In this episode of The Buyer’s Desk, Angela and Category Manager Kim Route chat with Jeff Klineman, Editor in Chief at BevNET, about the evolving landscape of the beverage industry. They explore the emergence of protein in the beverage space, the challenges of building a N/A set, and merchandising best practices for retailers. Stay tuned for this engaging discussion about the best in beverages! 

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 3/13/23

In 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 3/10/25

In 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).