The Buyer's Desk

Hosted by Independent Natural Food Retailers Association

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113

Latest episode

Aug 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

September 8, 202628 min

Inside the Trends Shaping Beauty & Body Care with SPINS

In this week’s episode of The Buyer’s Desk , co-host Angela Bozo chats with SPINS Broker Insights Manager Rachel Brobst to explore the latest trends shaping the beauty and body care category. Together, they unpack insights from SPINS’ recent State of Beauty & Body Care 2026 report that outlines consumers’ growing focus on holistic beauty, the continued demand for convenience, and the idea that trust is the new luxury. Tune in to learn how independent retailers can move beyond simply managing beauty categories to better understand the trends and products in the space. This episode is brought to you by Little Sesame .

September 1, 202628 min

Fresh Perspective: The Current State of Organic Produce

This episode is brought to you by Chomps. In this week's episode of The Buyer's Desk, SPINS Senior Retail Insights Manager Jim is joined by Matt Olson, INFRA Fresh Retail Strategist, to dive into the current state of organic produce. From fresh food recalls to overall trust in the organic label, Matt and Jim discuss how independent retailers can leverage local supplier relationships and the organic label to foster trust with shoppers.

August 25, 202647 min

Innovating the Natural Products Expo with Informa

In this episode, Pat chats with Jeff D’entremont, Senior Vice President at Informa Markets, about event management in the natural foods sector. Jeff shares insights from his diverse career managing major events, from NFL stadium to natural products expos, and how to create passionate and loyal event attendees across a variety of sectors. Plus, get the inside scoop on Informa’s latest event innovation, Newtopia Now, and where the event is going next.

August 18, 202637 min

What FTC’s Lawsuit Against Amazon Means for Independents

This episode is brought to you by Harken Sweets. This week, we’re digging into a hefty topic: the Federal Trade Commission’s anti-trust case against Amazon. In this episode, Ron Knox, Senior Researcher and Policy Advocate at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR), explains Amazon’s “monopoly flywheel” of predatory business practices raising prices across the internet. He breaks down the background of the case, where it stands today, and what it could mean for independents in the struggle against growing monopoly power.

August 11, 202642 min

Regenerative Responsibility with Ancient Nutrition

This episode is brought to you by PUR Gum. This week, Pat is joined by Kristie Cerutti, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Impact at Ancient Nutrition. Kristie discusses how Ancient Nutrition works to continually evaluate and minimize its environmental impact through initiatives including Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC), farmer support, and packaging changes. She also shares strategies for independents to successfully sell ROC products, despite their premium price tag.

August 4, 202632 min

Lunchbox Lineups for Back-to-School with SPINS

This episode is brought to you by Little Sesame Hummus. Back-to-school season is here, and that means it’s time to start filling lunchboxes again! In this episode, Senior Category Manager Kim Route and SPINS Expert Jim Olson chat about top-performing brands across INFRA stores that are both kid-approved and better-for-you. They cover the natural swaps for all the lunchbox staples, from sandwiches to fruit snacks and meat sticks, plus convenient options for busy parents.

July 28, 202630 min

BACKSTOCK: The Power of Local Connection with Highland Nutrition Center

This episode is brought to you by Ice Cream for Bears. This week, we're revisiting our Common Roots conversation with Vickie Bacon, Owner of Highland Nutrition Center in Highland, IL. Located in a small town with less than 10,000 people, Vickie shares how prioritizing community involvement has cemented Highland Nutrition Center as an important fixture in their community. Plus, learn more about how they’ve leveraged INFRA’s promotional programs to drive sales and deliver value to their customers.

July 21, 202632 min

The Road to Organic with CCOF

This episode is brought to you by Poppi. This week, Jessy Beckett Parr, Chief Program Officer at California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) joins Pat for an in-depth conversation about the transition to organic agriculture. She discusses challenges for farmers, explains the impacts of CCOF and federal programming, and explores the future of the organic. Plus, she offers concrete ways that buyers can propel the organic movement.

July 14, 202631 min

Small Town, Strong Support: Celebrating Woodstock Farmers’ Market

This week, Angela sits down with Amelia Rappaport, HR Director and Partner at Woodstock Farmers’ Market in Vermont, to explore the relationships, values, and intentional choices that have helped the store thrive for decades. Amelia shares how a commitment to inclusion and accessibility shapes everything from daily operations to the customer experience, and why truly believing in the products you carry is one of the most important qualities a buyer can bring to the role.

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.