The 2021 edition of the London-based Natural & Organic Products Europe (NPE) has been postponed, organiser Diversified Communications UK said today. A social media post said that a new date for the two-day event would be announced in March.
The announcement comes amid a rapid escalation of the Covid-19 pandemic in Britain, and the imposition of a third national lockdown.
Last year’s NPE (originally scheduled for its traditional April dates) was postponed in early March until July, and then cancelled as the full extent of the pandemic became clear, and the show’s venue – ExCel, London – was commandeered as a Nightingale Hospital.
Now the organiser has concluded that it is “in the best interest of visitors, exhibitors and the wider industry” to postpone the 2021 event.
In a letter sent to exhibitors, NPE’s event director Carol Dunning said: “Unfortunately, the current COVID-19 pandemic is escalating unexpectedly. Our priority is to deliver a successful event for you all and ensure the safety of our visitors and exhibitors.
Speaking to Natural Products News, she added: “We cannot thank our industry enough for their support and understanding on the news we have postponed Natural & Organic Products Europe. The feedback coming through has been amazing and we are so grateful. It is not an easy time for our team as the uncertainty continues. But the one thing we know for sure is that the natural and organic sector and the people we work with are amazing.
“We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and look forward to seeing everyone soon and to continuing to play an important part in growing this crucial sector. Until then, stay strong, stay safe and stay healthy.”
