This Expo West 2026 recap looks back at the conversations, partnerships, and shared moments from the 45th Annual Natural Products Expo West, highlighting the relationships that help grow organic every day and strengthen organic certification across the industry.

Earlier this month, the organic community gathered for the 45th Annual Natural Products Expo West, bringing together farmers, food companies, retailers, organic certifiers, and advocates from across the organic sector. The event continues to serve as one of the most important meeting places for the natural and organic products industry, where new ideas are shared, partnerships are strengthened, and the future of organic agriculture takes shape through meaningful conversations.

This year’s event reflected the continued growth and global reach of the organic marketplace, welcoming more than 60,000 attendees, 3,000 exhibitors, and 300 speakers from 65 countries. Across the expo floor, conversations focused on innovation, sustainability, and the shared commitment to increasing visibility for organic certified and natural products while expanding their presence on store shelves and in retail spaces.

For Oregon Tilth, attending Expo West provides an opportunity to reconnect with long-time partners and spend time face to face with the farmers, processors, and businesses we are proud to certify. These moments allow us to listen, learn, and reflect on the work being done across the organic community.

One of our priorities during the event was simple. We wanted to visit every Oregon Tilth client exhibiting at the show and personally thank them for the work they do every day to uphold the values of organic agriculture.

Throughout the week our team walked the expo floor, visited booths, and connected with the people behind the brands. Clients shared stories about their growth, their innovations, and the dedication that goes into producing organic products with integrity and maintaining organic standards. Many also took time to share appreciation for the Oregon Tilth staff who support them throughout the organic certification process.

In addition to connecting with certified clients across the expo floor, Oregon Tilth participated in industry conversations throughout the week. Contributing perspectives on the importance of organic integrity, certification, and the partnerships that support a thriving organic marketplace.

One of those moments came through participation in a panel discussion focused on how organic continues to show up across an evolving marketplace.

Edward Johnson, Communications and Marketing Director, joined industry partners for a panel titled “Omnichannel Organic: Winning Consumers Across Digital and Physical Shelves.” The conversation brought together perspectives from across the organic value chain, including brands, retailers, and advocates, to explore how trust and consistency are reflected across every consumer touchpoint and across organic labeling in the marketplace.

Panelists included leaders from Organic Valley, Amy’s Kitchen, Wedge Community Co-op, and the Organic Trade Association, reflecting the collaboration required to support a strong and trusted organic marketplace.

“Omnichannel Marketing in organic comes back to people and trust. Every touchpoint is an opportunity to reinforce the integrity behind the label and the work happening across the supply chain. Without people, it is just a strategy. At Oregon Tilth, we focus on supporting farmers, processors, and partners so that the promise of organic is consistent and meaningful wherever it shows up.”
— Edward Johnson, Communications and Marketing Director, Oregon Tilth

Participating in conversations like this reflects Oregon Tilth’s ongoing role in advancing organic integrity and supporting the relationships that connect producers, businesses, and consumers across the organic system.

“Connecting with our clients at Expo West and hearing how much they value the Oregon Tilth team meant a lot. Our staff work hard to support organic producers and businesses, and those relationships are what make this work possible.”
— Dr. Leonard Freeman Jr., Interim CEO, Oregon Tilth

Capturing stories from the community

Throughout the event, our team captured photos and video with several Oregon Tilth clients who were exhibiting at the show. These moments highlight the people behind the organic certified products many consumers see on store shelves.

These conversations are part of our ongoing storytelling work to highlight the farmers, processors, and businesses that make organic possible.

“Expo West is a meaningful opportunity for us to connect with our clients in person and listen to their stories. These conversations help reinforce that the entire Oregon Tilth team is here to support their goals, vision, and purpose. For more than 50 years, trust has been at the heart of our work, and building strong relationships with the farmers and businesses we serve continues to guide everything we do.” — Janae Betterton, Client Experience Specialist, Oregon Tilth

Celebrating the achievements of our clients

Expo West is also a time to recognize the accomplishments of organizations helping strengthen the organic marketplace.

During the week, Tradin Organic also received a Climate Leadership Regenerative Agriculture Leader Honorable Mention Award from The Climate Collaborative.

This recognition reflects the dedication of their team and the many farmers and partners who make their work possible.

We are proud to work alongside organizations like Tradin Organic that continue to raise the standard for organic leadership, organic supply chain excellence and sustainable sourcing.

Appreciating the organic community

Events like Expo West succeed because of the many organizations and individuals who work year-round to strengthen the organic sector.

We extend our appreciation to the teams at New Hope Network, the Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center, and Organic Voices. Whose leadership and collaboration help bring the natural and organic products community together each year.

Their work supports farmers, businesses, and consumers who believe in the value of organic production, organic certification, and the importance of maintaining trust in the organic label.

We are also grateful to every exhibitor, attendee, and partner who took time to connect with us during the event. The conversations, ideas, and shared experiences that happen throughout the week help move the entire organic community forward.

Gratitude for the Oregon Tilth team

Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Oregon Tilth staff, whose dedication and ongoing commitment make it possible to support this community each and every day.

Across many conversations at Expo West, clients spoke about the care, professionalism, and integrity they experience when working with Oregon Tilth. Hearing that feedback was meaningful and it reflects the dedication our team brings to this work.

Thank you to the entire Oregon Tilth staff for the role you play in helping farmers and businesses succeed in organic.

Looking ahead

Events like Natural Products Expo West remind us that organic agriculture continues to grow because of the people who believe in it and work every day to move it forward.

From farmers and processors to retailers, advocates, and organic certifiers, the strength of the organic community comes from the relationships that connect us. The conversations that take place throughout the week reflect a shared commitment to protecting the integrity of organic and helping the marketplace continue to evolve.

For Oregon Tilth, spending time with our clients and partners at Expo West reinforces why this work matters. We are grateful for the trust our clients place in us and proud to support the farmers and businesses who are helping build a more sustainable food system.

“Expo West always reminds me that organic is ultimately about people. Behind every product on the shelf is a farmer, a business owner, and a team working hard to do things the right way. Being able to spend time with our clients, hear their stories, and thank them in person is something we value deeply.”
— Edward Johnson, Communications and Marketing Director, Oregon Tilth

Stories of Connection: Celebrating 50 Years of Organic Partnerships

Oregon Tilth continues to highlight the farmers, processors, and businesses who are helping grow organic agriculture through our Stories of Connection series.

These stories share the experiences of certified producers and partners across the organic community, offering a closer look at the people behind the work and the relationships that help organic agriculture thrive. This series captures the connections that support farmers, strengthen supply chains, and build trust in organic.

As Oregon Tilth continues its more than 50-year commitment to organic certification, education, and advocacy, these stories reflect the partnerships and shared purpose that help move organic agriculture forward.