The Checkout: Grocery Nerds

Errol interviews Jeff Conant of Friends of the Earth about the group’s new report, Food, Land and Money . The report argues that what we call the “food system” is really an “agribusiness financial complex.” Three asset managers control about 24% of it, development banks fund agrochemicals and industrial livestock, and the big grain traders (ADM, Bunge, Cargill, Louis Dreyfus) earn over 75% of thei...

Errol speaks with Sarela Herrada and Matt Cohen, co-founders of SIMPLi, to discuss their mission to transform the food system through regenerative organic agriculture, transparent sourcing, and nutrient-dense pantry staples. The founders explain how their commitment to soil health, crop rotation, fair wages, and supporting smallholder farmers drives their business, while sharing third-party testin...

Errol sits down with longtime friend and supplier Daniel Goetz, founder of Goodpop, now in its 17th year and still fully bootstrapped. Daniel started the company as a UT Austin student in 2009, inspired by fresh-fruit paletas in Mexico and a family history of pushcart entrepreneurs. He made 18,000 pops for his launch at ACL, the festival turned into a cold, rainy mud pit, and he sold four. From th...

In this episode, Jocelyn Ramirez and Stephanie Garcia Turner share their journeys from industry veterans to founders of Tuyo Foods, discussing their innovative approach to Latin cuisine, challenges faced as women and Latina entrepreneurs, and their vision for building a community-centered, authentic brand. From Whole Foods to Entrepreneurship   Stephanie shares her remarkable path from her ro...

Liz Abunaw shares her journey from corporate food sales to founding 40 Acres Fresh Market on Chicago's West Side, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in community-focused grocery retail. This episode explores supply chain strategies, community impact, and the importance of business acumen in independent grocery success. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priva...

In this episode, we explore the labor issues at Mother's Market, a natural food store in California, through the perspectives of Omar, a worker, and Andrew, a union organizer. We discuss unionization efforts, management challenges, and what it takes to improve workers' lives in the retail food industry. labor rights, unionization, grocery store workers, private equity, labor organizing, workers' r...

In this week's episode of Grocery Nerds, we dive deep into the mission of Farm to People, a company dedicated to revolutionizing how we shop and eat by connecting consumers directly to local and regional food systems. Michael Ray Robinov, the founder, shares insights into their innovative approach to grocery delivery while emphasizing the importance of supporting small farmers. Farm to People oper...

In this episode, Seth Goldman and Les Szabo discuss the Purpose Pledge, a framework for defining and operationalizing purpose-led business practices. They explore how this initiative promotes stakeholder capitalism, internalizes externalities, and aims to shift business norms towards sustainability and social responsibility. As Chief Strategy & Impact Officer at Dr. Bronner's, Les Szabo works...

In this episode, Kara Rubin shares her extensive experience in the grocery industry, from her start at Whole Foods to her work supporting emerging brands and developing supply chains. She discusses the evolution of food retail, category management, talent development, and the importance of community and mutual support in the industry. Kara is driven by a fascination with food and how it is grown,...

In this episode, Andrea Abel, Executive Director of Farm Share Austin, discusses the organization's efforts to improve food justice in Austin, Texas. She highlights the challenges of funding cuts, the importance of local farming, and innovative programs to increase food access for underserved communities. Andrea joined Farmshare Austin as executive director in January 2017, but her hands have been...

Ann Larson shares her journey from grocery store worker to author, revealing the hidden realities of the grocery industry, labor struggles, and potential reforms. Discover insights on corporate power, worker solidarity, and how consumers can support change. Ann Larson’s writing on education, debt, and low-wage work has appeared in The New Republic, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Fast Company,...

Alicia Kennedy, a food writer with a background in food production, discusses her journey from running a vegan bakery to becoming a renowned food critic and author. The conversation explores food systems, veganism, cultural history, and her latest book, offering deep insights into food politics and personal stories. Alicia Kennedy publishes a twice-weekly food and culture newsletter called From th...

In this in-depth interview, Aaron Henderson, CEO of Sweetleaf Stevia, shares his extensive experience in the grocery and CPG industry, focusing on natural sweeteners, supply chain intricacies, and evolving consumer trends like GLP-1. Discover insights on sourcing, product innovation, industry challenges, and the future of natural sweeteners in a rapidly changing market. Aaron Henderson is the&nbsp...

Will it work? This episode explores New York City's innovative plan under Mamdani to open publicly subsidized grocery stores, aiming to make healthy food affordable and accessible for all. We discuss the details of the plan, its potential impact, and the broader context of grocery industry challenges that brought us here. Key Topics: Mamdani's grocery plan and its details Comparison with mili...

This interview with Adnan Durrani and Paul Turbeville explores the journey of Saffron Road, innovation in frozen foods, and navigating the competitive grocery landscape with a focus on health, authenticity, and strategic growth. Adnan Durrani has been a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist for almost 30 years. He founded Vermont Pure Water Company(now part of Primo Brands , NYSE) and was a p...

Chris Jones is an attorney and founder of Center Market Strategies, a boutique law and advocacy firm that specializes in antitrust. He leads the Main Street Competition Coalition, a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization for independent business and agriculture producers harmed by monopolistic conduct. He has more than 16 years of experience in competition, food and agriculture, and supply-chain policy i...

Aldi's success is driven by operational efficiency, not market magic. In this episode, we explore Aldi's rise in the US grocery market, analyzing its low-cost, highly efficient business model rooted in post-war German austerity and modern operational excellence. Discover how Aldi's strategies are reshaping American grocery shopping amidst economic turmoil. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p...

Jose Oliva, Campaigns Director at Heal Food Alliance, shares insights into the food industry's labor issues, food insecurity among workers, and systemic reforms needed for a fairer food system. Jose Oliva was born in Xelaju, Guatemala. In 1985 he and his family were forced to flee the civil war and come to the US. Once in Chicago he was called to be Executive Director of Casa Guatemala w...

In this in-depth interview, Stacy Mitchell from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance discusses the monopolistic practices in the food industry, Amazon's dominance, and the impact of market concentration on local communities and food deserts. The conversation explores antitrust laws, corporate power, and potential policy reforms to foster competition and local self-determination. Stacy Mitchell is...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with David Bronner, CEO of Dr. Bronner's, as he shares the company's rich history, social activism, and commitment to regenerative organic farming, fair wages, and social justice. Discover how a legacy of love, spirituality, and sustainability is shaping a better future for business and the planet. David and Michael established Dr. Bronner’s as a sustainable l...

Rachel Krupa is the Founder of The Goods Mart, an early pioneer of the better-for-you convenience store movement and a discovery platform for emerging food and beverage brands. Known as a "Snack Curator," Rachel has spent eight years helping consumers find their next favorite product while giving emerging brands a real foothold in retail, hospitality, corporate pantries, and events. Rachel is also...

In this in-depth interview, grocery clerk and union organizer Edward Dupree shares insights on working at Whole Foods, the unionization campaign in Philadelphia, and tips on seasonal produce. Discover the realities of grocery work, the fight for better conditions, and how community building fuels organizing efforts. Edward Dupree is a worker at Whole Foods of almost a decade in the Produce departm...

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .