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PODCAST

The Buyer"s Desk

Independent Natural Food Retailers Association

Join Promotions Program Manager Chris Sorensen and Director of Member Programs Angela Bozo on The Buyer’s Desk, where they connect 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!

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All Episodes

29:06

Shaping the Future of INFRA with Pat Sheridan

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2025/01/28

In this episode of The Buyer’s Desk, we discussed INFRA’s growth over the years with President & CEO Pat Sheridan. From the successful rollout of the INFRA Everyday EDLP Program to the recent shift to A/B promotions, join Angela, Chris, and Pat as they talk about the strategic growth plans INFRA has for the future and reminisce on how far we’ve come.Get ready for February’s theme – Category Management! Join us next week for a data-driven discussion with SPINS Retail Insights Managers Jim Olson

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22:37

Tracking the Trends with Nick Auzenne

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2025/01/21

In this week’s episode, Angela tackles CPG growth with INFRA’s own Director of Purchasing Nick Auzenne. From better-for-you soda alternatives to innovative whole vegetable products, they explore the key trends set to make waves in INFRA members’ stores in 2025. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation about the products and shifts poised to define the next wave of consumer demand.Next week, we’ll round out January’s growth theme with another conversation with INFRA CEO Pat Sheridan.

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26:58

From Start-Up to Success with Painterland Sisters

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2025/01/14

In episode 2 of this month's four-part series on growth, we’re tackling the brand side of things with an incredible up-and-coming brand – Painterland Sisters! Chris chats with Stephanie Painter about the role that INFRA Members played in jumpstarting their brand, the importance of providing rural communities with nourishing foods, why Skyr stands out as the healthiest yogurt option, and more.Tune in next week where we'll talk growth with INFRA's own Director of Purchasing, Nick Auzenne.

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22:14

Inside INFRA's Growth With Pat Sheridan

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2025/01/07

The Buyer’s Desk is back, and we’re kicking off 2025 talking all about growth! In episode one of this month’s four-part series, SPINS Senior Retail Insights Manager Jim Olson sits down with INFRA President & CEO Pat Sheridan to talk about INFRA member growth in the natural channel, the transition to A/B ad cycle, how members should approach brand mergers and acquisitions in the new year, and more!Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where Chris sits down with Stephanie Painter, Co-Founder of The

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25:48

EXTRAS: Partnering for Success with Natural Factors

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/11/07

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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54:01

Unwrapping the Ethics of Chocolate Making

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/10/17

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

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01:16:17

A Fiesta of Flavor: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/09/15

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

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01:06:55

Marketing Matters: Crafting Your Strategy

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/08/15

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

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01:09:30

Sourcing Smarter, Sourcing Local

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/07/15

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

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54:46

EXTRAS: KeHE Holiday Show Highlights

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/07/03

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

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49:13

Making Waves with Sea Food Sustainability

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/06/15

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

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01:04:07

AAPI Innovators in the Retail Space

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/05/15

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

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24:12

EXTRAS: Exploring Expo West 2024

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/04/29

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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01:13:00

Retail for a Greener Tomorrow

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/04/15

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

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01:02:50

Mind, Body, Wellness

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/03/15

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

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01:09:38

From Soil to Shelf: Black Voices in Farming

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/02/15

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

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01:10:47

Dancing the Tradeshow Tango

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/01/15

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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23:37

EXTRAS: Brand Buzz at Expo East 2023 (Part 2: SPINS...

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/01/10

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

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30:19

EXTRAS: Brand Buzz at Expo East 2023 (Part 1)

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2024/01/04

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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01:03:22

Make Room for Shrooms in your Stocking

The Buyer"s Desk ·

2023/12/15

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

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