The Tribune

BY 2017, health and wellness is set to be a “trillion dollar industry”, according to Euromonitor International, a provider of strategic market research. Products offering specific health benefits or those renowned for their natural health properties are driving value sales. Steady real term growth is expected to continue, with global health and wellness sales on the way to hit a record high of $1 trillion.

The World Health Organisation released startling statistics for the Bahamas last year, which revealed that 33 per cent of all deaths occurred because of cardiovascular disease; diabetes was responsible for seven per cent; cancers resulted in 17 per cent of deaths; and other non-communicable diseases made up a large 14 per cent of deaths.

Reversing these alarming health statistics should be a national priority and is indeed a principal goal of Rhonda Wright and Aisha Nesut Ani, coordinators of the Green Earth Festival – Living the Way Nature Intended.

The Green Earth Festival organisers here in Nassau, well aware of this successful trend in the health and wellness industry, created the annual festival in the Bahamas in 2010 to take advantage of the growing interest and provide support to those consumers searching for products and services to facilitate their wellness and green lifestyle.

The festival is designed as a one-stop shop and evolving marketplace where companies, individuals and organisations gather to showcase and promote the myriad of sustainable, natural, holistic, organic, healthy and green products and services that would result in a better environment and healthier lifestyle for Bahamians.

Since 2010, the event has successfully brought together companies from across the spectrum; from healthcare service providers and food vendors, to green solutions for automotive and home care.

Beauty, fashion,and art are all incorporated, and attendees can benefit from several lecture series during the event. For festival-goers, it provides an opportunity for them to meet suppliers one-on-one, ask all the questions they may have, and learn a lot about eco-friendly and healthy living.

This year’s theme: “Five Year’s Later… We’re Still Going Green” is the impetus to continue the campaign to increase the amount of Bahamians who will take the plunge to ditch unhealthy food and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle in an effort to live the way nature intended.

With increased attendance each year, and the knowledge that this industry is bursting with opportunities, Ms Wright and her partner Ms Nesut Ani said they are inspired to keep spearheading the event every year.

“Since 2010, we have brought together some of the most innovative and consumer friendly companies, as well as intuitive and conscientious patrons and shoppers,” Mrs Wright said.

Ms Nesut Ani added: “The goal is to continue offering brand new opportunities and experiences for consumers that want information and choices for a cleaner earth and healthier and more natural way of life.”

Mrs Wright touted the festivals’ success in exposing its sponsors and exhibitors to Bahamian consumers who are both “green curious” and “green savvy”, making it a great vehicle for growing these kinds of businesses in the Bahamas. This way, Bahamians can keep abreast of the health and wellness industry, while companies here get a scoop out of the trillion-dollar pie, she said.

“Our festival, which is a fun, family event, is complete with interactive forums, profound guest speakers, entertainment and prizes throughout the day.

“This unique platform creates the opportunity for wellness and green brands to generate business to business, as well as business to consumer sales. GEF offers a venue where these companies can build on their brand awareness, as well as strengthen relationships in an ever evolving and expanding industry,” she said.

Ms Nesut Ani added: “We’re very pleased with the positive response from the business community and fully expect to sell out the remaining sponsorship and exhibitor packages for this year’s event, which in turn makes for a great visitor experience.”

This year’s festival, slated for October 3 and 4, will take place at the historic Fort Charlotte. Interested sponsors or vendors should check out the Green Earth Festival Page on Facebook, or contact Mrs Wright or Ms Nesut Ani at greenearthfestival@gmail.com or at naturalifeinc@gmail.com.