The Natural List

A New Hope Network podcast covering hot products, emerging trends and expert insights driving the future of CPG! Seaweed burgers and meatless meats. Mushroom elixirs and adaptogenic mocktails. Plastic-free packaging and waterless shampoos. The nearly $300 billion-dollar natural products industry is swimming in innovation. But which products and trends have staying power? During this podcast, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith share the latest industry news and the most compelling and (sometimes off the wall) innovations that are primed to transform the CPG industry and support a global shift toward healthier, more sustainable living.

Health span trends and NCN recap

This week’s episode of The Natural List Podcast offers listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) Fall Meeting in San Francisco and dives into one of the most exciting trends shaping the health and wellness industry: Health span.  Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by NCN Investment Business Development Manager Jennifer Pfeifer to explore how NCN fosters meaningful connections between brands and investors, while also unpacking the generational drivers behind the health span trend. Listeners will gain insights into the mentorship and community-building that NCN provides, as well as the innovative brands and products that are capturing investor attention. Functional beverages, supplements and health span innovations are at the forefront of investor interest, with a focus on partnerships built on collaboration that go beyond just financial backing. The emphasis on partnership—where investors contribute both expertise and funding—is key to NCN’s success. Our hosts and guest also explore the health span conversation, sharing insights into how different generations are engaging with health span and the unique opportunities that creates for brands to meet evolving consumer needs.  This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website. https://prlabs.com/  Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.  

12-01
27:30

Mission-driven brands making an impact

Get ready to feel inspired! This episode of The Natural List celebrates mission-driven brands that truly give back. With so many incredible CPG companies making a difference, choosing just a handful to spotlight was no easy feat. Jessica and Adrienne welcome special guest Meredith Kaufman, editor at New Hope Network, for an engaging conversation about brands that embody gratitude 365 days a year. Together, they explore Meredith's curated gallery of standout companies: Those with mission woven into their DNA, brands committed to charitable giving and everything in between. What does it really mean to be "mission-driven" in today's marketplace? While our industry naturally gravitates toward creating healthier products for people and planet, there's a beautiful spectrum of ways to build purpose into your business model. Tune in to discover how these brands are redefining what it means to do well by doing good. 

11-24
23:34

New Expo West events, Justin's restructuring and Thanksgiving food galore

This episode of The Natural List podcast, with co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith, explores what's been happening in the CPG industry lately. The conversation kicks off by discussing the rise in traditional brands embracing cleaner formulations, highlighting how "clean beauty" trends are reaching into conventional retail channels. The duo then shifts focus to Thanksgiving favorites, featuring insights from Meredith Kaufman's latest gallery on seasonal must-haves, including a sweet potato and chickpea stuffing, innovative uses for tallow in holiday cooking, and a pumpkin pie filling that's making that homemade taste easier than ever. They then cover the major restructuring happening at Justin's, where founder Justin Gold is taking a more prominent leadership role while Hormel transitions to minority shareholder status. Jessica and Adrienne analyze what this strategic shift means for the brand and how it might influence their future innovation strategies.Watch until the end of the episode where the hosts also preview the upcoming CPG Innovation Summit, a brand new event coming to Expo West 2026. They discuss how different perspectives are shaping what innovation means in the natural products industry, highlighting the importance and timeliness of an event like this.Whether you're tracking investment trends, exploring brand positioning strategies, or seeking inspiration for product development, this episode has something for you. Listen toThe Natural List to stay up to date on what's driving today's natural products market. Add the show to your weekly rotation, because upcoming The Natural List episodes will feature more details on keynote speakers, Expo West updates and additional CPG Innovation Summit announcements coming soon. This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website.

11-17
16:17

Trends and industry themes from SupplySide Global 2025

The natural products industry is all interconnected. In fact, trends that start in the supplement industry often make their way into other areas of the industry. Stay ahead of the curve and join co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith as they welcome guest Bill Giebler, content and insights director of Nutrition Business Journal, for an exciting recap of SupplySide Global 2025. Jessica and Bill attended the event, which took place from October 27–30, 2025, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fresh from the trade show floor, Jessica and Bill share their firsthand insights into the most compelling trends shaping the natural products industry, including the rising prominence of the ingredient Shatavari and how brands are innovating to capture the attention of health-conscious Gen Z consumers. The conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of healthy aging, exploring how the industry is reframing conversations around longevity and wellness to resonate with different demographics. The hosts also discuss the newly released theme of the 2025 NBJ Summit that encompasses industry experiences.  Whether you're an industry professional or simply passionate about natural health trends, this episode delivers valuable insights straight from one of the industry's most important gatherings.  This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website.

11-10
22:06

Dairy investment trends for 2026

This episode of The Natural List provides essential insights for investors, CPG brands and retailers looking to understand the regenerative agriculture movement's impact on dairy investments. Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith break down why companies focusing on sustainability and farm-to-consumer transparency are capturing both consumer attention and investor dollars. The duo discusses a recent article by Nutrition Capital Network Executive Director Mike Dovbish, which highlights the key trends and investments happening in this category. The conversation kicks off with pop culture and industry observations before shifting focus to the notable transformation happening in dairy investments. With the Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) predicting that dairy will account for 15% of total natural and organic product industry sales in 2025, this episode unpacks the key drivers behind this growth trajectory and why investors are on board.Whether you're tracking natural product investment trends or exploring opportunities in the dairy space, this episode delivers actionable intelligence on one of 2025's most dynamic growth categories.This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website. In this episode:0:00 – Pop culture trend recap0:51 – 17-free nail polish update: Ella and Mila vs Mineral Fusion comparison 2:50 – New Hope Network’s 2026 Trend Predictions dropped on October 20th. Let us know if we missed any!3:20 – Dairy ranks second in terms of growth in 2024, on track for the same in 2025 4:04 – Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) Fall Event happening November 12th, 20255:00 – How regenerative and sustainable dairy companies are attracting major investment 5:30 – Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) predicts that dairy will account for 15% of total natural and organic product industry sales in 20255:52 – Chobani's massive $650M investment round in October 20256:20 – Strauss Family Creamery's Series B funding with Grounded Capital leadership 8:32 – NBJ data revealing dairy's projected top 3 growth status through 2029 9:20 – Painterland Sisters' successful seed funding and their strategy of perfecting basic flavors 12:14 – Alec's Ice Cream, a brand focused on sustainability, storytelling and strategic...

11-03
15:06

Gen Z's Data-Driven Approach to Health and Wellness with Cynthia Barstow

In this week’s episode of The Natural List, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith talk with Cynthia Barstow, founder of Protect Our Breasts and professor at UMass, to explore how Gen Z is reshaping the natural products landscape.  As the host of the podcast "Shelf Sense, the stories behind our stuff," Cynthia brings unique insights into how today's young consumers approach health, wellness and brand authenticity. She has also contributed to NewHope.com in the past, discussing chemical concerns in plastic packaging. https://www.newhope.com/business-management/4-tips-to-get-ahead-of-chemical-concerns-in-packaging Today’s conversation goes deep into Gen Z's data-driven mindset, their quest for transparency, and their complex relationship with trust in an era of information overload and social media.  Through Cynthia’s experience talking with and teaching Gen Z students, this conversation discusses her perspective on the habits of these consumers. This generation is redefining what it means to make informed purchasing decisions in the natural products space. 

10-27
29:36

10 CPG trends for 2026

From food and beverage innovations to what’s new and noteworthy in supplements and personal care, this week’s episode of The Natural List breaks down the New Hope Network 2026 trend predictions! Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith walk through the 10 trends predicted to make waves in the CPG and natural products industry in the coming year. Now is the time to start thinking about your 2026 planning, and these trends aren't just predictions—they're grounded in real data from Nutrition Business Journal, hands-on observations from major industry events like Expo West and Newtopia Now and comprehensive market intelligence gathered by our New Hope Network team to help brands stay ahead of the curve.  According to New Hope Network's Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ), the industry’s size has more than tripled since 2007, reaching an impressive $325 billion in 2024—with projections to hit $343 billion this year. And with so many entries into the market, one thing is clear: The most successful brands can differentiate their offerings both on the shelf and behind the scenes through value propositions that go beyond pure profit to also support people and planet.  Watch the full episode to learn what these top 10 trend predictions are and see product examples that are already bringing them to life. 

10-20
27:49

Whey-ing the trends in Sports Nutrition and Weight Management

Welcome back to The Natural List! This week, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino are joined by special guest Erika Craft, NBJ market research analyst, to unpack the key findings from NBJ's newest Sports Nutrition and Weight Management Report.  This episode provides listeners with essential market intelligence on one of the industry's most dynamic sectors, revealing how energy and hydration products are driving significant growth, while emerging trends such as "clean energy" formulations and women's cycle-based nutrition are reshaping product development. The conversation provides actionable insights into consumer behavior shifts, including the surprising demographics around GLP-1 usage and what's really driving purchasing decisions in the $18 billion functional beverages market. Whether you're a brand looking to identify the next big opportunity, an investor tracking market trends or a retailer wanting to understand consumer demand, this episode delivers the strategic insights you need to navigate the evolving sports nutrition landscape.  Our guest breaks down not just what's happening in the market, but why these changes matter and where the industry is headed next, from the untapped potential in women's sports nutrition to innovative product formats that are expanding beyond traditional categories and reaching new consumers. For the complete data and analysis behind these insights, be sure to check out NBJ's Sports Nutrition and Weight Management Report.  This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. 

10-06
28:35

14 takeaways from Organic Week 2025

This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the future direction of organic agriculture, food policy and changing consumer trust patterns in the natural products industry. Co-host Adrienne Smith welcomes guest Douglas Brown, senior retail reporter at New Hope Network, to discuss his first-time experience at Organic Week 2025 in Washington, DC. The conversation explores the evolving organic landscape as the Organic Trade Association celebrates its 40th anniversary amid political gridlock and changing consumer expectations.The discussion also delves into how organic must improve its storytelling to compete with regenerative agriculture's appeal, the growing importance of nutrient density metrics and how younger consumers experiencing "badge fatigue" are seeking transparency beyond traditional certifications.Doug and Adrienne look at organic's balancing act between honoring its roots and staying relevant to new consumers and discuss how emerging technologies in farming, including AI applications like weed-picking robots and ripeness scanners, could fit into the industry.In this episode:1:20 – How has the DC food scene changed in the past 10 years?2:00 - East coast vs West coast seafood debate2:55 - Doug shares takeaways from his first time at Organic Week in DC.3:20 - Organic continues to mature as a regulated sector and still strives to honor its roots. Big discussions around how to keep things lively and engaging for new consumers while still working in a highly regulated sector.3:59 - The OTA celebrates 40 years!4:29 – There was much discussion around trying to keep organic relevant in the face of uncertainty and political gridlock.4:50 – Organic advocates and lawmakers are still fighting for the Farm Bill to be passed amidst political change and deadlock.5:30 – There is tension and opportunity for organic growth with the emergence of regenerative and new consumer expectations.6:03 – Regenerative has done a great job of storytelling, an opportunity for organic to improve storytelling for newer consumers and stay top of mind. Discussion around nutrient density and how newer consumers are beginning to look for that.8:15 – There are new players on the organic scene; Many political players were not around when organic regulations were created or when the last Farm Bill was passed (2018).9:20 – The OTA is insistent on working with lawmakers to ensure that everything needed gets included in this upcoming Farm Bill.9:45 – Goal of the OTA at Organic Week: Investments in domestic supply chains so farmers don’t face bottlenecks.10:06 - Goal of the OTA at Organic Week: Passing the Organic Imports Verification Act, to protect the integrity of the organic seal for products grown in other countries10:34 - Goal of the OTA at Organic Week: Keep stable funding for the National Organic Program, who is responsible for organic regulatory enforcement. If no one is enforcing the organic regulations, the seal crumbles.11:04 – Goal of the OTA at Organic Week: Discussion around the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which aims to address the labor issues that are specific to organic agriculture. In conventional agriculture, machines do much of the work, but in organic agriculture, more farm labor is needed. The organic industry12:35 – AI’s opportunity for farming: Robots picking weeds, targeted application of pesticides, scanners that will tell you when your avocado will be ripe16:43 – Half of baby food is certified USDA organic, and parents expect that as a baseline, showing a large

09-29
20:04

Seed oils, tariffs and sports nutrition trends reshaping the CPG industry

The latest episode of The Natural List tackles the natural products industry's hottest topics with co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino. As Adrienne prepares to attend One Step Closer's Ripple Fest 2025, the duo dives into who really bears the burden of rising tariffs—brands, consumers, retailers or some combination–a pressing question Jessica will explore further in the upcoming SupplySide Global 2025 session, “Leading through disruption: C-suite strategies for growth, compliance and consumer trust.”The duo discusses seed oils, dissecting the controversy that's reshaping product marketing and packaging. From "seed oil-free" logos on products that never contained them to innovative approaches like "extra virgin sunflower oil" that promote a better version, the hosts offer clarity amid the confusion, referencing Doug Brown's article on the topic, "The seed oil debate: Separating fact from fiction."The episode concludes with game-changing market insights: new SPINS data in the New Hope Network State of Natural Industry Snapshot Fall 2025 confirms natural products are outpacing conventional growth across all channels, while sports nutrition crosses into mainstream use—with creatine expanding beyond athletics into cognitive performance and widening the consumer pool. Despite economic headwinds across the supply chain, the hosts support how successful brands are building consumer trust through authenticity and transparency in this rapidly evolving landscape.In this episode:0:20 - Adrienne follows up: Is she a pumpkin spice convert?1:45 – Preview of next week’s episode with Doug Brown2:11 – Predictions for One Step Closer’s (OSC) Ripple Fest 2025, which Adrienne is attending5:20 – Discussing different approaches to communicating about tariffs and who absorbs them: Brands, consumers, retailers or a mix?6:40 – These topics will be discussed at SupplySide Global 2025, at a session Jessica is moderating: Leading through disruption: C-suite strategies for growth, compliance and consumer trust7:25 – Many of these brands are taking note from brands who have tried sustainable packaging, being open and transpareant about their process and acknowledging that they don’t have all of the answers yet10:22 – What’s the deal with seed oils? Breaking down the industry buzz on the ingredients found in many processed foods.11:02 – Doug Brown’s newest article digs into the scientific research behind seed oil claims, offering a great place to understand all points of view.12:06 – Packaging trends: Logos calling out “no seed oils” or “seed oil free,” even if the product never had seed oils to begin with.12:23 – Product trends: Products showing how seed oils can be done right, like “extra virgin sunflower oil.”13:20 - How is the market responding to the buzz around seed oils? Brands are leading with differentiation, like on-package labeling, or education on how the oils used are different.15:05 – New SPINS data shows that natural is outpacing conventional growth in every channel.15:21 – How can...

09-23
20:50

Marketing ploy or market opportunity? The business case for pumpkin spice in CPG

In this episode of The Natural List, co-host Adrienne Smith joins guests Jenna Fitch and Bill Giebler to dissect the pumpkin spice phenomenon reshaping the CPG landscape. Whether you're a devotee or a skeptic, the numbers speak volumes: according to a 2025 Coherent Marketing Insights report, this $1.1 billion market is projected to reach $2.2 billion by 2032—making it impossible for brands to ignore. Our panel explores the rich history of pumpkin spice dating back to 1796, analyzes the strategic value of limited-edition seasonal offerings, and examines why this flavor profile has become a crucial competitive advantage for shelf space. The conversation moves from market analysis to real-world application as the team conducts live taste tests of this season's most anticipated pumpkin spice products—from nitro cold brew to oat milk chocolate bear claws. Can innovative formulations convert even the most cynical critics? Join us for this business-focused deep dive into one of CPG's most divisive yet profitable flavor trends, and discover whether data-driven strategy or genuine consumer passion is driving pumpkin spice's remarkable growth trajectory. 

09-15
18:28

Favorite food trends from the Newtopia Now show floor

In this week’s episode, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by guest Meredith Kaufman, editor at New Hope Network, to dish on their most exciting food discoveries from the Newtopia Now show floor.  The trio discussed innovative products that caught their attention, from Loopinin's protein and fiber-packed pizza to an "ice cream renaissance" featuring unique global flavors and protein-packed desserts. This conversation highlights the significant presence of regenerative agriculture brands and the increase in ROC certifications, while also exploring standout products like tomato-free pasta sauce, freeze-dried soups and Manchester Farms' quail eggs.  Throughout the episode, the hosts touch on industry trends, including the growing prominence of multicultural flavors—particularly African cuisine—and the importance of community building in the natural products space. Check out this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.  In this episode: 3:09 - Foods that surprised and delighted us on the natural foods show floor 3:34 - Protein-packed, fiber-rich and genuinely delicious pizza that's changing the game 4:52 - The ice cream renaissance  7:20 - Exploring gendered marketing strategies and evolving target demographics for products across the store 9:10 - Pickles, probiotics and brine that we can’t stop talking about 12:01 - Regenerative agriculture takes center stage: Exploring ROC brands, farming practices and innovative grain production 14:32 - Growing together: Community building and collaborative initiatives are brand-favorite parts of this industry 15:26 - Nowhere Bakery's paleo cookies: How these grain-free treats are satisfying sweet cravings 16:14 - Carinara: The innovative tomato-free pasta sauce changing the game (plus a sneak peek at their upcoming innovations!) 17:01 – Nutrient-dense convenience foods expand with Long Weekend’s freeze-dried soups 17:43 – The continuing debate: Soups are food, broths are drinks 18:20 – Expanding restaurant cusine to everyday tables: Manchester Farms' quail eggs and their unique culinary applications 19:27 - Global palates: Exploring the rising prominence of multicultural flavors and international food traditions

09-08
21:49

The biggest beverage innovations from Newtopia Now

We’re buzzing over the beverage innovations from Newtopia Now! On this week’s episode of The Natural List, our hosts explore the most exciting drink trends spotted at the show. From savory energy drinks to nutrient-dense liquid meals, this episode provides an overview of beverage innovations we didn’t expect from the Newtopia Now show floor. -             Broth is back: Is it a food or a beverage? Settle the debate while discovering mushroom broths and caffeinated sipping broths, creating an entirely new category.Hydration beyond just water: Farmer-owned brands, saltwater formulations and protein-infused fizzy sodas are changing how we hydrate and reaching new consumers.Functional formats: Brands are delivering wellness benefits through unexpected formats like fiber water and adaptogenic mushroom sodas.The great sweetener debate: Which natural sweeteners are winning with consumers? Our hosts break down the battle between stevia, dates, monkfruit, and more. Timestamps:1:15 Newtopia Now reflections, takeaways and industry insights3:15 Beverages galore! Overview of category expansion3:43 Innovation in broth - unexpected but exciting!7:25 Hydration innovation beyond water12:30 Nutrient-density reigns supreme13:51 Wellness ritual beverages16:10 Australian Beneficial with sticky chai17:15 Innovative functional beverage formats19:53 The new cola21:50 The battle of the sweeteners23:27 Host's favorites from the show24:35 SPINS Retailer Choice Award winner Stay tuned to the end where our hosts share their personal favorite drinks from the show floor and which brand won the SPINS Retailer Choice Award. Prefer video? Check us out on YouTube!

09-04
26:00

Newtopia Now 2025 highlights: CPG Innovations and trends LIVE from the show floor

This exclusive episode of The Natural List was recorded live from the bustling show floor on the final afternoon of Newtopia Now 2025! Our co-host Jessica Rubino grabs New Hope Network insiders Bill Giebler and Grace Burleson for their raw, unfiltered reactions while the energy of the event is still buzzing around them.This isn’t your average post-show recap. Check out this week’s episode of The Natural List to get an on-site pulse check for what stood out to our team while at Newtopia Now. You’ll get the candid observations that only come from that "still-on-the-floor" perspective.The trio discusses how our two keynote sessions, by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and CEO of GNC, Michael Costello, highlighted the trends that emerged on the show floor and the importance of transparency and relationship building.With so many emerging and first-time exhibitor brands, this year’s Newtopia Now was one to remember. Listen to the full episode for our on-site thoughts on content, exciting product innovations and more. Additional in-depth reporting coming soon on newhope.com!In this episode:-             1:19 Our team reveals which products made it into their bags—and which insights stuck in their minds-             4:33 Just because one meeting doesn’t lead to a placement or a deal, don’t give up-             5:10 How transparency–between retailers, brands and customers–builds trust-             6:50 Newtopia Now is for nurturing connections across the supply chain-             7:30 Quick highlights from the show floor-             7:51 Innovative distribution channels and working with artists for packaging design-             8:59 Protein is still everywhere, even fizzy water and desert-             11:59 “Keep CPG weird and wonderful” highlighting beverage growth and innovation-             13:48 This spicy sauce has eye-catching branding and flavor combinations-             14:12 High Level Science is bringing specialization into supplements-             15:40 A co-op approach to the trade show floor finds success with the Clean Living Founder Collective, the Angel Group, Startup CPG and more-             16:05 Gen Z-focused clean skincare making waves-             17:32 The unexpected chicken broth renaissance across multiple categories-             18:20 The Newtopia Now spirit is alive and well with so many emerging, first-time exhibiting brands!Prefer watching your podcasts instead of just listening? Check out our YouTube!

08-26
19:52

Can't miss keynotes, panels and experiences at Newtopia Now 2025

Join hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith as they highlight the must-attend sessions at Newtopia Now, happening August 20-22, 2025, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO. They discuss the many ways brands and retailers can get involved and make lasting connections during this standout show. Newtopia Now represents the heartbeat of the natural products industry, bringing together the most pressing issues and innovative solutions in one vibrant community space. From educational sessions across the Thrive, Regenerate and Glow neighborhoods to Wednesday's community experience events, this gathering offers valuable content for everyone in the natural products ecosystem.   In this episode: 1:23 Programming highlights at Newtopia Now 2:42 Download the show app! Your essential tool for navigating the event and maximizing your experience 3:12 Innovation and investment programming delivers real results for natural products businesses 4:36  The NEXTY Big Thing panel, where NEXTY finalists will be announced 7:00 Keynote highlight: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon speaks on redefining strength and mastering multidimensional wellness  8:52 Inside Whole Foods Market pitch event: Exclusive insider access to these buyers  9:49 Women in CPG Brunch is a celebration of women uplifting women, featuring industry pioneer Sandy Gooch 12:30  Keynote highlight: Michael Costello, CEO of GNC offers hard-hitting advice to emerging brands 13:28 Help shape the industry's future by attending Natural Crossroads: The State of Natural Community Discussion 16:15 O and regenerative agriculture education sessions for forward-thinking brands 16:40 Discover emerging innovations at the Conscious Beauty and Wellness Pitch!  Download the app today to plan your schedule, connect with fellow attendees, bookmark must-visit booths and ensure you don't miss a moment of inspiration. The entire New Hope and Newtopia Now team can't wait to see you in Denver next week for what will be an extraordinary gathering of the natural products community! 

08-18
19:38

Hot Newtopia Now collabs, clean beauty and tariff impacts on chocolate prices

In this episode of The Natural List, hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino dive into the excitement of Newtopia Now 2025!  Discover the exciting collaborations happening across product categories and get the inside scoop on how chocolate brands are navigating price challenges amid new tariffs. Our hosts share the exciting number of first-time exhibitors and Jessica and Adrienne share their top picks for food, beverage and personal care brands to see at the show. Plus, learn about the special partnership with Cassandra McClure's Clean Living Collective in the GLOW neighborhood, featuring innovative clean beauty brands.  Episode highlights: 4:45 – It’s Newtopia Now & peak peach season in Denver!  5:00 - Exciting brand collaborations across all categories  7:06 - How ethical chocolate brands are managing tariff challenges  11:20 - NEW! Newtopia Now mobile app launch  12:00 – Newtopia Now numbers: 50% are first-time exhibitors 12:35 - Adrienne's top food & beverage brand picks  14:13 - Spotlight on emerging brands highlighting transparency, USDA organic & regenerative agriculture  17:18 - Clean Living Marketplace partnership with Cassandra McClure  17:45 - Jessica's must-see personal care exhibitors  20:02 - Trending ingredient alert: Shilajit  22:17 - Next week: Newtopia Now education session preview Whether you're an industry veteran or natural products enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the upcoming Newtopia Now tradeshow in Denver, August 20-21st, 2025. 

08-11
23:10

The NEXTY effect: How emerging brands gain mainstream recognition

The NEXTY awards are coming back to Newtopia Now, bigger and better than before! This week, co-host Adrienne Smith is joined by Meredith Kaufman, associate editor at New Hope Network, to explore the exciting return to and revamp of the NEXTY awards at Newtopia Now 2025.This year’s NEXTYs feature a special Newtopia Now category, where our panel of experts will choose 8-10 remarkable brands from each category who are exhibiting at Newtopia Now. The goal? Uplift the innovative, emerging brands that might not yet be in the Expo West pipeline but are creating waves in the natural products industry.Plus, get an insider's perspective on the tangible benefits of NEXTY nominations and hear about the "meaty" trends our team is eager to explore at the upcoming show.Whether you're an industry veteran or natural products enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future stars of the natural products world and the platform that's helping them shine.Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify to discover the next generation of natural product innovators.

08-03
18:57

Sponsor Soundbyte – Salt Spring Coffee

In this episode of The Natural List, Nancy Coulter-Parker, New Hope Network director of content marketing sits down with Mickey McLeod, co-founder and CEO of Salt Spring Coffee, and today’s sponsor of The Natural List.The brand is Canada’s first Regenerative Organic Certified coffee company and has a long history of caring for soil health and nutrient density. With various certifications and dedication for the craft of coffee beans, this sustainable brand is making waves in the industry.During this 12-minute episode, our host and guest chat about what makes Regenerative Organic Certified coffee so important for the future of the coffee industry and how certifications can be a lever to encourage consumer trust.Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.About our host: Nancy Coulter-Parker, director of content marketing at New Hope NetworkAbout our guest: Mickey McLeod, co-founder and CEO of Salt Spring Coffee

07-30
12:10

7 holistic wellness and supplement trends for Newtopia Now 2025

This episode of The Natural List highlights 7 emerging trends for Newtopia Now. Our co-hosts explore exciting developments across all three neighborhoods—Glow, Thrive, and Regenerate—highlighting how holistic health integrates beauty and wellness from the inside out. With cross-category trends like tallow-based formulations and clean-label innovations, plus innovative developments from supplement brands and a focus on healthspan and longevity, this episode is essential listening for brands, retailers, and investors looking to maximize their Newtopia Now experience this August. Planning to attend the show? Discover these products, and more, on Beacon Discovery – a dedicated platform where natural products brands can gain visibility and forge meaningful connections with key industry stakeholders. For a more in-depth look at some topics mentioned in this episode: The bump serum brand spotlight https://www.newhope.com/personal-care/the-bump-serum-helps-men-of-color-eliminate-razor-bumps Meredith’s roundup about personal care products https://www.newhope.com/personal-care/8-clean-conscious-personal-care-products-newtopia-now 5 supplements for a focused and healthy Newtopia Now https://www.newhope.com/vitamins-and-supplements/5-supplements-focused-healthy-newtopia-now  Newtopia Now is the destination for new product innovation and a can't-miss discovery opportunity for retailers and industry leaders. Find out more about Newtopia Now, which is Aug. 20-22 in Denver, Colorado, and register here. 

07-28
19:07

10 must-know CPG trends for buyers, brands and investors at Newtopia Now 2025

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith reveal the 10 crucial trends you need to know before attending Newtopia Now (August 20-22, 2025). From hyper-functional products and high protein everything to beef tallow and basics reimagined, this is an episode you need to listen to when prepping for Newtopia Now.  Newtopia Now is the destination for new product innovation and a can't-miss discovery opportunity for retailers and industry leaders. Find out more about Newtopia Now, which is Aug. 20-22 in Denver, Colorado, and register here. 

07-21
28:38

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