I had an enjoyable and informative chat with Jessica Rubino, Vice President, Content and Summits at New Hope Network, a company whose stated purpose is to “cultivate a prosperous high-integrity CPG and retail ecosystem that creates health, joy and justice for all people while regenerating the planet.”
Jessica discusses the growth of the natural products industry, the importance of innovation, and how the upcoming CPG Innovation Summit at Natural Products Expo West will focus on sustainable business models and consumer needs. (The 2026 Expo will take place March 3–6, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California).
She highlights key speakers like American food justice advocate Mark Bittman and Jason Beuchel, the CEO of Whole Foods, and emphasizes the event’s significance for connecting brands with buyers and resources. She also mentions other New Hope Network events, including the Nutrition Business Journal Summit and Utopia Now, tailored for emerging brands.
Discussion points include:
- The growth of the natural product space and the synergies across different industries.
- How Expo West’s CPG Innovation Summit will focus on transformative business models, adaptive innovation, and connecting brands with the right resources.
- The fact that many impactful innovations, such as sustainable packaging practices, happen behind the scenes.
- The return of pre-pandemic energy and the importance of face-to-face interactions in building communities.
- The unique challenges and strategies for brands navigating omni-channel strategies.
- The importance of collaboration and intentionality in how companies show up at events.
- The value of New Hope Network’s content and events in supporting the industry’s growth and success.