Business Categories
Registration is based on company function and qualification, not job title within the company.New Hope has the final say in business type qualification.
Retailer
Definition: Owns or works for a retail store (this includes online stores). Store must sell more than one manufacturer’s product line or brand to consumers. Not applicable if you are only selling your own brand.
You do not qualify as a Retailer if you only sell one product line or brand. According to our company classifications, if your company owns the brand name on all products sold in your store, you are classified as a Manufacturer.
Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:
- Business License showing business function (must be a copy of the document itself)
- Product catalog
- Website that directly sells multiple branded products to an end consumer (not applicable if you only sell one product line or brand; see Manufacturer)
- Current Paycheck Stub
- Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business – this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.
Business Types include:
- E-tailer
- Independent/COOP/Natural Product
- Chain Natural Products Store
- Gourmet/Specialty Products
- Personal Care
- Independent Grocer
- Conventional Supermarket
- Discount/Mass Merchandiser
- Chain Drug Store/Pharmacy
- Gift/Bookstore
- Independent Drug Store/Pharmacy
- Mail Order Catalog
- Home and Textile
- Convenience Store
- Pet Supply Store/Grooming
Health Practitioner
Definition: Owners or staff of health clubs, gyms, spas and salons. Also includes those involved in the field of medicine whether traditional or alternative.
Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:
- Business License showing business function (must be a copy of the document itself)
- Medical License (must be a copy of the document itself)
- Current Paycheck Stub
- Product Catalog or Services Menu
- Web site describing the practices of the individual or business.
- Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business – this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.
Business Types include:
- Alternative Health Clinic/Practitioner
- Medical Professional
- Health Club/Gym
- Spas/Salons
Distributor (Finished Goods)
Definition: Includes Wholesalers, Distributors, Brokers, Importer and Exporters of finished products. To qualify as a Distributor, you must be a 3rd party distributor of more than one manufacturer's product line or brand in addition to any brands owned by your company.
Distributors sell finished products that are ready to be sold to an end consumer. Suppliers provide "ingredients" for manufacturers to use in finished products.
If you distribute ingredients or other "products" to be used in the manufacturing of finished products, see Supplier/Raw Ingredient Distributor. If you "distribute" plastic containers or packaging for use in a finished good, you are classified as Business Services. If you distribute (or represent) only one manufacturer's brand line, see Manufacturer.
Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:
- Website that sells finished products (from multiple manufacturer’s brand lines) to a, Retailer or Health Practitioner.
- Order forms showing multiple manufacturer’s product/brand lines
- Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business — this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.
- Brokerage agreements from multiple manufacturers
Business Types include:
- Wholesaler of Finished Products
- Importer/Exporter of Finished Products
- Broker of Finished Products
- Third Party Distributor of Finished Products/Ingredient Distributor
Food Service
Definition: Any business operating in the industry related to preparing, distributing or selling prepared/ready-to-eat foods. Includes restaurants, cafeterias, and catering operations.
Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:
- Business License showing business function (must be a copy of the document itself)
- Current Paycheck Stub
- Culinary Certificate or Degree
- Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business – this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.
Business Types include:
- Full Service Restaurant
- School/University
- Tea Room/Coffee House
- Hotel/Resort/Airline
- Quick Serve Restaurant
- Caterer/Private Chef
- Corporate Dining
- Clubs; Country/Membership/Health
Supplier/Raw Ingredient Distributor
Definition: Provides raw materials, ingredients or equipment for manufacturing finished products. This includes farms, suppliers of food materials, raw minerals, and machinery. This includes distributors of “products” listed above, used in the manufacturing of a finished product.
According to our company classifications, Distributors sell finished products that are ready to be sold to an end consumer. Suppliers provide "ingredients" for manufacturers to use in finished products.
Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:
- Website that sells supplies, ingredients and/or equipment
- Product Catalog
- Order Forms
- Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business — this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.
Business Types include:
- Raw Ingredient Producer/Supplier
- Ingredient Importer/Exporter
- Equipment Supplier
- Farm/Grower
Manufacturer
Definition: Manufactures finished products that are ready for an end consumer. OR a third party that produces a finished product for a company (Contract Manufacturer). OR private label company utilizing contract manufacturers.
According to our company classifications, if your company owns the brand name on all products sold on your website, you are classified as a Manufacturer.
Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:
- Website
- Product catalog
- Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business – this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.
Business Types include:
- Food
- Beverage
- Cosmetic/Personal Care
- Natural Living/Home/Textile
- Pet Products/Animal Nutrition
- Vitamin/Mineral/Herb/Supplements
- Pharmaceuticals
- Nutraceuticals
- Contract Manufacturer
Business Services
Definition: Companies who provide support to the business functions of Retailers, Distributors, Health Practitioners, Manufacturers, or Suppliers. Schools and universities, government workers, and those that work for or represent the people and companies in the previous categories in such areas as advertising / public relations, banking, consultants, labs, research firms, transportation/logistics companies, demonstration/sampling companies, packaging, and warehousing.
Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:
- Website
- School ID (valid for student category only)
- Brochure or other documentation detailing services offered
Business Types include:
- Consultant
- Advertising/Branding/PR
- Government Agency
- Financial Institution/Investment Bank
- Not for Profit
- Association
- Packaging/Design
- Publisher
- Laboratory/Testing
- School/University Research
- Legal/Regulatory
- Other Within the Industry (must specify)
Investor
Definition: Business investors are organizations or a group of people who give capital to start or grow a business and in exchange for this, they gain some control of the business and formulate agreements.
Business Types include:
- Private Equity Fund
- Corporate Investor
- Angel/Individual Investor
- Hedge Fund
- Peer-to-Peer/Crowdfunding
Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:
- Website detailing company function
- Proof of C Corp or LLC standing (must be a copy of the document itself)
- Annual Company Statement
- Business Card
Guest
Definition: Any attendee not directly or indirectly involved in the Natural Products Industry.