Colorado Group Forms Pavilion in London Green Products Show

Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 2/26/2007

Manufacturers and marketers of natural and organic products in the Boulder-Denver area will participate under the Naturally Boulder banner at the Natural & Organic Products Europe tradeshow April 15–16 in London. Six to 10 companies will comprise a mini-pavilion inside the United States pavilion at the show.

Compass Natural, a Boulder-based consulting and marketing agency serving businesses that focus on natural or organic products, is producing the mini-pavilion and leading the trade mission with the support of the city of Boulder and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, said Compass Natural President Steve Hoffman. The trade mission will also include meetings with European buyers and distributors, a tour of London natural foods stores, and industry receptions.

Hoffman said the aim is to attract more business to the Boulder companies, which create jobs and revenue locally and contribute an estimated $4 billion to Colorado's economy. He said Naturally Boulder wants to retain existing companies and attract more, and provides networking and educational resources as well as an annual conference.

Naturally Boulder chose the London show for its first foreign activity because Boulder's natural products are known in the United Kingdom. Also, London is an English-speaking city and one in which green products are increasingly popular. Whole Foods Markets will open its first 75,000 square foot store in London this year.

It should offer some export opportunities, Hoffman said, adding that Naturally Boulder is also exploring participation in an organic products show in Japan.