Holland & Barrett scouting for the ‘next big thing’ at Natural & Organic Products Europe 2017

Following on from its successful launch in 2016, Holland & Barrett’s exclusive Innovation Pitch Live will be back at Natural & Organic Products Europe for a second year, says show organiser Diversified Communications UK.

One of the show’s most popular theatre sessions in recent history, its return for 2017, on Monday 3 April at 3pm in the Natural Products Talks Theatre, will give another set of exhibiting companies an opportunity to secure a listing with Holland & Barrett International; one of the UK’s biggest omnichannel retailers and the largest health and wellness retailer in Europe.

Holland & Barrett’s buyers will have plenty of new innovations to choose from. Over 700 exhibiting companies are now confirmed for Natural & Organic Products Europe 2017. They’ll be bringing the best choice of natural and organic food, health, beauty and natural living products from around the world to London ExCeL on 2-3 April.

Competing exhibitors (those shortlisted before the show) will be invited to ‘pitch’ their new products or product innovations to Holland & Barrett’s senior buying team, including CEO Peter Aldis, Ian Mackie, head of category – food, Lucy Pottinger, head of category for ethical beauty and aromatherapy, and Lisa Sinclair, head of category for VMS. They’ll also have to win over an audience full of visiting buyers and retailers in the process, as their votes may help swing the judges’ decision.

“As a business that has become known for bringing innovative trends to the high street, we were delighted to get the opportunity for another live pitch session at this year’s Natural & Organic Products Europe,” says Aldis.

“Last year gave us some great new talent, who now make up an important part of our business, so my expectations for this year are even higher. Once again, we’re looking for the truly original and brilliant creations this industry has become known for, and with over 700 stores across the UK, we hope this could be a life-changing pitch for the right brand,” he says.

The Innovation Pitch Live is open to all companies currently booked to exhibit at Natural & Organic Products Europe 2017 (across all feature areas: The Natural Food Show, Natural Health, Natural Living, and Natural Beauty & Spa).

“As a show, we’ve been supporting new start-ups in the health and wellbeing sector for over twenty years. We’re delighted to be working closely with Holland & Barrett, once again, to offer our exhibitors an exclusive opportunity to fast track their way to meet their buyers and – potentially – win a listing,” says Natural & Organic Products Europe’s event director Carol Dunning.

“Not only does the Innovation Pitch Live provide a compelling look at the buying process, but it also helps other suppliers to plan and prepare for their own important negotiations in the future.

“It was standing room only in the theatre last year – and our visitors got to see some amazing presentations of the latest new products. If anything, this year’s competition is going to be even more intense – as more exhibitors are preparing to take part,” she says.

Last year Mrs O’s Fuss Free Mixes, Freshious Life & Beauty, and Ibiza Superfoods, were among the exhibitors presenting their ‘life-changing pitches’ to Holland & Barrett. Each are now working with the brand closely – adding their products to the retailer’s range of 8,000+ SKUs with the potential to access thousands of customers a day.

For Verity Smith, founder of Ibiza Superfoods, it was an invaluable experience in brand promotion: “Being selected for the Holland & Barrett Innovator’s Pitch was the highlight of Natural & Organic Products Europe 2016 for me. The exposure and buzz it created for Ibiza Superfoods at the show, and thereafter, has been of real value to the awareness of the brand, in terms of exciting listings and collaborations within the industry.”

To enter the Innovation Pitch Live 2017, and check terms and conditions, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk/buyers-pitch/submission-form.

Buyers prepare to attend

Of course, Holland & Barrett buyers aren’t the only natural and organic retailers looking to secure deals at the London show. Buyers from Whole Foods Market UK, Waitrose, Boots, Superdrug, Aldi, Lidl, Amazon, Tesco, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Fenwick, Planet Organic, As Natural Intended, Costco, Victoria Health, Elior, Sodexo, Infinity Foods, The Health Store, TK Maxx, Pret A Manger, Suma, Revital, Love Lula, BigGreenSmile, LloydsPharmacy, Compass Group, Carrefour, and Life Europe AB are also expected to be out in force.

The show is on track to welcome over 10,000 attendees for 2017 – from big high street brands to smaller chains and independents.

“With so many facets to the naturals category, I am looking forward to attending Natural & Organic Products Europe to understand a little more about the trends we are seeing and where the category is likely to be headed in the next few years; as well as sampling some of the amazing products and brands,” says Natalie Prince, skincare consumer portfolio manager at Boots.

“Natural & Organic Products Europe has all the variety and diversity that our team is looking for, all in one place. It’s the best show of the year for discovering exciting new natural and organic products and suppliers,” says Benjamin Woodgate, marketing director at Whole Foods Market UK.

“Natural & Organics Products Europe is the one event that has everything we need to plan the business for the year ahead: new product ideas from new and existing suppliers, merchandising and promotion ideas, and education seminars,” says Joanne Hill, owner of Amaranth.

Register for a free trade pass

Natural & Organic Products Europe returns to London ExCeL on 2-3 April 2017. For more information and to register for a free ticket, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk and quote priority code NPR22 (direct link: https://registration.n200.com/survey/2y7wdujwsr0sr?actioncode=NPR22).

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