Naturally Good Expo (6-7 June) showcased more than 200 exhibitors from around the nation in the areas of food, beverages, beauty, health and homewares at Sydney’s International Convention Centre. 
This year’s expo followed two years of Covid-19 impacts. Last year, Naturally Good was hampered by a last-minute Victorian lockdown which prevented many exhibitors and retailers from the state travelling to Sydney. Before that, the show was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, this year, according to the event organisers, it was smooth sailing for the show.
Naturally Good Product Manager Sinead Kavanaugh says the expo, now in its seventh year, has exceeded all expectations.
“Given the challenges of the last few years, it’s been amazing to see all the industry 
support for businesses in the natural health space,” she says. “We had incredible retailers attend this year’s expo and the feedback and interest from them has been phenomenal.
“This year’s theme was ‘The natural step ahead: Your platform for organic growth’, and we feel the expo lived up to that by helping and inspiring many exhibitors on their business journey. Exhibitors were constantly busy in meetings and made fantastic contacts.”
Among the expo’s exhibitors were Greens & Goodness, which showcased its pea-based ‘meat’ products; Calm & Stormy, which shared its “sustainable” range of still and sparkling waters; and Kimchi Club, which educated visitors on fermented Korean condiments.
Other highlights
The Pitch Fest competition was described as “fiercely competitive” with innovative businesses including Good Edi, Pacific Harvest, San Elk, Compassion Creamery, and Teffkers The Bakery Lab pitching to a range of experts and trade buyers. Compassion Creamery was the winner with its Oat Crème Cheese product.
This year’s speaker sessions at both the business summit and expo featured an array of 
local and international speakers. Sessions included ‘The Future of Healthy Food’, presented by Davidson Branding Managing Director Grant Davidson; ‘Reconnecting Australia to the US: What’s new and next’, an online presentation from Natural Products Consulting Principal Bob Burke; and ‘Is customer loyalty dead in retail or just resting?’ presented by Retail Doctor Group Head of Insights Anastasia Lloyd-Wallis.
New this year were the Naturally Good Awards, recognising the products and brands “moving and shaking” the industry.
Ms Kavanagh says the quality of entrants was outstanding. 
“We wanted to recognise the products and brands that are moving and shaking the industry in a celebration of all things natural, organic and healthy,” she says.
“The level of innovation and dedication that all the nominees have displayed is simply outstanding and a reflection of just how far the industry has come.
“We hope that in the years following, this particular part of the expo grows and grows, as becoming an award winner may be the industry stamp that accelerates organic growth for recipients.”
Also generating interest was Australian Organic Alley, a dedicated area on the show floor highlighting Australian Certified Organic members, as well as the Australian Made pavilion.
Ms Kavanagh says the expo continues to attract growing numbers of trade visitors and brands exhibiting.
“There’s currently such high market demand in the natural products space, with the market predicted to grow even further over the next five years,” she says. “We’re thrilled at the great feedback from exhibitors, visitors and partners all round. We look forward to planning for next year.”
Naturally Good Expo will return to Sydney in June 2023 at the ICC.
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