Natural Products Expo West once again brought the organic community together in Anaheim for a week of collaboration, insight, and celebration across the organic supply chain. From education sessions and market insights to industry recognition and networking events, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and its partners helped lead conversations shaping the future of organic.
As OTA Co-CEO Tom Chapman reflected during the week, Expo West captures the unique spirit of the organic community.
“Natural Products Expo West is always a little bit of everything: trade show, community gathering, colleague reunion, party, marathon, and hustle—often all before lunch,” Chapman said. “It’s inspiring what we can do together.”
Across the expo floor and meeting rooms, that energy translated into meaningful discussions about strengthening organic markets, advancing policy priorities, and continuing to build consumer trust in the USDA Organic seal.
Strong momentum for the organic market
Expo West also arrived at a moment of continued growth for organic.
OTA’s newly released Organic Market Report shows that U.S. organic sales reached $76.6 billion in 2025, representing 6.8% year-over-year growth—three times faster than the overall food marketplace. With this trajectory, the organic sector is on pace to reach $100 billion in annual sales by 2030.
At the same time, OTA leadership continued advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., where the association engaged with policymakers during House Farm Bill markup discussions to advocate for smart organic investments, including support for organic research and ensuring certification programs continue to deliver value for farmers and businesses.
OTA education sessions at Expo West
OTA staff participated in several education sessions during Expo West, sharing expertise on market trends, policy developments, consumer education, and omnichannel retail strategies.
Climate Day Lightning Round
Tuesday, March 3 | Marriott Grand Ballroom
OTA Co-CEO Matthew Dillon and Amber Sciligo participated in a fast-paced Lightning Round session highlighting ideas, innovations, and collaborations shaping climate action across the food and grocery sector. Speakers shared perspectives on market conditions, policy developments, and real-world examples of climate solutions in action.
State of Organic
Wednesday, March 4 | Marriott Grand Ballroom F
OTA leaders Tom Chapman, Matthew Dillon, and Sandy Pfaff delivered a comprehensive overview of the organic industry. The session highlighted key findings from the Organic Market Report, emerging consumer and category trends, policy developments impacting organic, and the launch of Seal Makes It Simple—a national campaign designed to simplify organic for consumers and help grow demand.
U.S. Organic Trade: International Market Opportunities & Trade Policy Updates
Wednesday, March 4 | ACC 204C
Sarah Gorman provided an overview of the U.S. organic market for international buyers and partners, including industry size, trending consumer categories, and tools for connecting with organic suppliers and accessing additional market insights.
Bridging the Farm-Retail Gap: Helping Shoppers Understand How Organic Animals Are Raised
Wednesday, March 4 | Marriott Grand Ballroom F
Tracy Favre moderated a panel discussion exploring how retailers and brands can help shoppers better understand organic animal agriculture practices while addressing misinformation and complex questions about production standards.
Omnichannel Organic: Winning Consumers Across Digital & Physical Shelves
Thursday, March 5 | Marriott Grand Ballroom F
Moderated by Sandy Pfaff with Irene Cardozo speaking, this session explored how organic brands and retailers can collaborate in today’s blended shopping environment. Panelists discussed strategies for building consumer trust across both digital and in-store channels through transparency, storytelling, and omnichannel retail strategies.
OTA booth connects the organic community
Throughout the week, the OTA booth served as a hub for connection, conversation, and collaboration across the organic supply chain.
OTA staff engaged with members, retailers, brands, and prospective partners to discuss key initiatives shaping the future of organic, including the Small Business Access Program, the Seal Makes It Simple consumer education campaign, Organic Week 2026, international trade initiatives, market and consumer insights, advocacy priorities, and research from The Organic Center.
The booth also hosted membership office hours with OTA staff, giving current and prospective members an opportunity to connect directly with the association.
On Thursday afternoon, the booth hosted an Organic Happy Hour, bringing together attendees for informal networking and conversation. Beverages were generously provided by Bonterra Organic Estates, Frey Vineyards, and Tractor Beverage.
An Organic Night Out celebrates industry leadership
One of the highlights of Expo West week was An Organic Night Out, held Wednesday evening at the Marriott Marquis Ballroom.
The event brought together more than 500 attendees and 41 sponsors to celebrate leadership and innovation across the organic sector while raising critical funds to support science, education, and consumer trust through The Organic Center and Organic Voices.
This year’s award winners included:
⭐Organic Company of the Year: Amy’s Kitchen
⭐Best New Organic Food Product: Ocean’s Halo Organic Fried Rice Kimbap
⭐Best New Organic Beverage Product: Nixie Beverage Company Cream Soda, Organic Zero Sugar
⭐Best New Organic Non-Food Product: Vottera Regenerative Organic Certified Cotton Polos
⭐Most Impactful Organic Research Finding: Dr. Joji Muramoto (University of California, Santa Cruz)
⭐Best Organic Messaging: Stonyfield Farm
⭐Best Organic Retailer: PCC Community Markets
⭐Best Organic Supplier: Tradin Organic
⭐Emerging Organic Brand of the Year: Mojave Mallows
OTA also congratulated several members recognized with Nexty Awards during Expo West, including Organically Grown Company, Traditional Medicinals, Farmer Focus, Tractor Beverage Co., and Big Tree Farms Inc.
The power of the organic community
OTA Co-CEO Matthew Dillon reflected on the week and the people behind the work of the organic movement.
“It was a wild week—from Farm Bill markup in Washington to Expo West and An Organic Night Out—but I don’t want to go another moment without celebrating this team and the many colleagues who couldn’t make it to Expo but are no less deserving of applause,” Dillon said.
“A trade association is only as strong as its members, but these are the people who work so hard to support members, create opportunities, and solve problems bigger than any one business. We are stronger together as an organic community because this team creates a container to hold all our diversity, disagreements, and potential. Well done to the Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center, and our partners at Organic Voices.”
Across the expo floor, education sessions, and community celebrations, one message remained clear: the organic movement continues to grow through collaboration across the entire value chain—from farmers and suppliers to brands, retailers, researchers, and advocates.
As the industry looks ahead, that collective effort will remain essential to protecting the integrity of organic, expanding consumer trust, and building the next chapter of organic growth.
