Every March, the natural and organic products industry descends on Anaheim for what can only be described as the Super Bowl of healthy food. Natural Products Expo West is where you’ll find the next big thing in plant-based snacks, the buzzy new adaptogenic beverage, and approximately 3,000 different versions of oat milk.
I’ve been following this show for years because the trends that debut here tend to hit mainstream grocery stores 12 to 18 months later. That high-protein cereal your kid loves? Probably launched at Expo West. The mushroom coffee that’s suddenly everywhere? Same.
For 2026, Expo West marks its 45th year, and the lineup includes some additions worth knowing about. Climate Day is back, there’s a brand new CPG Innovation Summit, and over 3,300 exhibitors will be competing for the attention of 60,000+ buyers. Here’s what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Expo West 2026 runs March 3-6 in Anaheim, California (exhibit halls open March 4)
- Climate Day kicks off on Tuesday, March 3 with keynotes and networking focused on sustainability
- New for 2026: the CPG Innovation Summit (March 3) covering AI, marketing, and retail trends
- Over 3,300 exhibitors and 60,000+ buyers expected
- This is a trade-only event, not open to the general public
- Trends to watch: regenerative agriculture, functional beverages, and climate-conscious packaging
What Is Natural Products Expo West?
If you’re not in the food industry, you might not have heard of Expo West. But you’ve definitely eaten products that launched there. It’s the largest trade show in North America for natural, organic, and specialty products. We’re talking everything from snacks and beverages to supplements, personal care, and sustainable packaging.
The event takes over the entire Anaheim Convention Center (and several surrounding hotels) for four days. Brands set up elaborate booths, hand out endless samples, and pitch their products to retailers, distributors, and investors. It’s where Whole Foods buyers discover what to stock next year, where small brands land their big break, and where industry folks network over too many energy drinks.
For a detailed first-timer’s perspective on what to expect, this guide from MK Library covers the logistics, from tradeshow hours to lodging tips.
Expo West 2026 Dates and Schedule
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 3 | Climate Day | Keynotes, networking, Community Resource Fair |
| Tuesday, March 3 | CPG Innovation Summit | New event at Anaheim Marriott (750+ attendees) |
| Wednesday, March 4 | Exhibit Halls Open | 10am-6pm |
| Thursday, March 5 | Exhibit Halls | 9-10am buyer-only hour, 10am-6pm general |
| Friday, March 6 | Final Day | 9-10am buyer-only hour, 10am-2pm general |
The show closes on Friday afternoon, which is a change from previous years. Organizers say it gives exhibitors and buyers a better return on investment. Translation: everyone’s exhausted by Friday anyway.
Climate Day 2026: Why It Matters
Climate Day happens the Tuesday before the main expo floor opens, and it’s become one of the most valuable parts of the week for people who care about sustainability in the food system. The day features keynotes from industry leaders, an interactive Community Resource Fair, and plenty of networking time with people working on climate solutions.
What makes Climate Day different from generic sustainability conferences? It’s specifically focused on actionable strategies for CPG brands. These aren’t theoretical discussions. Attendees learn about reducing supply chain emissions, regenerative sourcing, sustainable packaging innovations, and how to communicate climate commitments without greenwashing.
Who Should Attend Climate Day?
Climate Day is designed for brand founders, sustainability officers, investors focused on climate tech, and anyone in the natural products industry looking to take meaningful action on environmental impact. It’s included with Expo West registration but requires separate sign-up.
For those of us who just want to buy better products for our families, Climate Day matters because it shapes which brands get funding and retail support. The companies presenting climate-forward strategies here are often the ones you’ll see expanding into mainstream grocery stores over the next few years.
New for 2026: The CPG Innovation Summit
This year introduces the CPG Innovation Summit, happening simultaneously with Climate Day on March 3. It’s a one-day event at the Anaheim Marriott that gathers brands, investors, service providers, and innovators to explore what’s next for consumer packaged goods.
The summit covers four main areas:
- AI-driven operations and how technology is changing production and distribution
- Next-generation marketing strategies for reaching consumers who are increasingly skeptical of traditional advertising
- Evolving retail models, including the continued growth of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer brands
- Impact-driven business approaches that balance profit with purpose
The event expects 750+ attendees. It’s a smaller, more focused gathering than the main expo floor, which can be appealing if you’re looking for substantive conversations rather than sample-grabbing chaos.
Trends to Watch at Expo West 2026
Based on what’s been bubbling up in the natural products space, here’s what I expect to see everywhere on the expo floor:
Regenerative agriculture claims. “Organic” was the standard. Now brands are going further, highlighting soil health, carbon sequestration, and farming practices that actively restore ecosystems. Expect to see “regeneratively grown” on everything from crackers to chocolate.
Functional everything. The line between food and supplements keeps blurring. Beverages with adaptogens, snacks with added protein and fiber, even condiments with gut health benefits. If it can have a functional ingredient, someone’s adding one.
Climate-conscious packaging. Plastic-free, compostable, refillable, and made from agricultural waste. Packaging innovation has become a major differentiator, especially for brands targeting environmentally conscious consumers.
Protein diversification. Beyond beef alternatives, look for products featuring fermented proteins, algae, mycelium (mushroom roots), and precision fermentation. The goal: protein sources that require less land, water, and emissions than traditional livestock.
Sugar reduction without fake sweeteners. Brands are getting creative with fiber, monk fruit, allulose, and formulation tricks that reduce sugar while avoiding the artificial sweetener backlash.
Is Expo West Open to the Public?
No. This is a trade-only event for industry professionals: retailers, distributors, manufacturers, investors, and media. You can’t buy a ticket as a regular consumer.
However, the trends and products showcased at Expo West eventually reach regular grocery stores. If you want to know what’s coming to your local Whole Foods or Sprouts in the next year or two, following Expo West coverage is one of the best ways to get a preview.
Several publications and social media accounts cover the show extensively. You can follow along with new product announcements and trend reports without being there in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Expo West 2026?
Natural Products Expo West 2026 runs March 3-6 in Anaheim, California. Climate Day and the CPG Innovation Summit take place on March 3, with the exhibit halls opening March 4-6.
Where is Expo West held?
The event takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center, with additional programming at nearby hotels like the Anaheim Marriott. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Disneyland, for context.
What is Climate Day at Expo West?
Climate Day is a pre-show event focused on sustainability and climate action in the natural products industry. It features keynotes, networking, and a Community Resource Fair. It takes place on Tuesday, March 3, before the main exhibit halls open.
Can anyone attend Expo West?
No. Expo West is a trade-only show for industry professionals including retailers, distributors, manufacturers, investors, and credentialed media. It is not open to the general public.
How many exhibitors are at Expo West?
Expo West 2026 expects more than 3,300 exhibiting companies, ranging from established brands to emerging startups. Over 60,000 professional buyers attend.
What’s new at Expo West 2026?
The biggest addition is the CPG Innovation Summit, a new one-day event on March 3 covering AI, marketing, retail trends, and impact-driven business. It takes place at the Anaheim Marriott alongside Climate Day.
What trends will be big at Expo West 2026?
Expect to see regenerative agriculture, functional foods and beverages, sustainable packaging, alternative proteins (including fermented and mycelium-based), and clean-label sugar reduction.
How can I follow Expo West if I can’t attend?
Several industry publications and social media accounts cover the show extensively. Look for new product roundups, trend reports, and award announcements from outlets like New Hope Network, NOSH, and food industry journalists.
Why Should Non-Industry People Care?
You might not be a buyer for a grocery chain, but Expo West directly affects what shows up on your shelves. The brands that get buzz here attract investment and retail partnerships. The trends that dominate the show floor become the products you see at Target and Costco a year later.
For those of us trying to feed our families better food with less environmental impact, this show is worth paying attention to. The emphasis on Climate Day and sustainability initiatives signals that the industry is taking these issues seriously. Whether that translates to genuine change or just better marketing remains to be seen. But it’s progress.
At minimum, you’ll know which overpriced adaptogenic beverages are coming for your wallet next year.
