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In this bonus episode, we’re joined by Wendy Creager, Monique Wellise, and Yolanda Fenton from trusted partner Natural Factors! From maintaining top-tier product quality and traceability to offering hands-on sales support, Natural Factors has been a true partner from day one. We dive into their MAP pricing policy, regenerative farming practices, and product certifications. Tune in to hear how Natural Factors continues to lead with integrity while supporting independent retailers.
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Brought to you by TCHO and Endangered Species Chocolate.
We’re exploring all there is to know about chocolate in this month’s episode! Jim and Category Manager Kim kick off the SPINS segment chatting about trends in chocolate over the last year, including international origins, alternative sweeteners, and functional ingredients.
Next, we dive into our first ever roundtable with Tim from Beyond Good and Chocolate Educator Dr. Jessica Henderson, discussing topics like the difference between craft and mass-produced chocolate, how bean origin influences flavor, and the pros and cons of certifications.
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Brought to you by Parch and Fillo’s.
In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode, we’re shining a spotlight on Hispanic-owned stores and brands! First, resident SPINS expert Jim Olson takes us through several Hispanic-owned brands making a splash at INFRA Member stores. Next, Angela and Member Implementation Specialist Rayna chat with Lester Gonzalez of Las Monjitas Health Foods in Puerto Rico. Lester tells us his brand story and speaks to the importance of “atencion” in retaining his customers. Next, Chris chats with Miguel Leal, Co-Founder of SOMOS, about the importance of authentic Mexican brands in CPG and scaling a business while maintaining core values.
Tune in for a celebration of innovation, culture, and business excellence!
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Brought to you by RTI.
Join us in this month's episode as we dive into the world of marketing! First, SPINS expert Jim gives a run down on how SPINS can help independent retailers differentiate themselves. Next, Chris has an engaging discussion with Tina and Amanda from the Natural Products Marketer Podcast, exploring the vital role of digital strategy in effective marketing and how creative in-person experiences can boost sales. Plus, John Wood from The Green Grocer shares his insights on crafting effective social media ads with the support of an external marketing agency. Don’t miss these expert perspectives on driving success in today’s market!
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Brought to you by JonnyPops & Painterland Sister's Skyr Yogurt.
In celebration of Independent Retailer Month, we're exploring a unique strength of independent retailers: local sourcing!
First, SPINS expert Jim Olson delves into how local sourcing resonates with values-oriented consumers. Then, Chris and Jim join forces in a discussion with Allison Hohn, Executive Director at Naturally Minnesota, about connecting small brands with the resources they need to thrive and the crucial role independent retailers play in helping these brands gain traction. Lastly, Angela interviews David Warner from INFRA Member City Feed and Supply, focusing on prioritizing the customer's perspective and building strong relationships with local vendors.
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In this bonus episode, Chris takes to the KeHE Holiday Show floor to chat with lots of INFRA brand partners about the latest innovations in natural foods!
First, Chris chats with founder Haley from Actual Veggies about innovation in the veggie burger space. Next, he has a conversation with Addy about GoMacro’s exciting new flavors and compostable packaging. Michael from MyBacon talks about the endless possibilities of mycelium protein, and much more!
Shout out to the INFRA members we ran into at the show - including folks from A Clean Plate, Gibson’s Fresh Grocer, Cornucopia Natural Foods, Skyline Health, Pilgrim’s Market, Leg Up Farmer’s Market, and Spangler’s Market!
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This episode is brought to you by Klean Kanteen & Safe Catch.
In this month’s episode we’re diving deep into sea food sustainability! SPINS expert Jim Olson gives us the run down on CPG brands making responsible sea food happen - including products in the tin fish and seaweed snack categories. Next, Angela and INFRA Fresh Retail Consultant Matt Olson sit down with Michelle Beritzhoff-Law from Fishwise - a sustainable sea food consultancy organization. Lastly, Chris chats with Nicole Gitlin from Nordic Naturals about how they value regulated fishing and bycatch prevention in producing their Omega-3 supplements.
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In honor of Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Chris and Angela are sitting down with AAPI retailers and brand founders making waves in the natural foods space. Chris interviews Justin Gill, Founder & CEO of Bachan’s, about the meaning behind Bachan’s octopus logo, not sacrificing ingredient cost for quality, and secret family recipes. Next, Angela chats with Yogesh Patel, Owner of Nature’s Pick Market in Marietta, GA, about his health food awakening, building partnerships with local businesses, and organic juicing!
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In this special bonus episode, Angela and Jim take the Expo West show floor to give you exclusive interviews with your favorite brands! Jim chats with Seth Goldman from Eat the Change about sourcing from Mozambique and democratizing organic and Fair Trade products. Angela gets the scoop from Christy Goldsby from Honey Mamas about the benefits of coconut oil. Plus, hear from other great brands like KIND, Mixhers, Odyssey Elixirs, and more!
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This episode is brought to you by Compostic, GOODSAM, and Lundberg Family Farms.
This month, Chris and Angela celebrate Earth Month with two amazing guests!
Angela sits down with Shannon Holtzman, Purchasing and Merchandising Manager at Leg Up Farmer’s Market, to talk re-usable bags, the labor (and love) of local sourcing, and Shannon’s career journey as a Category Manager.
Next, Chris chats with Elizabeth Whitlow, Executive Director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, about the importance of soil health, building upon the organic certification, and hydroponics.
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This episode is brought to you by NOW Foods and Here we Flo.
In this month's episode, Chris and Angela explore all things wellness!
First, our resident SPINS expert Jim Olson gives us the run down on wellness trends to keep an eye on - including performance nutrition and woman-focused wellness.
Chris chats with Dan Chapman, CEO of Redd Remedies and second-generation owner of early INFRA Member Sunrise Health Foods. They talk about everything from the importance of product purity to how Dan has seen being an INFRA member change over the years.
Next Sarah Super, INFRA's Wellness Strategist, chats with Lauren and Alina from St.Paul-based wellness store Mastel’s. They talk about the founding and history of Mastel’s, wellness social media strategies, and anticipating customer needs.
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This episode is brought to you by Partake Foods, EvoHemp, and Ecos.
In this month's episode, Angela and Chris hear from black farmers breaking barriers in the agricultural and natural foods industries. Chris and Category Manager Kim Route chat with Angela Dawson, Co-Founder, President & CEO of 40 Acre Co-op about her trajectory into farming, the importance of the co-op model, and the structural barriers she has faced as a black woman farmer. Next, Chris chats with Olowo-n’djo Tchala, Founder & CEO of Alaffia about going above and beyond Fair Trade standards and building community through trust.
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This episode brought to you by SaveNaturally, Gaia Herbs, and Our Home.
We’re kicking off season 2 of The Buyer’s Desk with a deep dive into trade shows! In this special cross over episode, Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith from New Hope Network’s The Natural List Podcast give us the inside scoop on what retailers can expect from Newtopia Now in 2024. And, you won’t want to miss our conversation with Amy Clark from KeHe about trade show strategy and 2024 trend predictions.
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In another exclusive bonus episode from INFRA’s time at Expo East, SPINS expert Jim Olson talks dairy alternatives with the Latvian-inspired cottage cheese ice cream bar brand Speka. He also chats with AcreMade, whose pea-protein based egg substitute targets plant-curious consumers. Kim from Prime Roots talks about the many health benefits of cogi, the Japanese fungi that creates the base for Prime Roots’ plant-based deli classics. Lastly, SPINS Retail Account Managers Jessica Maniscalco and Rachel Brobst give tips for retailers wanting to make the most of their trade show experience.
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In this extra special bonus episode recorded on the Expo East trade show floor, Category Manager Kim Route and Member Implementation Specialist Rayna Kittredge chat with brands like Chocxo, the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA), Lola Snacks, Uglies Kettle Chips, JonnyPops, Toom Garlic Dip, Verb Energy Bars, WildWonder, Vista Hermosa, and Nixie. Plus, tune in for an exclusive interview with Joy Bauer, National Dietician for LaCroix and host of NBC’s “Health & Happiness.”
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This episode is brought to you by Mindright, Wise Bar, and Rebbl.
It’s time to make room for shrooms in your stocking this holiday season! In this episode, our resident SPINS expert Jim Olson takes you on a tour of the latest mushroom product trends we’re seeing on shelves. Next, we chat with INFRA Member Adam Stark at Debra’s Natural Gourmet about his local mushroom set. Category Manager Lauren Bartel dives into the many health benefits of mushrooms with Jerry Angelini, Head of Education from Host Defense Supplements. Lastly, we talk about Tero Isokauppila, Founder and CEO of Four Sigmatic about his hand-illustrated storybook for adults, “Santa Sold Shrooms.”
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This episode is brought to you by ECRS, Tey Art Wholesale, and Fentiman’s.
In this month’s episode, we’re talking about one of the “P”s of Category Management - product mix. Chris chats with Andy Oelrich from MaMa Jean’s Natural Market and Deli about space planning. Next, we’ll hear from CADIA about how to decide on product mix when building a successful EDLP program. Plus, our own category management experts - Lauren Bartel and Matt Ryan - give their insights on why you should consider seasonality and other factors when putting together your endcaps and SKUs.
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This episode is brought to you by BioK Probiotics, Cleveland Kitchen, and Health-Ade Kombucha.
We’re back to talk everything fermentation – from Kimchi and Kombucha to a new consumer product inspired by the Mexican fermented beverage Tepache. Chris sits down with INFRA Director of Purchasing Nick Auzenne and Fresh Retail Consultant Michael Paynic to talk about the history of fermentation and emerging retail trends. Angela talks retail products with INFRA Member Max Becher from Uncle Dean’s. Lastly, we speak with Rafa Del Campo, co-founder of De La Calle Tepache about his brand story, sources of inspiration, and Tepache’s Aztec roots.
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Chris and Angela are back with another fantastic episode of The Buyer’s Desk Podcast! On today’s episode, we dive into promotional merchandising including endcaps, nesting table displays, case stacks, side stacks, and even an eleven-foot tree of broccoli meticulously stacked. Kicking things off we have Jim, our resident SPINS expert joined by Taylor, INFRA BI strategist, talking all things data. Next up, Angela has a wonderful conversation with Mark Evans, from INFRA Member store Pilgrim’s Market. Then, Chris is joined by our newest team at INFRA, The Promotions & Merchandising Advisory Team. Bringing it all home, Matt connects with Brian Dey, the Senior Merchandiser at Four Season’s Produce.
This episode is brought to you by Siete Family Foods, Nixie Sparkling Water, and EO Products.
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Chris and Angela return to The Buyer’s Desk to dig into biodiversity and soil health. First up, Jim Olson from SPINS brings his valuable data-supported findings focusing on brands that are highlighting the soil health aspect of their lines. Next up, Angela sits down for an insightful conversation with Noel Stehly of Stehly’s Farms Market where he breaks down what he has learned in the field with a nod to the learnings on the retail shelf. Then, Chris sits down with Matt Olson, INFRA Fresh Program Manager, along with Jess and Ariel from The Real Organic Project as they discuss the work that they are doing to bring more transparency to Organic Certification, especially in the produce department. Bringing it all home, Chris interviewed a legend in the natural foods industry, Jordan Rubin, the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition.
This episode is brought to you by Alexandre Family Farms, Crofter’s Organic, and Weleda.
- Visa fler
