New Expo West event—CPG Innovation Summit | Deep dive with The Natural List Podcast

Innovation is at the heart of the natural products industry, and in this episode of The Natural List, we explore what it means to truly innovate in the CPG space. Hosts Jessica Rubino and guest Jenna Fitch discuss what innovation means to them, new events at the 45th anniversary of Natural Products Expo West and the keynote speakers for Day 1 of the show.

New to Expo West on March 3 is the CPG Innovation Summit, a space designed to connect brands of all sizes and foster collaboration. Keynote speakers Jason Buechel, Whole Foods Market CEO, and Mark Bittman, New York Times columnist and food advocate, will share their perspectives on the future of food and retail. Workshops during the day will dive into topics like AI in marketing, the evolving retail landscape and how brands can adapt to meet consumer demands while scaling their products to reach more people.

Getting your brand in front of the right people is central to Expo West's mission, so we're bringing back Pitch Slam: Stories Rooted in Innovation and a brand new event, The Deal Room, an investment-focused pitch brought to you by Nutrition Capital Network. Programming throughout the week will cover sustainable business practices, organic systems, wellness policy and more, ensuring attendees leave with actionable strategies to drive change in the industry.

This episode is packed with insights to help you listen, learn and adapt your strategies for the future. Learn more and register for Expo West 2026.

This episode is sponsored by Advantage Solutions, Lakanto, Daabon, FrieslandCampina, and A Greener World.

In this episode:
0:13 – Thank you to our sponsor, Advantage Solutions.

0:50 – Thank you to our sponsor, Lakanto.

1:36 – Introducing today’s guest, Jenna Fitch!

1:51 – A quick hello to our studio dog, Kaya!

2:48 – Our hosts discuss what innovation means to them.

4:24 – Announcing the NEW CPG Innovation Summit at Expo West on Tuesday, March 3.

5:47 – Keynote speakers at the CPG Innovation Summit: Jason Buechell, CEO of Whole Foods Market, and Mark Bittman, NYT columnist and food advocate.

9:07 – Thank you to our sponsor, Daabon.

9:46 – Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo, will share insights on consumer demands, scaling innovative products and actionable industry steps.

11:10 – Happening at CPG Innovation Day: A workshop on AI in marketing and branding and focusing on staying human-centered while leveraging technology, with hands-on learning and idea sharing.

11:48 – Happening at CPG Innovation Day: A workshop on the evolving retail landscape, covering accelerator programs and reimagining omnichannel retail.

13:44 – Pitch Slam is back at Expo West! This well-loved event offers a chance for companies to share their stories and connect with key industry players.

14:42 – Introducing The Deal Room: A space for brands to pitch to mission-aligned investors through Nutrition Capital Network. Applications are open now!

15:28 – Learn about the Nutrition Capital Network (NCN), a platform connecting brands with investors, mentors, and strategic advisors.

17:24 – Expo West programming during the week will explore sustainability, organic systems, supplements, wellness policy, retail innovation, industry changes and more.

19:00 – The Expo West 2026 agenda is live, with new programming being added daily—stay updated!

19:19 – The Content Creation Studio at CPG Innovation Day will offer podcast recording, social media training, consultations and more for brands ready to take action on these ideas.

20:07 – Check out the Networking space next to the Content Creation Studio for topical networking sessions and meaningful connections.

20:55 – Stay tuned to NewHope.com for more innovation content as we gear up for the show!

21:36 – Thank you to our sponsor, FrieslandCampina.

22:00 – Thank you to our sponsor, A Greener World.