The Rice Stuff Attends the 45th Expo West

 
Number 130 superimposed over photo of combine and grain cart in mature rice field
Hear the latest from the largest gathering of the natural, organic, and conscious consumer packaged goods community
Mar 24, 2026
ANAHEIM, CA – Every March, Natural Products Expo West, the largest gathering of the natural, organic, and conscious consumer packaged goods (CPG) community, takes over the Anaheim Convention Center for four days of samplings, tastings, and exploring the latest innovations.  This year, more than 3,200 exhibitors and 60,000 attendees swarmed the center and each other, and USA Rice’s vice president of communications & strategic development Michael Klein was in the mix. 

Attending his first Expo West, Klein not only sampled an endless array of good-for-you treats, drinks, and supplements, he also had his podcast equipment with him and put it to use for the latest episode of The Rice Stuff.

Tune in to hear interviews with USA Rice members, including Michael Bosworth of Next Generation Foods; Jeff Clark from Specialty Rice and Della Rice; Rick Rhody and Charley Mathews, Jr. from Exceedient Foods and Farmers’ Rice Cooperative; Meryl Kennedy of 4Sisters Rice; and Bryce and Brita Lundberg from Lundberg Family Farms. 

He also visited with new and existing users and promoters of U.S.-grown rice including Eric Martindale from Elite Commerce Group; Steve Choi of Chef Bobo Brands; Aidan Anvaripour of Batch Foods; Chiedu Okeke from Kevin’s Natural Foods; and James Maitland, CEO of Canada’s only rice mill, Dainty Foods and Dainty Foods US who broke big rice news during the interview.

“The show was quite an experience,” said Klein.  “In addition to the 45,000 steps I logged, I also got unique insight from attendees who shared their thoughts on everything from rice innovation and package design to booth placement and trade show ROI.”

New episodes of The Rice Stuff are published twice each month and can be found on your favorite podcast services or www.TheRiceStuffPodcast.com.