Expo Europe round-up
earlier this month, drew a larger attendance and higher quality
visitors this year, according to the organisers' show report.
The redesigned Natural Products Expo Europe, held in Amsterdam earlier this month, drew a larger attendance and higher quality visitors this year, according to the organisers' show report.
Taking place for the fourth time, Expo Europe 2003 also included 'sister show' SupplyExpo, adding ingredients and raw materials to the finished products of previous years. It attracted more than 2,700 visitors and around 180 exhibiting companies.
Buyers from across the manufacturing, distribution and retail channels seemed to find the event a useful networking opportunity. Regular exhibitor Drew Davis, from the National Enzyme Company, claimed this year saw "the most contacts I've ever made at Expo Europe. And the quality has been excellent."
Stephen Wicks of Essential Sterolin Products said: "I've been coming to Expo Europe since the very first event. I need to be here to make the contacts, find out the latest trends, and find out what's exciting. Everybody meets here so, it makes sense to be here."
Lucio Garcia, who oversaw the Latin American Pavilion, added that three or four companies in the Pavilion generated ready-to-close business at the show. "All these Latin American businesses have been able to make contact with businesses from across Europe, from producers ready to transform raw materials, through to distributors for our products," he said.
Simon Pettman, director of Brussels-based European Advisory Services (EAS), noted the "opportunity for small to medium-sized companies as well as the big players".
SupplyExpo exhibitors also had positive comments. Chris Goring, European sales manager for Carolwood, said: "We've seen R&D people, owners and senior buyers on our stand and this show has been the best way to showcase our company's expertise and fly our flag to the industry."
Expo Europe show manager Katharine Tooby, pointed to the increase in the quality of attendees, "evident by the substantial increase in reported deals on the show floor".
Organised by New Hope Natural Media, Natural Products Expo Europe 2004 takes place next year at the RAI Amsterdam in The Netherlands, from 15-17 June, with the exhibits open on the 16-17 June.
