Strong themes of this
year’s showcase included natural and organic bodycare, lo-carb and special diet
products, and a mass of new organic food and nutritional products. Visitors voted
for their favourite new products in five categories and the winners included Green
Baby - Best New Non-Food Product, Suma – Best New Food Product and
Savant Distribution with Best New VMS amongst others.
All four seminar theatres – Keynote, Retailer, CAM and Organic – were packed
for most sessions, reflecting an impressive line up of over 65 national and
international speakers including actress and campaigner Jenny Seagrove,
shadow health minister Chris Grayling, The Barefoot Doctor, Patrick Holford and
many more. The Soil Association Annual Trade Conference was held in the
Organic theatre for the first time.
The Eleventh Annual Industry Awards were a spectacular success this year, with
500 people gathering under the starry sky of the Moroccan-themed tent. Hosted
by Natural Products, Organic Products Magazine and the Soil Association, the
awards were introduced by comedian and magician John Lenahan, and brought
the best of the industry together to receive recognition for their hard work within
the sector.
With the show being voted an outstanding success by all involved, participants
are now looking forward to next year’s event which takes place on 17-18 April at
Olympia.
ENDS
