As part of my job I have attended a handful of travel, food, and fan conventions. The Natural Products Expo West is the first one I actually felt I belonged at, because it was full of representatives for natural, organic, and healthy products. It was also the biggest show I have ever attended. Of the 234 companies in attendance I probably knew 20% of them, because I consume their products on a semiregular basis. Following are my standouts from the show, the folks whose products and personalities I really enjoy, whose branding is beautiful and/or whose business ethics I respect. In no particular order…
Zuke’s Z-Ridge - dental bones for dogs, natural jerky treats free of wheat, corn and soy, everything is made in the USA, and their brand promises are fun and healthy. I should become a stockholder in this company I purchase so much of their product for my dog Paige. The representative I met at the show was so nice!
Green Label Organic 100% certified organic shirts - super cool sustainably made low-impact garment dyed tee shirts made by a couple in Virginia. I picked up this one.
Pieces by REpurposingNOLA - New Orleans based small company owned by super cool/sweet Traci Claussen. She takes 100% local, discarded materials like salvaged wood, glass bottles, burlap, vinyl, and textile remnants that would otherwise end up in a landfill and creates designer goods that offer simple, basic luxury for the fashionable recession-ista. Her HoBo bags are named for the space between Howard and Bourbon streets!
Dancing Deer Baking Company - yummy cookies and brownies with charitable minded founder
El Paso Chile Company - I prefer to make my own salsa during the summer, but in a pinch and for easy transport to parties I love their bean dip and pineapple salsa.
Ciao Bella - I have their Blood Orange and Banana Mango Sorbettos in my fridge now, other favorites include Coconut and Chocolate. Delicious, low in calories, and the cutest packaging.
Redwood Hill Farm - I use their goat milk yogurt all year long with homemade granola.
Alexia - I prefer to make my own french fries, but in a pinch I love their waffle cut fries and whenever I want onion rings at home I pick up a package of theirs from the frozen food aisle. Bit of ketchup and it is like you are in a restaurant.
Galaxy Nutritional Foods - alternative cheese products. I am going to use their Rice Vegan slices for tuna melts in the future. I’ve been eating their soy and vegan cheese products for over a decade!
Photos by Zuke’s and REpurposing NOLA.
