Nutrition Capital Network (NCN), San Diego, CA, reported that the high level of investment activity seen in 2012 in natural food and beverages, health and wellness, and personal care and dietary supplements has continued into the first quarter of 2013.

“We are on track to equal, if not surpass, the record high of 287 transactions posted in 2012 with recent Q1 transactions showing sustained interest among investors,” noted Grant Ferrier, NCN CEO and co-founder. “Last year, we saw over 50% growth in financings despite a 12% drop in M&A activity, indicating strong momentum in the nutrition and health and wellness markets served by NCN.”

Successful deals in Q1 included a significant investment by Arlon Group and VO2 Partners in The Chia Company. Q1 also saw the purchase (77% majority stake) of gluten-free brand Mary’s Gone Crackers by Japan’s snack giant Kameda Seika Co., Ltd. The purchase indicates a growing interest in emerging brands in the gluten-free category, as well as the increasing global footprint of health and wellness products. NCN also noted the successful acquisition of supplement brand Botanical Labs by Germany’s leading supplement company, Schwabe. This development follows the recent acquisition of another U.S. supplement brand, Schiff, also in Q1, which signifies continued competition for U.S. supplement brands and products.

NCN plays a valued role in providing in-depth expertise to investors interested in the nutrition and health & wellness sectors while also introducing them to the best investment opportunities currently available in the category at its Investor Meetings. “NCN investor meetings offer a great way for companies looking for financing or an exit to present themselves and gain informal access to over 50 premium industry investors in one day,” said Mr. Ferrier.

NCN is holding its Spring Investor Meeting on April 29-30 in New York City where 20-22 selected growth companies are set to present to an audience of 50-70 investment groups, representing $6 billion in capital. These 10-minute presentations are followed by an opportunity for structured, one-on-one meetings that may lead to a successful investment transaction. With top companies such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Unilever, Hershey’s and Bayer among its distinguished Cornerstone Investors, NCN provides an excellent forum for networking and learning about new trends in the nutrition, natural products, and health and wellness industries.

NCN has convened 16 investor meetings since 2007 and has a successful track record of matching entrepreneurs, growth companies and technology innovators with suitable investors, acquirers and strategic partners. Of the 287 companies that have presented at NCN Investor Meetings from 2007-2012, 43% have completed some form of transaction. Past presenters that have closed significant transactions include Food Should Taste Good, a company acquired by General Mills in February 2012, in addition to Annie’s, Immaculate Baking, Zico and Zhena’s Gypsy Tea.