Natural Products Expo West

Event description

Several members of GFI’s Corporate Engagement Team will be attending and speaking at Expo West, one of the leading natural products trade shows. Our team has created an in-depth guide to alternative protein companies that will be exhibiting. Check it out below. We’ll also present on two panels: 

• State of Plant-based Panel, Friday, March 15, 10-10:45 a.m. PT in Grand Ballroom E.
  GFI research analyst Ben Pierce will present consumer insights followed by a fireside chat with other industry experts. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of the plant-based food sector including new consumer insights and growth development strategies. 
• State of Alternative Proteins Panel, Friday, March 15, 11a.m.-11:45 a.m. PT in Grand Ballroom E. 
  GFI corporate engagement lead — retail and foodservice, Marika Azoff, and startup innovation lead Audrey Spence will host a panel exploring the current state of alternative proteins across the globe. This session will cover the latest insights on market trends, consumer sentiment, and more followed by an in-depth discussion with industry specialists. 

Please email GFI’s corporate engagement team if you are interested in scheduling a meeting with our team at Expo. Use Expo West in the subject line before or during the show and we will respond as quickly as we can.

Event location

Meet the speakers

Marika Azoff

CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT LEAD – RETAIL AND FOOD SERVICE, GFI

Marika works with companies involved in food sales and distribution to increase their sales of and commitment to alternative proteins. Marika first joined GFI with a focus on alternative seafood. Through building relationships with the private sector, she worked to accelerate the development of alternative seafood globally. Marika earned a BA in Animal Conservation from the University of Rochester and spent the last decade focused on animal conservation and strategic partnerships.

Audrey Spence

STARTUP INNOVATION LEAD, GFI

Audrey helps accelerate the progress of and impact of startups in the alternative protein sector. Prior to joining GFI, Audrey worked for transformative organizations in the fields of financial technology, sustainable agriculture, and higher education. She holds a B.S. in Animal Sciences and Development Sociology from Cornell University.

Ben Pierce

RESEARCH ANALYST, GFI

Ben supports the Corporate Engagement team’s efforts in research and analysis, bringing experience from the CPG and food industries. Prior to joining GFI, he served in various sales and marketing roles at General Mills focused on developing category insights, building customer relationships, and brand management. Ben’s interest in global food systems was ignited by his time volunteering with Partners in Food Solutions. He earned his BBA in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.