This exclusive episode of The Natural List was recorded live from the bustling show floor on the final afternoon of Newtopia Now 2025! Our co-host Jessica Rubino grabs New Hope Network insiders Bill Giebler and Grace Burleson for their raw, unfiltered reactions while the energy of the event is still buzzing around them.

This isn’t your average post-show recap. Check out this week’s episode of The Natural List to get an on-site pulse check for what stood out to our team while at Newtopia Now. You’ll get the candid observations that only come from that "still-on-the-floor" perspective.

The trio discusses how our two keynote sessions, by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and CEO of GNC, Michael Costello, highlighted the trends that emerged on the show floor and the importance of transparency and relationship building.

With so many emerging and first-time exhibitor brands, this year’s Newtopia Now was one to remember. Listen to the full episode for our on-site thoughts on content, exciting product innovations and more. Additional in-depth reporting coming soon on newhope.com!

In this episode:

-             1:19 Our team reveals which products made it into their bags—and which insights stuck in their minds

-             4:33 Just because one meeting doesn’t lead to a placement or a deal, don’t give up

-             5:10 How transparency–between retailers, brands and customers–builds trust

-             6:50 Newtopia Now is for nurturing connections across the supply chain

-             7:30 Quick highlights from the show floor

-             7:51 Innovative distribution channels and working with artists for packaging design

-             8:59 Protein is still everywhere, even fizzy water and desert

-             11:59 “Keep CPG weird and wonderful” highlighting beverage growth and innovation

-             13:48 This spicy sauce has eye-catching branding and flavor combinations

-             14:12 High Level Science is bringing specialization into supplements

-             15:40 A co-op approach to the trade show floor finds success with the Clean Living Founder Collective, the Angel Group, Startup CPG and more

-             16:05 Gen Z-focused clean skincare making waves

-             17:32 The unexpected chicken broth renaissance across multiple categories

-             18:20 The Newtopia Now spirit is alive and well with so many emerging, first-time exhibiting brands!

Prefer watching your podcasts instead of just listening? Check out our YouTube!

Join hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith as they highlight the must-attend sessions at Newtopia Now, happening August 20-22, 2025, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO. They discuss the many ways brands and retailers can get involved and make lasting connections during this standout show. 

Newtopia Now represents the heartbeat of the natural products industry, bringing together the most pressing issues and innovative solutions in one vibrant community space. From educational sessions across the Thrive, Regenerate and Glow neighborhoods to Wednesday's community experience events, this gathering offers valuable content for everyone in the natural products ecosystem.  

In this episode: 

1:23 Programming highlights at Newtopia Now 

2:42 Download the show app! Your essential tool for navigating the event and maximizing your experience 

3:12 Innovation and investment programming delivers real results for natural products businesses 

4:36  The NEXTY Big Thing panel, where NEXTY finalists will be announced 

7:00 Keynote highlight: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon speaks on redefining strength and mastering multidimensional wellness  

8:52 Inside Whole Foods Market pitch event: Exclusive insider access to these buyers  

9:49 Women in CPG Brunch is a celebration of women uplifting women, featuring industry pioneer Sandy Gooch 

12:30  Keynote highlight: Michael Costello, CEO of GNC offers hard-hitting advice to emerging brands 

13:28 Help shape the industry's future by attending Natural Crossroads: The State of Natural Community Discussion 

16:15 O and regenerative agriculture education sessions for forward-thinking brands 

16:40 Discover emerging innovations at the Conscious Beauty and Wellness Pitch! 

Download the app today to plan your schedule, connect with fellow attendees, bookmark must-visit booths and ensure you don't miss a moment of inspiration. The entire New Hope and Newtopia Now team can't wait to see you in Denver next week for what will be an extraordinary gathering of the natural products community! 

In this episode of The Natural List, hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino dive into the excitement of Newtopia Now 2025!  

Discover the exciting collaborations happening across product categories and get the inside scoop on how chocolate brands are navigating price challenges amid new tariffs. Our hosts share the exciting number of first-time exhibitors and Jessica and Adrienne share their top picks for food, beverage and personal care brands to see at the show. 

Plus, learn about the special partnership with Cassandra McClure's Clean Living Collective in the GLOW neighborhood, featuring innovative clean beauty brands.  

Episode highlights: 

• 4:45 – It’s Newtopia Now & peak peach season in Denver!  
• 5:00 - Exciting brand collaborations across all categories  
• 7:06 - How ethical chocolate brands are managing tariff challenges  
• 11:20 - NEW! Newtopia Now mobile app launch  
• 12:00 – Newtopia Now numbers: 50% are first-time exhibitors 
• 12:35 - Adrienne's top food & beverage brand picks  
• 14:13 - Spotlight on emerging brands highlighting transparency, USDA organic & regenerative agriculture  
• 17:18 - Clean Living Marketplace partnership with Cassandra McClure  
• 17:45 - Jessica's must-see personal care exhibitors  
• 20:02 - Trending ingredient alert: Shilajit  
• 22:17 - Next week: Newtopia Now education session preview 

Whether you're an industry veteran or natural products enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the upcoming Newtopia Now tradeshow in Denver, August 20-21st, 2025. 

The NEXTY awards are coming back to Newtopia Now, bigger and better than before! This week, co-host Adrienne Smith is joined by Meredith Kaufman, associate editor at New Hope Network, to explore the exciting return to and revamp of the NEXTY awards at Newtopia Now 2025.

This year’s NEXTYs feature a special Newtopia Now category, where our panel of experts will choose 8-10 remarkable brands from each category who are exhibiting at Newtopia Now. The goal? Uplift the innovative, emerging brands that might not yet be in the Expo West pipeline but are creating waves in the natural products industry.

Plus, get an insider's perspective on the tangible benefits of NEXTY nominations and hear about the "meaty" trends our team is eager to explore at the upcoming show.

Whether you're an industry veteran or natural products enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future stars of the natural products world and the platform that's helping them shine.

Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify to discover the next generation of natural product innovators.

In this episode of The Natural List, Nancy Coulter-Parker, New Hope Network director of content marketing sits down with Mickey McLeod, co-founder and CEO of Salt Spring Coffee, and today’s sponsor of The Natural List.

The brand is Canada’s first Regenerative Organic Certified coffee company and has a long history of caring for soil health and nutrient density. With various certifications and dedication for the craft of coffee beans, this sustainable brand is making waves in the industry.

During this 12-minute episode, our host and guest chat about what makes Regenerative Organic Certified coffee so important for the future of the coffee industry and how certifications can be a lever to encourage consumer trust.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

About our host: Nancy Coulter-Parker, director of content marketing at New Hope Network

About our guest: Mickey McLeod, co-founder and CEO of Salt Spring Coffee

This episode of The Natural List highlights 7 emerging trends for Newtopia Now. Our co-hosts explore exciting developments across all three neighborhoods—Glow, Thrive, and Regenerate—highlighting how holistic health integrates beauty and wellness from the inside out. 

With cross-category trends like tallow-based formulations and clean-label innovations, plus innovative developments from supplement brands and a focus on healthspan and longevity, this episode is essential listening for brands, retailers, and investors looking to maximize their Newtopia Now experience this August. 

Planning to attend the show? Discover these products, and more, on Beacon Discovery – a dedicated platform where natural products brands can gain visibility and forge meaningful connections with key industry stakeholders. 

For a more in-depth look at some topics mentioned in this episode: 

• The bump serum brand spotlight https://www.newhope.com/personal-care/the-bump-serum-helps-men-of-color-eliminate-razor-bumps 
• Meredith’s roundup about personal care products https://www.newhope.com/personal-care/8-clean-conscious-personal-care-products-newtopia-now 
• 5 supplements for a focused and healthy Newtopia Now https://www.newhope.com/vitamins-and-supplements/5-supplements-focused-healthy-newtopia-now 

Newtopia Now is the destination for new product innovation and a can't-miss discovery opportunity for retailers and industry leaders. Find out more about Newtopia Now, which is Aug. 20-22 in Denver, Colorado, and register here. 

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith reveal the 10 crucial trends you need to know before attending Newtopia Now (August 20-22, 2025). From hyper-functional products and high protein everything to beef tallow and basics reimagined, this is an episode you need to listen to when prepping for Newtopia Now.  

Newtopia Now is the destination for new product innovation and a can't-miss discovery opportunity for retailers and industry leaders. Find out more about Newtopia Now, which is Aug. 20-22 in Denver, Colorado, and register here. 

Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino explore the global flavor revolution transforming the natural products landscape, spotlighting 6 innovative brands and explaining why this trend has captured consumer imagination and market share across the industry. 

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith take listeners on a flavorful journey through Newtopia Now 2024, highlighting how global culinary traditions and flavors are reshaping the natural products landscape. 

The hosts explore the intersection of international flavors, time-honored production methods and heritage ingredients that will be showcased at Newtopia Now 2025. They spotlight 6 standout brands attending the show that exemplify these trends: 

Piko Provisions, booth 411 

Malai, booth 1433 

Redbloom Health, booth 1253 

24Vegan, booth 746 

Keya’s Snacks, booth 1314 

Society De La Rassi, booth 1203 

Articles mentioned in this episode: 

Meet 6 inspiring brands celebrating global flavors at Newtopia Now 

How 3 heritage brands use packaging design to celebrate their cultural roots  

Newtopia Now is the destination for new product innovation and a can't-miss discovery opportunity for retailers and industry leaders. Find out more about Newtopia Now, which is Aug. 20-22 in Denver, Colorado, and register here. 

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith welcome NBJ Content & Insights Director Bill Giebler to discuss all things NBJ Summit. Happening July 28-31st at the Terrania Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, this event offers an unparalleled opportunity for industry leaders to convene for three days of education about the future of nutrition and dietary supplements, along with a range of unique networking activations. This event unites 350-400 C-suite executives and industry experts around this year's theme: Nutrition Industry Transformation: Leading through Innovation. 

The trio discusses everything from crafts and biohacking to purchasing patterns and TikTok Shop. Listen in for insights into what exactly makes NBJ Summit such a powerful experience, insights into this year’s speaker and event lineup, plus a sneak peak at something new coming to Expo West that will capture the essence of NBJ Summit. 

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino share all the details about Newtopia Now, coming to Denver, Colorado Aug. 20-22. Jessica starts off with an exciting statistic that is surely a reason for industry optimism: this will be the first time exhibiting at a New Hope Network tradeshow for 45% of Newtopia Now exhibitors.

Next, the duo shares some show highlights, starting with the Newtopia Now neighborhoods that align with key industry themes. The neighborhoods are Thrive (brands and products focused on innovation in human health), Glow (think conscious beauty and holistic wellness) and Regenerate (companies, products and business models supporting people and planet).

They then discuss some can’t-miss events on and off the show floor, including the Dine-Around Series, community experiences such as the Women in CPG Luncheon, a community activation in partnership with food recovery organization We Don’t Waste and neighborhood happy hours, just to name a few.

Jessica shares her enthusiasm for some of the keynote speakers, including Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, healthspan expert and founder of “Muscle-Centric Medicine” and Michael Costello, CEO of GNC. Next, Adrienne shares an exciting update: The NEXTY Awards return to Newtopia Now and this year, 8-10 products from emerging brands will be selected at NEXTY finalists competing in a brand-new Newtopia Now NEXTY category.

They cap off the episode with a reminder to check out the Newtopia Now agenda and to stay in the loop on newhope.com, where Newtopia Now content is being published daily.

Newtopia Now is the destination for new product innovation and a can't-miss discovery opportunity for retailers and industry leaders. Find out more about Newtopia Now, which is Aug. 20-22 in Denver, Colorado, and register here.