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

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