Delve into Expo West 2024 with discussions on gummy products, natural sweeteners, and protein trends. Discover standout brands, booth setups, and engaging interactions. Explore the rise of mushroom products, swag selection, and personal event preparations. Gain valuable insights on networking, brand camaraderie, and future trade show participation. A treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration awaits!
Emerging trends at Expo West 2024 include gummy products, natural sweeteners, and protein-infused items, reflecting evolving consumer preferences.
Standout brands like Better Sour, Rooted Fare, and Sobo Foods captivated attendees with innovative products and unique booth designs.
Valuable lessons learned from Expo West emphasize the importance of comfort, breaks for meals, and practical strategies for managing demands.
Deep dives
Highlights from Expo West
The feedback from Expo West highlighted the supportive environment and good vibes at the event, with attendees receiving the help they needed and positive experiences throughout. The startups in the dedicated CPG section made a significant impact, with engaging retailer quick pitches and a successful Alley Rally Bowling Party. Emerging trends like gummy products, natural sweeteners, and protein-infused items were showcased, reflecting the evolving consumer preferences towards healthier options. Standout brands like Better Sour, Rooted Fare, and Sobo Foods drew attention for their innovative products and unique booth designs, enhancing the overall Expo experience.
Trends and Innovations
Key trends at Expo West included a focus on bite-sized and gummy products, along with the rise of natural sweeteners like honey and dates. Protein-infused items and plant-based alternatives, such as vegan hot dogs and plant-based dumplings, gained popularity. Brands like Explorer Cold Brew and Zinka Foods stood out for their unique offerings and engaging interactions with buyers and attendees. The event also highlighted the importance of real food consumption for sustained energy and positive experiences throughout the show.
Startup CPG Success Stories
The Startup CPG section featured innovative brands like Snooze, winner of the booth at Expo West 2025, along with impressive runners-up Rooted Fare and Zinka. The party atmosphere at Alley Rally and the sense of camaraderie among the brands in the section created a supportive and engaging environment. Valuable lessons learned included the importance of comfortable footwear, breaks for real meals, and practical strategies for managing the demands of the event, such as using fanny packs for convenience.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Events
Anticipation is building for upcoming events like Fancy Foods and Newtopia, offering more opportunities for emerging brands to showcase their products and connect with industry leaders. Applications for Expo West 2025 are set to open soon, encouraging brands to stay engaged and informed through Startup CPG's communication channels and newsletters. The success of previous events and the high level of engagement from attendees and brands pave the way for continued growth and networking opportunities in the CPG industry.
Closing Remarks and Community Engagement
The podcast discussions and insights shed light on the vibrant atmosphere at Expo West, highlighting the collaborative spirit and innovative products that defined the event. Community engagement remains a priority, with efforts to support emerging brands, share industry trends, and provide valuable resources for participants. The future looks promising with upcoming events, continued networking opportunities, and a commitment to fostering growth and success within the CPG community.
Join Daniel Scharff and team—Patricia Menegoto, Kiki Huddleston, and Grace Kennedy—in this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast as they delve into the vibrant world of natural products at Expo West 2024. They share their experiences, observations, and opinions on the latest trends dominating the industry. From the gummification of products to the rise of natural sweeteners and the prevalence of protein-infused items, they dissect the key themes shaping the market.
Get ready to discover standout brands that caught their attention, explore innovative booth setups, and hear about their engaging interactions with exhibitors. From mushrooms making their mark in various products to the art of swag selection, they leave no stone unturned in their exploration of Expo West highlights.
But it's not just about the products—They also reflect on their personal preparations for the event, discuss the importance of networking and brand camaraderie, and share valuable insights for future trade show participation.
Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, this podcast offers a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in now!
Listen in as Grace, Kiki, and Patricia share about:
Trends at Expo West 2024
Standout Brands
Product Choices and Trends
Alley Rally Party and Brand Demos
Trendy Topics and Product Preferences
Future Plans and Opportunities for Future Events
Favorite Moments and Experiences from Expo West
Personal Preparedness and Tips for handling the intensity of Expo West
Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.
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