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Join us on The Buyer’s Desk, where we connect with conscious brands, independent natural food retailers, and industry partners to dive into the most pressing topics in natural foods today.
From regenerative agriculture to strategic merchandising, The Buyer’s Desk is your go-to resource for all things natural food retail!
From regenerative agriculture to strategic merchandising, The Buyer’s Desk is your go-to resource for all things natural food retail!
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To kick off International Women’s Month, we’re diving into the data behind women-owned brands in this week’s episode of The Buyer’s Desk! Join SPINS expert Jim Olson and Senior Category Manager Kim Route as they explore this growing category (up 22% at INFRA stores compared to last year). From The Cycle’s period relief beverages to the vibrant flavors of Fly by Jing, explore the female founders that are reshaping the natural foods industry.
Big news at The Buyer’s Desk! Angela is joined by a new voice at the mic—Pat Sheridan, the new co-host and CEO of INFRA. In this episode, Pat shares the story behind his journey to INFRA, what’s inspiring him most about the natural and independent grocery industry right now, and why community support is at the heart of everything INFRA does. They also dive into the power of storytelling through podcasting, swap favorite natural food finds, and talk about what’s next as INFRA moves toward an exciting milestone of nearly 400 members. Plus, Pat offers a preview of the fresh perspectives and big ideas he’s bringing to the show and why he’s so energized about the road ahead.
Part 2 of our two-part conversation with natural foods icon and nutritionist Marion Nestle is here! Nestle shares her perspective on the importance of dietary variety and the enduring power of moderation in building healthy eating patterns. We also explore today’s trending topics, including the resurgence of beef tallow, the ongoing debate around seed oils, and what these shifts reveal about consumer behavior and food marketing.Plus, we look ahead to the future of dietary guidelines and unpack the critical role grocery stores can play in shaping healthier communities.
This episode is brought to you by Flax4Life. This week’s episode kicks off the beginning of our two-part series with natural foods icon and nutritionist, Marion Nestle. Join us as we explore the complexities of nutrition science, the evolution of natural foods marketing, and the importance of empowering consumers to make informed choices. Plus, learn more about how independent retailers can play a role in educating their shoppers in an era of ultra-processed foods and conflicting messages when it comes to what makes a healthy diet.
This episode is brought to you by Graza. In our first Buyer's Desk episode of the month, Jim teams up with INFRA Category Manager Chris Madden and Promotional Programs Manager Jared Peterson to dive into the controversial world of seed oils. As more consumers start to actively avoid seed oils, we explore alternatives that are becoming more prevalent in natural CPG, including avocado and olive oils. Plus, learn more about how the animal fat category is expanding, from tallow to butter to ghee. Next week, get ready for the beginning of our two-part conversation with natural foods icon and nutritionist Marion Nestle – don't miss it!
In today’s episode, Angela and Category Manager Kim Route chat with Harry Ross, Global Commercial Director at Savyll Beverage Co. Learn more about the N/A beverage market, from the rise of functional ingredients to the importance of authenticity in marketing and branding to the challenges that N/A spirits face in an increasingly crowded market. Plus, hear insights from Harry about his extensive experience in the beverage industry, including his takes on current market trends and more.
In this episode of The Buyer’s Desk, Angela and Category Manager Kim Route chat with Jeff Klineman, Editor in Chief at BevNET, about the evolving landscape of the beverage industry. They explore the emergence of protein in the beverage space, the challenges of building a N/A set, and merchandising best practices for retailers. Stay tuned for this engaging discussion about the best in beverages!
In this week’s episode, Director of Purchasing Nick Auzenne returns to the podcast to revisit our 2025 natural trend predictions. Did better-for-you sodas make the big splash we expected? How did whole-food veggie products perform in the market? Join us as we look back on what resonated, and what surprised us. Plus, stay tuned for big and exciting changes to The Buyer’s Desk throughout January—including new guest hosts and more.
The Buyer’s Desk is back for another season with thoughtful conversations, fresh takes, and thought leadership in the natural foods industry. Here to kick us off, Jim is joined by Category Manager Kim Route and Promotional Programs Manager Jared Peterson to discuss what 2026 might have in store for the natural channel. From the impact that “MAHA” movement has had consumer health awareness, to the next evolution of the protein trend, to a new era of natural and minimally processed sweeteners, we’ll cover everything you need to know about 2026 trends.
In our final Buyer's Desk Backstock episode of the year, we're revisiting the 2025 natural foods predictions we made back in late 2024. From better-for-you soda alternatives to innovative whole vegetable products, we'll look back on what resonated and what surprised us about last year's predictions. See you in 2026 as we continue reflecting on industry trends and look ahead to the new year!
In this Buyer's Desk Backstock episode, we're showing independents a little extra love. Join Chris, Angela, and Jim as they explore what it means to be independent in today’s grocery landscape, from the relentless innovation of independent brands to the growing pressure of mergers and acquisitions on natural food retailers striving to maintain their product standards.
In this Buyer's Desk Backstock episode, we're running back our conversation with Tero Isokauppila, Co-Founder of Four Sigmatic Coffee.Hear from Tero about how Four Sigmatic helped to establish a thriving functional mushroom market and the vital role that mushrooms play in cultures across the world.Plus, learn more about his book, "Santa Sold Shrooms," a children's book about the indigenous Sami origins of Santa Claus.
In this backstock episode of "The Buyer's Desk," we've revisiting our conversation about leadership with David Bronner, the Cosmic Engagement Officer of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps. From capping executive salaries and ensuring ethical sourcing to launching initiatives like the Purpose Pledge, David leads with humility, collaboration, and a clear vision for a better world. His leadership sets new standards in zero waste, climate action, and ethical employment, all while keeping doing what’s right at the heart of every decision.
Originally aired 3/13/23In this Buyer's Desk Backstock episode, we're revisiting our conversation with Nicole Dawes, Founder & CEO of Nixie and Founder of Late July.From her experiences growing up in a natural foods family to her advice for other women entrepreneurs to her belief in the power of independent retail, you won't want to miss these insights!
Originally aired 3/10/25In this week’s backstock episode, we're revisiting Angela's conversation with Ryan Honeyman from Lift Economy, a self-proclaimed B-Corp “nerd” and expert who has guided numerous food and retail companies through the certification process. He touches on the three main components of B Corp certification, the recent shifts B Labs is making to its certification standards, and how creating more circularity in your business practices can lead to more efficient operations.
Originally aired 7/13/23 In this episode, we're revisiting our conversation with Roland Gahler, founder and owner of Natural Factors – in Roland’s first public interview – to share his story and philosophy on what it means to be independent. Hear more about Natural Factor’s stringent commitment to non-GMO, the importance of purity and efficacy in natural supplements, and Roland’s own reasonings for maintaining independence. Next week, we continue our backstock series with Paul Lightfoot from Patagonia Provisions, who illuminates their commitment to being Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC).
Originally aired 5/14/24 In this Buyer’s Desk Backstock episode, we’re running back our conversation with Justin Gill, CEO of fan-favorite Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce. Hear more about their unique cold-filling process, the heartwarming story behind the brand, and why it’s important not to sacrifice ingredient cost for quality, especially when it comes to preserving cultural authenticity. Stay tuned for more of your favorite episodes throughout the end of the year, including great conversations with brand founders and innovators from Patagonia Provisions, Natural Factors and more!
In this episode of the Buyer's Desk, SPINS expert Jim Olson discusses the latest trends in the beverage industry with Matt Hatch, Senior Director of Sales at St. James Iced Tea. They explore the rise of ready-to-drink beverages, particularly iced tea, and how St. James is positioning itself as a cleaner, more sustainable option in the market. Plus—tune in for an exclusive taste testing of the latest teas in the St. James product line!
This episode is brought to you by Edna’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktails. In this episode, we dive into INFRA’s latest private label initiative—The Good Collective—a bold new wellness brand created exclusively for our independent retailer community. Hear from INFRA President & CEO Pat Sheridan and Wellness Strategist Sarah Super about the why behind the brand, the importance of differentiation in a competitive market, and how this strategic focus on wellness products is designed to help INFRA Members thrive.
This episode is brought to you by Unreal. This week on the show, we welcome Tyler Hemming, Director Sales Strategy, and Linda Stielstra, Director of Business Management, from CADIA, INFRA’s close partner in the private label space. They chat with Chris about strategies for product development, sourcing, sustainability, and current challenges in the supply chain. They also emphasis the importance of feedback from retailers, while looking forward to the future of the private label market. Next week, don’t miss a deep dive into INFRA’s newest private label initiative—The Good Collective—an exclusive wellness brand created by and for our independent retailer community!
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