The Buyer's Desk

In this week’s episode, Angela tackles CPG growth with INFRA’s own Director of Purchasing Nick Auzenne. From better-for-you soda alternatives to innovative whole vegetable products, they explore the key trends set to make waves in INFRA members’ stores in 2025. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation about the products and shifts poised to define the next wave of consumer demand.  Next...

In episode 2 of this month's four-part series on growth, we’re tackling the brand side of things with an incredible up-and-coming brand – Painterland Sisters! Chris chats with Stephanie Painter about the role that INFRA Members played in jumpstarting their brand, the importance of providing rural communities with nourishing foods, why Skyr stands out as the healthiest yogurt option, and more.&nbsp...

The Buyer’s Desk is back, and we’re kicking off 2025 talking all about growth! In episode one of this month’s four-part series, SPINS Senior Retail Insights Manager Jim Olson sits down with INFRA President & CEO Pat Sheridan to talk about INFRA member growth in the natural channel, the transition to A/B ad cycle, how members should approach brand mergers and acquisitions in the new year, and m...

In this bonus episode, we’re joined by Wendy Creager, Monique Wellise, and Yolanda Fenton from trusted partner Natural Factors! From maintaining top-tier product quality and traceability to offering hands-on sales support, Natural Factors has been a true partner from day one. We dive into their MAP pricing policy, regenerative farming practices, and product certifications. Tune in to hear how Natu...

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 Beyo...

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 Ric...

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-pe...

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 Minnesot...

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 end...

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-La...

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...

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...

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, Ch...

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 Su...

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...

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 conve...

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 Pr...

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...

This episode is brought to you by Mindright , Wise Bar , and Rebbl . It’s time to make room for shrooms in your stocking this holiday season! In this episode, our resident SPINS expert Jim Olson takes you on a tour of the latest mushroom product trends we’re seeing on shelves. Next, we chat with INFRA Member Adam Stark at Debra’s Natural Gourmet about his local mushroom set. Category Manager Laure...

This episode is brought to you by ECRS , Tey Art Wholesale , and Fentiman’s . In this month’s episode, we’re talking about one of the “P”s of Category Management - product mix. Chris chats with Andy Oelrich from MaMa Jean’s Natural Market and Deli about space planning. Next, we’ll hear from CADIA about how to decide on product mix when building a successful EDLP program. Plus, our own category man...

This episode is brought to you by BioK Probiotics , Cleveland Kitchen , and Health-Ade Kombucha .  We’re back to talk everything fermentation – from Kimchi and Kombucha to a new consumer product inspired by the Mexican fermented beverage Tepache. Chris sits down with INFRA Director of Purchasing Nick Auzenne and Fresh Retail Consultant Michael Paynic to talk about the history of fermenta...

Chris and Angela are back with another fantastic episode of The Buyer’s Desk Podcast! On today’s episode, we dive into promotional merchandising including endcaps, nesting table displays, case stacks, side stacks, and even an eleven-foot tree of broccoli meticulously stacked. Kicking things off we have Jim , our resident SPINS expert joined by Taylor , INFRA BI strategist, talking all things data....

Chris and Angela return to The Buyer’s Desk to dig into biodiversity and soil health. First up, Jim Olson from SPINS brings his valuable data-supported findings focusing on brands that are highlighting the soil health aspect of their lines. Next up, Angela sits down for an insightful conversation with Noel Stehly of Stehly’s Farms Market where he breaks down what he has learned in the field with a...

This episode is brought to you by Grandy Organics , GoMacro , and Alec’s Ice Cream .   July means celebrating independence, and independents! Join Chris and Angela this month as we discuss all things independent business. Jim Olson is joined by special guest Simon Cutts , Director – Retail Partners, SPINS . Then, INFRA President & CEO Pat Sheridan sits down with 10 of INFRA’s 11 Board Mem...

Join host Chris on this bonus episode of The Buyer's Desk as he explores the 2023 INFRA Tabletop Buying Event. He chats with exhibiting vendors, INFRA Business Partners, INFRA Members, tries 0% ABV gin, and more! Join us on the show floor!