The Buyer's Desk

Independent Natural Food Retailers Association
  • 5.0 (6)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
The Buyer's Desk

INFRA's Buyer's Desk is hosted by Chris Sorensen, Promotions Program Manager & Angela Bozo, Director of Member Programs at INFRA. They will guide listeners through quick snapshots on Natural Food trends & insights, interviews with INFRA member store buyers & Natural Food brand founders, and conversations with INFRA staff experts to discuss the month's topic.

  1. OCT 17

    Unwrapping the Ethics of Chocolate Making

    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.

    54 min

  2. SEP 15

    A Fiesta of Flavor: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

    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!

    1h 16m

  3. AUG 15

    Marketing Matters: Crafting Your Strategy

    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!

    1h 7m

  4. JUL 15

    Sourcing Smarter, Sourcing Local

    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.

    1h 10m

  5. JUL 3

    EXTRAS: KeHE Holiday Show Highlights

    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!

    55 min

  6. JUN 15

    Making Waves with Sea Food Sustainability

    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.

    49 min

  7. MAY 15

    AAPI Innovators in the Retail Space

    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!

    1h 4m

  8. APR 29

    EXTRAS: Exploring Expo West 2024

    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!

    24 min
See All (27)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

INFRA's Buyer's Desk is hosted by Chris Sorensen, Promotions Program Manager & Angela Bozo, Director of Member Programs at INFRA. They will guide listeners through quick snapshots on Natural Food trends & insights, interviews with INFRA member store buyers & Natural Food brand founders, and conversations with INFRA staff experts to discuss the month's topic.

Information

  • Creator
    Independent Natural Food Retailers Association
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Independent Natural Food Retailers Association
  • Show Website
    The Buyer's Desk

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada