The Buyer's Desk

Hosted by Independent Natural Food Retailers Association

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Episodes

105

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Join us on The Buyer’s Desk, where we connect with conscious brands, independent natural food retailers, and industry partners to dive into the most pressing topics in natural foods today. From regenerative agriculture to strategic merchandising, The Buyer’s Desk is your go-to resource for all things natural food retail!

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60 recent

July 7, 202633 min

Independent Stores, Collective Strength: Kicking Off Independent Retailer Month

This episode is brought to you by Olipop.It's Independent Retailer Month, and Pat and Jim are celebrating what makes independent retailers such a powerful force in their communities and across the industry. Tune in as they explore the unique balance between independence and interdependence, sharing how retailers can stay true to their values while leveraging the strength of collaboration. Plus, get an inside look at what to expect from the INFRA Annual Conference Tabletop Buying Show and hear about some of the emerging brands generating excitement on the show floor.

June 23, 202644 min

The Value of Food Integrity with Megan Westgate

Join Pat on this week’s episode of The Buyer’s Desk for an inspiring conversation with Megan Westgate, Founder, CEO and Executive Director of the Non-GMO Project and the Food Integrity Collective. Megan unpacks how independent retailers have been major catalysts in improving food integrity since the early days of the natural foods movement, and how they can continue to lead as concerns around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) rise. Plus, she explores the importance of grounding movements in love, how eating connects us to the earth, and the how restoring the food system will cause positive ripple effects far beyond our industry.

June 16, 202627 min

Smarter Data, Smarter Decisions with SPINS Intelligence

In this week’s episode, Angela and Jim chat about exciting changes to the SPINS platform. With their new industry-trained AI tool, SPINS Intelligence, retailers can get quick snapshots of data insights and broad overviews without getting in the weeds with the data. Plus, tune in for an in-depth conversation exploring AI’s environmental impacts and the necessity of both artificial and human intelligence in business decision-making.

June 9, 202618 min

The "Re-rise" of Dairy with SPINS

This episode is brought to you by Better Sour.This week on The Buyer’s Desk, we're diving into a hot topic; the "re-rise" of dairy. In recent years, we've seen plant-based losing popularity, replaced with traditional dairy products like premium butters, raw milk, and yogurts. What's going on with this category, and what does it mean for independent retailers? Jim and Promotional Programs Manager Jared get into it in this week's episode - from A2/A2 and protein dairy trends to merchandising opportunities.

June 2, 202631 min

BACKSTOCK: Organic, Independent, and Informed with The Cornucopia Institute

This week, we’re replaying our conversation 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 Organic Brand List – a tool that makes it easier for retailers to help their consumers make informed choices about the food they buy.

May 26, 202624 min

BACKSTOCK: Nutrition, Noise, & the Truth In Between with Marion Nestle (Part 2)

This episode is brought to you by Recess.Part 2 of our backstock conversation with natural foods icon and nutritionist Marion Nestle is here! Nestle shares her perspective on the importance of dietary variety and the enduring power of moderation in building healthy eating patterns. We also explore today’s trending topics, including the resurgence of beef tallow, the ongoing debate around seed oils, and what these shifts reveal about consumer behavior and food marketing.Plus, we look ahead to the future of dietary guidelines and unpack the critical role grocery stores can play in shaping healthier communities.

May 19, 202622 min

BACKSTOCK: Nutrition, Noise, & the Truth In Between with Marion Nestle

This episode is brought to you by JonnyPops. In this week's backstock episode, we’re revisiting the beginning of our two-part series with natural foods icon and nutritionist, Marion Nestle. Join us as we explore the complexities of nutrition science, the evolution of natural foods marketing, and the importance of empowering consumers to make informed choices. Plus, learn more about how independent retailers can play a role in educating their shoppers in an era of ultra-processed foods and conflicting messages when it comes to what makes a healthy diet.

May 12, 202626 min

BACKSTOCK: From Corporate to Community with Coleen Noel

This episode is brought to you by Chomps. In this week’s backstock episode, we're running back our conversation with Coleen Noel, INFRA board member and the owner of Diane’s Natural Market and Sunflower Health Foods in FL. Hear more about her journey from corporate life into the heart of the natural foods industry! In this inspiring episode, Coleen shares what drew her to becoming a business owner and touches on the unique value that independents bring to customers and communities.

May 5, 202618 min

BACKSTOCK: Regenerative as the New Gold Standard with Good Earth Natural Foods

This episode is presented to you by JonnyPops.In this week’s Buyers Desk Backstock episode, we’re going back into the archives to revisit our conversation with Mark Squire, Owner of Good Earth Natural Foods and long-time advocate for regenerative organic farming practices. He touches on his buying strategies, how he discerns quality product despite the marketing noise, how the organic landscape has evolved, and how Good Earth’s organic-first values take precedent in guiding all facets of their business.

April 28, 202645 min

BACKSTOCK: Prioritizing Animals & The Earth with Regenified

This episode is brought to you by Poppi. In this Buyer’s Desk Backstock episode, we’re revisiting Angela’s conversation 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 informed decisions about the animal products they buy.