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! 

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. 

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!  

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!

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 health, building upon the organic certification, and hydroponics. 

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 being an INFRA member change over the years.

Next Sarah Super, INFRA's Wellness Strategist, chats with Lauren and Alina from St.Paul-based wellness store Mastel’s. They talk about the founding and history of Mastel’s, wellness social media strategies, and anticipating customer needs.

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 & CEO of Alaffia about going above and beyond Fair Trade standards and building community through trust.

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.

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 Brobst give tips for retailers wanting to make the most of their trade show experience. 

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.”