NOPEX: health, beauty and digital publishing axed from portfolio
It has been announced that the natural health and beauty components of Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) have been discontinued ahead of a planned separation from the Natural Food Show, which will proceed as part of The London Food & Drink Shows (16-17 September, ExCeL).
At this year’s show, organizer Diversified Communications unveiled new plans for health and beauty to be re-located to the Business Design Centre in a separate event, but now says ‘in response to the rapidly evolving trading landscape’ it has taken the ‘difficult decision to discontinue the natural wellness, health and beauty sections of the event for the foreseeable future’.
“This change follows two consecutive years of declining visitor numbers and reduced exhibitor participation,” says a statement from Diversified. “Many companies in these sectors have shifted their focus to more specialized events, and the show has found it increasingly difficult to meet the expectations of both exhibitors and buyers. At the same time, our natural and organic food exhibitors – many of whom have successfully transitioned to lunch! and National Restaurant Pub & Bar Show – have urged us to co-locate the Natural & Organic Food Expo with these leading trade events.”
The company believes the new alignment will ‘create a more powerful, targeted platform, bringing together the foodservice, hospitality, speciality retail, multiples and convenience sectors under one roof’, whilst giving natural and organic food brands a stronger presence in front of mainstream buyers.
“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to NOPEX and to the many friends and partners in the natural health and beauty sectors who have supported the event for over 30 years.”
Carsten Holm, managing director of Diversified UK, comments: “We’ve listened closely to our community and we’re excited to offer a more focused, impactful platform for the natural and organic food and drink sector as part of The London Food & Drink Shows. At the same time, it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to NOPEX and to the many friends and partners in the natural health and beauty sectors who have supported the event for over 30 years. NOPEX was once among the world’s premier trade shows for our sector, playing a pivotal role in the success of countless brands and serving as hub for the UK’s independent health food trade. On behalf of the entire team at Diversified, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has been part of this journey for your trust, support and friendship.”
Alongside the closure of its health and beauty events, Diversified has confirmed that it will no longer continue to publish articles via its digital platform Natural Products Online (NPO), which replaced Natural Products News after the print magazine’s closure in 2023. A ‘shifting media landscape and evolving industry needs’ are said to be the reason behind its discontinuation.
“We are incredibly proud of the role NPO has played in supporting this vibrant community and we are truly grateful to everyone who has read, contributed to or supported it. Thank you for being part of this journey. It has been an honour to share your stories,” adds Holm.
By Rosie Greenaway, editor