The Buyer's Desk

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.