ANAHEIM, Calif. – This year at Natural Products Expo West we discovered a handful of exceptional brands whose unique stories, innovative products and compelling missions truly stood out. Each of these brands is backed by a mission with a purpose. We hope the story behind these five brands will allow you to rethink about your brand purpose.
PiOOa: Serving Innovative Pizza in an Inclusive Environment
This Pizza business began in 2011 with a mission to create a space where deaf individuals can thrive.
PiOOa offers a 100% accessible workplace where American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary form of communication. With Hong Kong roots combined with New York City pizza know-how, PiOOa has created bold Asian fusion flavors like its miso eggplant pizza.
The brand is about far more than just food; it stands for building community, fostering confidence and creating inclusive spaces.
Wild Orchard: Regenerating the Land and Redefining Tea
Wild Orchard’s tea exhibits a deep commitment to sustainability and purity, reflected in all aspects of its operations. By partnering with a single regenerative farm located on the volcanic island of Jeju island South Korea, Wild Orchard achieves a new level of traceability and quality providing consumers a deep understanding of its products.
Wild Orchard sets a new standard, offering tea in the form of bags and RTD products free from chemicals and any compromising practices, and the brand’s dedication to providing a truly authentic and sustainable tea experience is downright inspiring.
Pricklee Cactus Water: An Overlooked Item Going Mainstream
Pricklee Cactus Water offers an all-natural drink packed with antioxidants, electrolytes and vitamin C built on a foundation of sustainability. The brand was founded by Mo Hassoun and Kun Yang, who met while working in healthcare. Their hydration drinks were featured on Shark Tank Season 13 and are sourced from the prickly pear cactus.
Also known as nature’s superstars, these fruits thrive even in the harshest environments. This unique crop’s capabilities make it incredibly beneficial for the environment, providing consumers with an authentic and eco-conscious way to hydrate.
Reprise: Rethinking Chinese Medicine
Kai Lim and David Yu’s journey started through a shared childhood experience many Asians can resonate with, their grandmother forcing them to drink bitter concoctions made with herbal superfoods such as Ginseng and Gogi berries.
These concoctions are rooted in Asian tradition nurturing health and wellness. Today, Reprise has transformed these powerful ancient superfoods into delicious daily gummies, offering modern convenience while offering quality Chinese herbs by partnering with a fifth-generation Taiwanese family sourcing Chinese herbs since 1892.
The Power of Koji
Hacco Koji Products harness the power of koji to promote wellness and prosperity through the ancient fermentation technique.
Koji mold, also known as Aspergillus oryzae, is a versatile mold that once fermented can open the door to creating sake, miso, soy sauce and various other fermented foods. Hacco inspires culinary professionals to take on an innovative way to elevate their work with the power of koji.
Author bio: Joseph Chen is the CEO of research management and insight consultancy Leo & Dragon, and previously worked for the likes of Mondelez International, McDonald’s, Hershey, Unilever, and Kraft.
The Food Institute Podcast
This Episode is Sponsored by: City National Bank
How are macro-economic factors and changing consumer preferences impacting the natural grocery sector? City National Bank’s Justin D’Affronte steps in as guest host as he speaks with Mother’s Market CEO Dorothy Carlow about inflation, tariffs, consumer preferences, and more.
