Emerging Brand Retail Access Program at Expo West
We are excited to announce that Naturally Network is teaming up with Whole Foods Market to create more access to retail for innovative emerging brands at Natural Products Expo West on March 13-15, 2024 in partnership with NIQ and New Hope Network.
The Whole Foods Market Local and Emerging Brands team will meet with new, innovative, mission-driven brands for 15-minute, one-on-one meetings. There was an enormous response to our call for applications. The candidates were diverse and talented, signaling that the health and strength of our better-for-you-CPG community:
~400 applicants
85% are first-time CPG founders
32% have $1M+ in annual revenue
44% of applicants are attending Expo West as a non-exhibiting backpack brand
All brands receiving a meeting are building a relationship with a Whole Foods Forager for the first time
Meet the 65 Brands accepted into the program here.
Application Considerations + Requirements
Please note: Meetings will happen on-site at Expo West. If you are unable to attend in person, please submit your products for consideration through the Whole Foods Market Supplier Portal.
If your brand is selected:
Selected brands will receive appointment times and additional information regarding sampling ahead of the meeting.
Selected brands will be notified no later than Monday, February 12, 2024. Invited brands will need to accept their meeting invitation and confirm attendance by Friday, February 16, 2024.
Please review the following important notes below before proceeding to the application.
You do not need to be a Naturally Network member to apply
We encourage early-stage brands to apply - we are excited to know and discover you!
All applicants will be invited to additional educational opportunities and resources to support your retail success. For example - All applicants will have the opportunity to attend the What You Need to Know about Data for Retail Webinar with NIQ.
If you are a broker or a sales rep outside of the applying brand applying on behalf of the brand, the Founder must be able to attend the Forager meeting.
Please do not bring a pitch deck to the meeting. This is a dynamic conversation about your company and your products and not a pitch meeting.
Applications from current Whole Foods Market suppliers will not be considered. If you are a current Whole Foods Market supplier and would like to submit new items for review or expansion, please visit the Whole Foods Market Supplier Portal.
We are unable to consider applications from alcoholic beverage producers.
Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to confirm receipt of your application or offer feedback on an individual basis.
Please note: Participation in this event does not guarantee placement in Whole Foods Market assortment.
Thank you for your interest! The Naturally Network, Whole Foods Market, and NIQ teams look forward to meeting you and supporting your success at Natural Products Expo West 2024!
January 10: Applications open
January 26: Applications close
January 31: NIQ Webinar
February 5 - 12: Accepted brands are notified
February 12 - March 6: NIQ Consulting Sessions
March 13, 9 AM PST: Retail Access Program breakfast
March 13 and 15, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM PST: Whole Foods Market meets with brands
Timeline
All applicants will receive additional resources and perks just by applying. The application is an opportunity to let Naturally Network know what resources you need, share more about your business, and access resources like:
An exclusive webinar with NIQ on data and retail conversations
An exclusive invite to a breakfast and panel discussion at Expo West | March 13th from 9 - 10:30 AM on-site at Expo West
Discounted access to data packages to support future retail conversations from NIQ
A retail readiness checklist written by industry leaders
Exclusive access to office hours led by retail experts to support your retail readiness journey and success
Why Apply
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE 2024 PROGRAM