Tempe, AZ – In a report issued by the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), new data predict that the state of Arizona will reach almost $3.7 billion in natural health product sales by 2020, nearly doubling the $1.9 billion in sales in 2012, according to the press release issued by the UNPA.

The study, which was released at the recent UNPA Arizona State Chapter meeting at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, showed that the state is expected to sell $1.2 billion in both organic foods/beverages and natural food/beverages by 2020.

“Our industry continues to increase its health and wellness messaging and with that comes the need to educate elected representatives about the economic impact of responsible industry,” says Loren Israelsen, UNPA president. “Being able to share reliable sales and consumer demographics information with Congressional representatives in key states is crucial to ensure our continued growth and viability.”

According to the press release, the large number of natural-focused retailers, such as Sprouts, Whole Foods Market, GNC and Trader Joe’s, key supplement manufactures and leading educational institutions are expected to aid the state to “the forefront of industry growth in the United States.”

The largest contributors to the rise in sales, according to the study, are expected to be the groups known as the “Well Beings,” those that live a healthy, pro-active lifestyle, and the “Fence Sitters,” or people who “wannabe” healthy. These two groups are anticipated to comprise roughly 55% of the states sales.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, September 2015 (online 7/23/15)