As we come to the end of 2025, Vitamin Retailer (VR) magazine once again compiled the top 10 stories of the year.
Four of the top stories involved trade associations and/or industry professionals responding to important regulatory and/or government announcements—an initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NMN, tariffs and taxes.
In 2025, VRM Media partnered with Positively Natural Network (PNN) to promote the Naturally Independent Expo in Palm Springs, CA. One of the top stories was an announcement about the educational events and speakers for the trade show.
VR also had a long professional relationship with Renee Southard, an independent retailer and former president of SENPA. Her passing in January 2025 at age 68 came as a shock to us and many of our industry colleagues.
Other stories include updated packaging, a report on global protein intake and a new distribution center.
See below for the Top 10 Stories of 2025!
1. HHS Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy, CRN Responds
On Sept. 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its Make Out Children Healthy Again Strategy, a sweeping plan with more than 120 initiatives to “reverse the failed policies that fueled America’s childhood chronic disease epidemic.” The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) responded to the announcement.
https://vitaminretailer.com/hhs-releases-make-our-children-healthy-again-strategy-crn-responds/
2. Dr. Bronner’s Updates Product Labels for Magic Soap
On March 11, Dr. Bronner’s updated the products labels for its 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Magic Soap and All-One Pure-Castile Magic Bar Soap. The updated labels feature improved legibility, product usage guidelines, descriptive icons and new text.
https://vitaminretailer.com/dr-bronners-updates-product-labels-for-magic-soap/
3. FDA Declares NMN Lawful in Dietary Supplements, Industry Reacts
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reversed course and confirmed that Beta (β) Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is lawful for use in dietary supplements. The Natural Products Association (NPA) and Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) offered comments.
https://vitaminretailer.com/fda-declares-nmn-lawful-in-dietary-supplements-industry-reacts/
4. Natural Products Industry Responds to Trump Tariffs
On April 2, President Donald Trump passed an executive order imposing reciprocal tariffs on all countries effective April 5. A trade association, an ingredient supplier and a manufacturer responded to the order.
https://vitaminretailer.com/natural-products-industry-responds-to-trump-tariffs/
5. New Speakers and Educational Updates Announced for Naturally Independent Expo
The 2025 Naturally Independent Expo (NIE) was held from Nov. 14-15 at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, CA. Positively Natural Network (PNN) and VRM Media announced an updated list of speakers and educational events for the show.
https://vitaminretailer.com/new-speakers-and-educational-updates-announced-for-naturally-independent-expo/
6. Women Now Outnumber Men in Seeking Higher Protein Intake
A report from Euromonitor International showed women now account for 51 percent of global consumers seeking to boost their protein intake. Protein continues to expand beyond traditional sports and fitness nutrition.
https://vitaminretailer.com/women-now-outnumber-men-globally-in-seeking-higher-protein-intake/
7. NPA Urges IRS to Include Supplements as Qualified Medical Expenses
The Natural Products Association (NPA) urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to modernize IRS Publication 502 to expand “qualified medical expenses” to include nutritional and dietary supplements that include FDA-authorized health claims or structure/function claims.
https://vitaminretailer.com/npa-urges-irs-to-include-supplements-as-qualified-medical-expenses/
8. UNFI Opens Sarasota North Distribution Center
On Sept. 9, United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) announced the opening of its new Sarasota North Distribution Center in Sarasota, FL.
https://vitaminretailer.com/unfi-opens-sarasota-north-distribution-center/
9. In Memoriam: Renee Southard, Owner of Organic Marketplace and Former SENPA President
On Jan. 17, Renee Carpenter Southard, owner of Organic Marketplace in Gastonia, NC and former president of SENPA died at age 68.
https://vitaminretailer.com/in-memoriam-renee-southard-owner-of-organic-marketplace-and-former-senpa-president/
10. iHerb Recalls 60,000 Iron Supplements
On June 26, iHerb recalled roughly 60,000 units of its house brand California Gold Nutrition Iron Supplements over “child safety concerns.” The bottles and blister packs did not have child-resistant packaging.
https://vitaminretailer.com/iherb-recalls-60000-iron-supplements/
