The Buyer's Desk

Independent Natural Food Retailers Association
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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!

  1. 5D AGO

    BACKSTOCK: The Secret Sauce with Bachan's

    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!

    28 min

  2. NOV 4

    What's Brewing in Beverages: SPINS & Saint James Tea

    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!

    18 min

  3. OCT 28

    Introducing The Good Collective: An Exclusive Brand for INFRA Members

    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.

    27 min

  4. OCT 21

    From Concept to Shelf: How CADIA Supports Independent Retailers

    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!

    35 min

  5. OCT 14

    The Private Label Playbook with Kelly Miles

    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.

    25 min

  6. OCT 7

    Unpacking Private Label with SPINS

    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.

    21 min

  7. SEP 30

    From Family Roots to Industry Impact with True Grace

    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!

    29 min

  8. SEP 23

    Organic Integrity in a Changing Marketplace with Max Goldberg

    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.

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Independent Natural Food Retailers Association
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Independent Natural Food Retailers Association
  • Show Website
    The Buyer's Desk

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