The event, which promotes a range of natural and organic consumer products, including cosmetics and personal care, attracted a total of 8,810 industry professionals from 76 different countries over the two days it was held.
Show organisers Diversified UK said that this compared to a total attendance figure of 7,352 in 2012, when the event was also held at London’s Olympia Grand Hall.
The attendance ranks the show as the biggest event for the natural and organic products category in Europe, and underlines the continued growth in the market, despite the economic downtown that continues to affect much of Europe.
Visitors included major retailers from all over Europe
Visitors included key European retailers, from companies such as Boots, Amazon, Ocado, Harrods, Superdrug, Planet Organic and Whole Foods Market amongst the registered professional attendees.
Industry professionals were also present from wholesale, distribution specialists, independent retailers, distributors and exporters as well as online retailers – many of which were visiting the show for the first time.
The organisers say that the buzz created by this show has already ensured a high-level of interest for next year’s event, which will be held at the same venue, from 13 – 14 April 2014, which has led to 50 percent of the exhibitor space already being sold.
Best attendance in the event's 17-year history
“Having just had the best attendance in the show’s 17-year history, it proves that the natural and organic industries are getting stronger and becoming more mainstream than ever before,” said Natural & Organic Products Europe event manager Carol Dunning.
“We has a record number of innovative launches this year and the hall was packed with knowledge-aware retailers and buyers.”
The event is divided into three primary area, natural beauty and spa being the focus for cosmetic players, whereas the other two areas focus on natural foods, as well as health and nutrition.
The event also featured a string of awards for various areas of the natural beauty category, including packaging, most innovative organic product and best mother and baby product, with the award for best overall product going to Pukka Herbs for its Nourishing Brightener skin care product.