Beyond the Badge: My First Expo West Experience & the Trends Shaping Natural CPG in 2025

In this special midweek drop of Retention Chronicles, Mariah Parsons dives into her first-time experience at Natural Products Expo West 2025—the largest and most influential event in the natural and organic CPG world. From breaking attendance records with over 64,000 attendees to spotlighting emerging brands and game-changing trends, this episode unpacks it all.

Tune in as Mariah shares her unfiltered perspective on the overwhelming scale of the event, what it’s like navigating as a first-time attendee, and the deeper industry dynamics at play (badge-checking included). She breaks down five major trends that dominated the show floor—from functional wellness and women's health, to plant-based innovation and the rise of non-alcoholic, functional beverages. Plus, she shouts out the mission-driven teams that left a lasting impression.

Whether you're a brand founder, marketer, or CPG enthusiast, this recap will give you a pulse on where the industry is heading—and why Expo West is the place to be.