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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!
82 Episodes
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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!
This episode is brought to you by DeSoi. In this episode, Chris chats with INFRA’s own Manager of Member Success, Kelly Miles. Hear from Kelly about the urgency of adopting private label strategies at a time where shoppers are looking for value in their shopping experience. They’ll also delve into the balance between private label and emerging brands, the spectrum of quality in private label offerings, and how INFRA Members can improve price perception by adopting their own private label strategies.
This episode is brought to you by Mingle Mocktails. This month, we’re tackling a topic that’s taken the natural grocery retail landscape by storm—private label. From Whole Food’s 365 line to Albertson’s O Organics, there’s no denying that private label products drive real customer value. In this episode, Angela chats with SPINS Senior Retail Insights Manager Jim Olson to learn more about why independent retailers should capitalize on the trend. We’ll explore some of the most exciting opportunities in private label, unpack shopper preferences by exploring the data, and more.
In this episode, Angela sits down with Brian and Kristie Hall, Co-Founders of True Grace, a family-owned supplement company. They delve into the company's mission-driven approach, focusing on True Grace's larger impact on human health, planet health, and the natural foods industry. The Halls share their journey of launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, their commitment to sustainable packaging, and the unique challenges and benefits of being a mission-based company. They also discuss their innovative product formulations and the importance of consumer education in the wellness industry. A huge thank you to True Grace for being INFRA’s top 20-year sponsor and for supporting our independent retailer community. We couldn’t do this work without you!
This week on The Buyers Desk, Chris chats with a strong leader and watchdog in the organic space, Max Goldberg of Organic Insider. They'll delve into the complexities of maintaining organic standards—from the new era of hydroponics to the increasing number of fraudulent “organic” imports. Tune in for an insightful discussion on protecting the future of organic food! Next week, we’re rounding out the month with a message from our partner and 20 years sponsor—True Grace. Hear from Founders Brian and Kristina Hall about how they measure impact as a mission-based company and the work they do to support and partner with independent retailers.
Join Chris in this week’s episode as he delves into the world of organic integrity with Jeff Tkach, CEO of the Rodale Institute. Jeff shares his personal journey in the organic space—from overcoming childhood health challenges to becoming the leader of the Rodale Institute, a pioneer in regenerative organic agriculture since 1947. Learn more about the importance of consumer education, the role retailers play in advocating for organic integrity, and the work Rodale is doing to build more sustainable supply chains. Next week, we’re hearing from Max Goldberg of Organic Insider—a leader and watchdog in the organic space. Don’t miss this discussion on maintaining organic standards, the intricacies of hydroponics, and more!
This episode is brought to you by Solaray.In this episode of The Buyer’s Desk, Angela chats with Shawna Rodgers, Donor Relations Manager for the CCOF Foundation. Shawna shares her own personal journey with food as medicine, the evolution of the CCOF Foundation, and the critical role of organic farming in shaping a more ethical and sustainable food system. Learn more about the challenges new farmers face and the innovative programs CCOF has launched to support the next generation of organic food producers. Next week, we’re exploring regenerative organic certifications with Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute. From personal health journeys to the impact of farming on community well-being, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
This episode is brought to you by Rishi Tea.In this episode of The Buyer’s Desk, Chris, Angela, and Jim dive into the dynamic world of organic. Discover how consumer demand is driving innovation, the rise of organic options in kid-focused categories, and the role of private labels in expanding organic accessibility. Plus, learn more about how INFRA Retailers are leading the charge in the natural channel, with an impressive 11% growth in organic product sales year-over-year. Next week, we’re continuing our celebration of National Organic Month with our partners from CCOF. Hear from Donor Relations Manager Shawna Rodgers about the pivotal role CCOF plays in supporting organic farmers, in California and across the country.
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