IPA Connects at Natural Products Expo West 2026

From March 3–6, 2026, the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California once again became the epicenter of the natural and organic products world. The event drew an estimated 60,000 attendees, along with more than 3,000 exhibitors, 300 speakers, and participants from over 65 countries—reinforcing Natural Products Expo West as the industry’s premier global gathering.

The Expo offered a firsthand look at emerging trends, breakthrough products, and socially responsible solutions shaping the future of the natural and organic marketplace.

The International Probiotics Association never misses the Expo, always excited to explore the new offerings and reconnect with IPA members. George Paraskevakos, IPA’s Executive Director and John Maris, its new Director of Growth engaged with stakeholders and potential members across the  vast sea of industry attendees.

Expo 2026 at a glance

Starting off the week, Climate Day on Tuesday March 3 focused on innovative ways retailers could drive positive change for our planet.

The same day, the Expo launched its first-ever CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) Innovation Summit, bringing together brands, investors, and industry leaders to explore AI-driven operations, next-gen retail models, capital acceleration, and innovation strategies shaping the future of CPG.

The rest of the week featured an overflowing array of keynote speeches, educational sessions, expert panels, pitch competitions, herb walks, and plaza yoga. Many thousands attended the sessions, toured the exhibit halls, and sampled products throughout the aisles. Outside on the plaza, live music and California sunshine brought both calm and gaiety to the extravaganza.

Inside the exhibit halls, a cornucopia of organic, plant-based, gluten-free, keto, paleo, and non-GMO products dazzled the senses. As in past years, biotics continued a strong presence at the Expo, appearing both as stand-alone products and supplements and in expanded lines from established brands. Fermented foods, including yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and pickled vegetables, were widely featured, with several IPA member companies showcasing their innovations and participating in events throughout the show.

Trends at Natural Products Expo West

The variety was seemingly limitless but new trends became apparent to seasoned visitors:

Functional Everything

Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics continue moving beyond supplements and cultured foods into beverages, frozen dairy, breads, and beauty formulations—wellness is now built into everyday products.

Personalized, Data-Driven Wellness

Brands are integrating wearable data, expanding practitioner support, and tailoring supplements to life stage and hormonal health, including more nuanced men’s health and menopause solutions.

Return to Whole Foods

Whole-fat dairy, soy, grain-forward breads, and less-processed ingredients reflect a shift back to traditional foods—this time with functional upgrades.

Regenerative & Values-Based Brands

Farmer-owned companies, soil-focused agriculture, and whole-animal sourcing are resonating with shoppers who want transparency and sustainability.

Natural Personal Care Goes Mainstream

Projected to reach $22 billion, the natural personal care category is expanding across genders and ages, with clean beauty products that promise benefits like better sleep.

NEXTY Award Winners 2026

The NEXTY Awards at Natural Products Expo West recognized standout new brands, with 37 category winners and three Editor’s Choice honorees selected from 164 finalists for their innovation, inspiration, and integrity. Winners highlighting trends such as protein-enriched foods, renewed interest in meat and dairy, and clean-label formulations.

At this year’s Expo, IPA connected with entrepreneurs across the probiotic and prebiotic landscape, exploring both new innovations and familiar favorites. In the California sunshine, the enthusiasm around biotics made the outlook for the field feel brighter than ever.