Middlesex, NJ— Naturally Informed—powered by WholeFoods Magazine and Industry Transparency Center (ITC)—will bring together industry leaders, scientists, product developers, and other industry stakeholders for its premier Growth and Innovation Forum, a half-day, in-person event taking place April 13, 2026, in Middlesex, NJ.
Designed to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial success, the forum will focus on how emerging research, ingredient innovation, and data-driven insights can be translated into market-ready products. The program is tailored for professionals across R&D, product development, and innovation roles seeking actionable strategies to accelerate growth.
Held onsite at Anresco NJ Labs, the event offers attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge analytical science. A guided laboratory tour will provide a behind-the-scenes look at instrumentation, quality systems, and testing capabilities that support product integrity and claims substantiation.
The forum will feature curated educational programming covering high-growth areas shaping the natural products marketplace. Key topic areas include:
- Microbiome and gut-brain research.
- Metabolic and cardiovascular health.
- Women’s health and targeted product development.
- Advancements in analytical chemistry.
A lineup of expert speakers will deliver insights into both science and commercialization. Confirmed presenters include:
- Renee Korczak, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, LD, focusing on next-generation functional ingredients;
- Doug Lynch, discussing longevity science and claims in the pet and human supplement space;
- Paul A. Spagnuolo, Ph.D., University of Guelph, who will explore the use of artificial intelligence in natural ingredient development;
- Sandra Lee, CEO of NJ Labs, discussing microbiological testing challenges across food and dietary supplement matrices.
- Len Monheit, CEO of ITC, addressing developments in microbiome products;
“The speaker roster is excellent, and we know we’ll have lively conversation,” said Monheit. “We’re encouraging active participation and are providing a unique environment for attendees to interact with speakers. What a great time to expand the New Jersey experience.”
In addition to educational sessions, the event will feature sponsored tabletop exhibits and a closing happy hour, all designed to enhance networking and engagement and foster meaningful connections among attendees across the supply chain.
Part of the broader Naturally Informed event series the Growth and Innovation Forum continues the platform’s mission to deliver science-backed, commercially relevant education to the natural products industry.
“People have been asking for live Naturally Informed events, and given the continued success of our virtual series, it felt like a natural next step to expand into in-person experiences,” Monheit said. “The need and appetite for more applied nutrition science that informs product development and helps solve consumer concerns is significant. Naturally Informed has effectively done that for five years virtually, but there is nothing quite like face to face for engagement, and people have confirmed, that type of format is something they want.”
Heather Wainer, Publisher and Chief Business Officer at WholeFoods Magazine, added, “Our friends at Anesco NJ Labs were planning the grand opening of their second location, which created the perfect opportunity to collaborate. New Jersey is always a strong market for attendance, and scheduling the event the day before SupplySide Connect New Jersey provides attendees with even more value, offering additional education and networking while they are already in the area.”
Registration is now open for this exclusive, in-person event, which will take place at Anresco NJ Labs – 201 Blackford Ave., Middlesex, NJ.
Naturally Informed’s Growth and Innovation Forum is brought to you by Anresco NJ Labs, Industry Transparency Center, and WholeFoods Magazine. The Champion Sponsor is AIDP. Partner sponsors are Natural Remedies, Medicinal Genomics, Sabinsa, and Agilent, and the event is underwritten by UniChem.
Looking ahead to 2027
“Our constituents have told us they want more, and in person,” Monheit said. “Our plan is to deliver exactly that. There is an acute need for applied and applicable science. That’s the white space we are filling. See us next year in New Jersey as well.“
