Speciality Food April 2024

specialityfoodmagazine.com 27 delve into the ever-evolving land- scape of the natural and organic products industry. With a focus on sustainability, ethical practices, and consumer trends, she will share invaluable insights into building successful retail businesses, and will address the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector. Mary says, “Our high streets are at the heart of our economy and are the lifelines for our communities, playing a role in people’s wellbeing and sense of identity. Although they are experiencing unprecedented challenges the opportunities are huge. I look forward to sharing my insights and to answering your questions in front of this important audience at NOPEX in April.” Another speaker to be announced is Renée Elliott, founder of Planet Natural Food Expo will take place alongside Natural & Organic Products Expo and Natural Beauty Expo at ExCeL London on 14th to 15th April, 2024. To register for a free trade ticket, visit naturalfoodexpo.co.uk REGISTER FOR A FREE TRADE TCKET TODAY Organic, and co-founder of Women Tree. Renée founded Planet Organic, the UK’s first organic supermarket, in 1995. With her mission to promote health in the community and support the earth’s biodiversity, Renée challenged conventional retailing and showed that values- led, commercially driven business is good business. At the show, Renée will journey through her story of founding, fighting for, growing and losing Planet Organic, plus the miraculous turn of fate that brought it back to her. In her honest account of the There’s an unbelievable energy and feeling of community at NOPEX. As a buyer we seemany new products come into our inbox. I wish I could spend all my time replying to brands, so it’s really nice tomeet the brands all- together, under one roof PLANET ORGANIC rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, visitors can share poignant lessons and truths she’s learned across her career. Renée says, “I’m thrilled to be at NOPEX this year. I’m delighted to be speaking, reconnecting with the natural products family and exploring innovations in the sector. I’m excited to make it a brilliant year by working together.” Other industry speakers confirmed include the co-founder of Carbon Gold, Craig Sams; former director of sustainable business for Marks and Spencer, Mike Barry; author and nutrition expert, Patrick Holford; founder of Viridian Nutrition, Cheryl Thallon; head of food and beverage development at Holland & Barrett, Rachel Chatterton; award-winning entrepreneur and author, Daniel Priestley; and panels with Soil Association and many more. “NOPEX is the centre of excellence for suppliers in this space,” says Rachel Chatterton, head of food and beverage development at Holland and Barrett. ‘Indie Focus’ The show will also facilitate an exciting initiative to help reward and celebrate the work that independent retailers do for communities around the country. The programme will offer a carefully curated seminar programme, reimbursed travel and special onsite networking opportunities for independent retailers.