The Buyer's Desk

This week, we’re spotlighting Grandy Organics — a brand that’s stayed fiercely independent since day one. Owner and Chief Granola Officer Aaron Anker joins us to share what it takes to stay true to your values in a competitive industry, and how Grandy’s commitment to authenticity, organics, and sustainability continues to drive their success. From solar-powered production to clean ingredients, thi...

This episode is brought to you by Yogi Tea.  This week, we’re continuing our celebration of independents by chatting with Michele Marchetti, Deputy Director of The Cornucopia Institute. As a non-profit consumer education and watchdog organization, The Cornucopia Institute helps consumers understand the value of shopping independent and organic. Join us for a deep dive into their Independent O...

We’re kicking off July with a theme that’s close to our hearts: independents. 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.  Next week, we’ll be joined by the...

This episode is brought to you by Nixie .  In this episode, Chris and Angela chat about all things merchandising with Mark Rodriguez, Director of Grocery at Frazier Farms Market in California. With over 20 years of grocery experience, learn how Mark turns his critical eye for merchandising into practical, in-store wins. Tune in as he breaks down his personal philosophy on merchandising, revea...

In this episode, Chris dives into effective merchandising techniques in a roundtable discussion with Promotions & Merchandising Advisory Specialists Rachel Keeler and Braden Flores. Learn how to up your merchandising game by simplifying your displays and using themes to enhance customer engagement.   If you’re interested in learning more from the experts, be sure to attend our sessio...

This episode is brought to you by Bear Maple .   In this episode, Angela chats with Nathan Aldridge, Education & Team Member Enrichment Manager at Gourmet Foods International (GFI), about the ins and outs of cheese merchandising. They discuss how to curate an exciting set that’s full of customer favorites and enticing offerings, how to train staff to enhance customer service, and mor...

We’re kicking off June’s merchandising theme with a data-driven conversation with SPINS Senior Retail Insights Manager Jim Olson! Hear from Jim about the many valuable ways you can use SPINS to improve your merchandising. From analyzing sales lift to understanding incremental sales, get ready for a month of tactical merchandising insights.   Next week, we’re chatting with Nathan Aldridge...

This episode is brought to you by Miyokos Creamery . In this episode of The Buyer’s Desk, hosts Chris Sorensen and Angela Bozo sit down with Kestrel Burcham, Policy Director at the Cornucopia Institute , to pull back the curtain on the food industry—and what it really means when a label says "organic" or "humane." Learn more about how the Cornucopia Institute’s consumer education efforts are resha...

This episode is brought to you by Charcutnuvo . In this episode of The Buyer’s Desk, host Chris Sorensen sits down with Nick Westby, founder of OrgaNick Pastures, for an eye-opening conversation about what really goes into ethical egg production. Nick shares how he got into sustainable farming, the current realities of the egg market, and why transparent labels are more important than ever. &...

This episode is brought to you by Cookie Pal .   In this episode, Angela chats with Kristine and Richard from Regenified, a certification company championing regenerative agriculture and animal welfare. They highlight how farmers, retailers, and consumers alike can build a more regenerative food system, and how Regenified creates an important starting point by allowing customers to make...

This month, we’re delving into the complex topic of animal welfare and what it means for today’s conscious consumer. SPINS expert Jim Olson is here to kick off the conversation with a deep dive into the challenges posed by misleading label claims, the rise of regenerative organic certification, and the general consumer shift away from plant-based into ethical animal-based consumption.  ...

In this episode, Angela sits down with former co-worker, Grace Tara-Hileman from New Seasons Market, for a rich conversation about the transformation of coffee culture—especially in grocery retail spaces. They dive into how coffee can be more than just a beverage; it can be an experience that builds community and brand loyalty.  Grace brings her expert insight on crafting standout coffee...

In Part 2 of our Behind-the-Scenes series with Peace Coffee, we take you inside the heart of the roastery for an exclusive tour with CEO Lee Wallace. Joining us as well is Head Brewer Jackson O’Brien, who shares what it really takes to craft the perfect cup. From bean sourcing and roasting to brewing techniques, Jackson breaks down the art and science behind every sip. Check out this video for a v...

In this week’s episode, Chris lets us tag along for an exclusive tour of Peace Coffee’s roasting facility, located in Minneapolis, MN! Hear from Lee Wallace, Peace Coffee CEO, and Jackson O’Brien, Head Brewer, about how Peace Coffee got their start, their commitment to Fair Trade, and how they build relationships with small-scale farmers. 

This month, we’re taking a deep dive into our favorite and most essential caffeinated beverage – coffee. Hear from SPINS Senior Retail Insights Manager Jim Olson about coffee’s sales performance at INFRA stores and developing trends in ready-to-drink and lactose-free. We also talk bulk coffee and how to distinguish between different coffee blends and origins, from a bright Ethiopian light roast to...

The Buyer’s Desk may (or may not) be ending its run, but don’t worry! Our INFRA podcast team has enlightening wisdom for managing store stressors in this extra zen episode. Tune in for tips on keeping your calm in any situation, even when dealing with that one customer’s toe fungus (ew) or answering questions about grass-fed salmon (since when do salmon eat grass?)   So, grab your deep-breath...

In this week's episode, Common Roots co-producers Hailey Craig and Madeleine Ware team up for a special crossover episode to chat with Sam Mogannam, second-generation owner of Bi-Rite Family of Businesses Located in San Francisco, CA, Bi-Rite has been a Bay Area staple for transparent, responsible foods since its founding in 1940. We get the inside scoop (pun intended) on how Sam’s culinary backgr...

In this week’s episode, we discuss the B Corp certification with Elizabeth Stein, Founder of Purely Elizabeth . Tune in for an enlightening discussion about Purely Elizabeth’s early adoption of the B Corp Certification and how it has inspired them to be more pro-active when it comes to building and maintaining ethical business practices. Plus, get a sneak peek into Purely Elizabeth’s latest cookie...

In this week’s episode, Angela Bozo sits down 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 pract...

In this week’s episode, Chris, Angela, and Jim take you through the B Corp Basics, exploring the certification’s impact on businesses, consumers, and the environment. Whether you view B-Corp as a tool for consumers to make informed shopping decisions or a way for companies to hold themselves accountable to their better business goals, stay tuned for fresh perspectives on B-Corp throughout the mont...

This episode is brought to you by Equal Exchange .   In this week’s episode of The Buyer’s Desk, Chris, Angela, and INFRA Category Manager Jared Peterson break down the nitty-gritty of effective category management – roundtable style! Listen in for tactical tips about how you can balance data with larger customer trends, use aesthetics to your advantage, and win in every category. &...

In this episode, Chris and Supply Agreement Assortment Lead Aprille Thurheimer sit down with KeHE Account Managers Kelly O’Neil, Jessica Williams, and Nick Mattheissen to explore how category management drives success in natural food retailing. They dive into how data insights like APL and item gap reports help retailers refine product assortments, plus the power of hyperlocal strategies and smart...

In this week’s episode, Angela chats with Daniel Scharff, the Founder of Startup CPG , about how startup brands can use category management knowledge to get their products into stores. They also discuss the importance of balancing product innovation with recognizability, the passion and curiosity buyers and brand innovators bring to CPG, and more.   Tune in next week, where Chris will ch...

In our first episode of this month’s series all about category management, SPINS Retail Insights Managers Jim Olson and Kyle Youngs give you a run down on all the ways SPINS can help retailers improve their category management. Whether you’re looking to differentiate your product mix, find new and trending items, or identify when it’s time to change your pricing, SPINS is here to help.   Next...

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...