Shows
The Natural ListNostalgic foods get functional, CPG samples come to a vacation rental near youCo-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino sample functional gelatin then dish on an innovative marketing scheme, plastic-free retailer Nude Foods Market and the Nutrition Business Journal Summit.In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino sample Gelée, a fruit-forward gelatin with collagen and antioxidants. They reminisce about some of their favorite nostalgic treats (spumoni ice cream, anyone?) and chat about the increase in CPG brands reimagining comfort food with better-for-you ingredients, such as Olipop and Goodles.They then discuss Douglas Brown’s recent Shelf Life column about a new mark...2025-05-0513 minThe Natural ListNCN Spring Investor Meeting and the natural products trends with staying powerIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino dive into Jessica’s upcoming trends presentation for the Nutrition Capital Network Spring Investor Meeting, and explore the categories and products that have stood the test of time—as well as a few that didn't last.The conversation kicks off with a spotlight on two emerging hydration brands: Sum Hydration, a presenting company at NCN that personalizes hydration solutions for commercial spaces such as gyms and offices, and Hydra Hydration, which makes electrolyte freeze pops and will be exhibiting Newtopia Now this August.Je...2025-04-2921 minThe Natural ListWellness buzz from Netflix, Newsweek and Nutrition Business JournalIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith reflect on the wellness stories and media moments echoing through the industry. They begin with the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar, a dramatized account of former influencer Belle Gibson, whose fabricated health claims offer a sharp reminder of why credibility, compliance and consumer trust matter—especially in a space built on better-for-you products. The conversation shifts to a recent Newsweek article citing Nutrition Business Journal data on the rise of functional mushrooms. With nearly 40% of consumers now incorporating mushrooms into their diets thro...2025-04-2117 minThe Natural ListSupplements in the Ozempic Age and other trends redefining healthIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith welcome Nutrition Business Journal Editor in Chief Rick Polito for a candid discussion about the shifting supplement landscape. From the rise of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic to the evolution of healthspan and longevity trends, this conversation cuts through the noise to ask: What’s hype, what’s helpful and what’s next? Rick shares insights from NBJ’s new report Supplements in the Ozempic Age, exploring how the weight loss drug boom is influencing consumer demand for ingredients like berberine, fiber and branded newcomers like Erio...2025-04-0725 minThe Natural ListFunctional bevs controversy, trends with staying power, the truth about date sugarIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith take a critical look at what’s driving the next wave of functional beverage innovation—and where the category might be headed. With hydration trending and gut health sodas under scrutiny, they navigate the fine line between marketing and science, the importance of efficacy and why brands shouldn’t underestimate what consumers want to know. The conversation highlights the upcoming Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) Spring Investor Meeting in New York, where thought leaders and investors will explore the staying power behind industry trends. Jessica and Adr...2025-03-3118 minThe Natural ListFavorite products and flavorful standouts from Expo West 2025In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith return from Natural Products Expo West 2025 to share some of the most exciting products that caught their attention on the show floor. From savory snacks and multifunctional beverages to artisanal sauces and cutting-edge personal care, Jessica and Adrienne discuss the brands and innovations that made this year’s show so memorable. They explore the evolution of trending categories like beauty from within, spotlight standout brands and reflect on the continued crossover between wellness, flavor and function. Whether you’re catchi...2025-03-2429 minThe Natural ListTop Takeaways from Expo WestThe Natural List: Key Takeaways from Natural Products Expo WestNatural Products Expo West is always a whirlwind of innovation, connection and trendspotting—and this year was no exception. With thousands of brands showcasing the latest in food, beverage, beauty and supplements, Expo West 2025 offered a glimpse into where the natural and organic industry is headed. From functional beverages and Regenerative Organic Certified to the next wave of sustainable convenience, the show floor buzzed with exciting product launches and category-defining shifts.In this episode of The Natural List, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined...2025-03-1321 minThe Natural ListTrendspotting at Expo West 2025: Innovations and industry shifts to watchWith Natural Products Expo West just days away, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith take a deep dive into the biggest trends shaping the show floor and the natural products industry in 2025. From cutting-edge innovations in plant-based foods and non-alcoholic beverages to the rise of conscious beauty and regenerative ingredients, this episode offers a preview of what’s generating buzz ahead of Expo West. What ingredients, products, and consumer shifts will take center stage this year? Jessica and Adrienne break down the trends gaining momentum, the unexpected innovations making waves, and the emerging categories redefining natural CPG. The...2025-02-2820 minThe Natural ListTop healthy beverage trends and products of 2025In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith take listeners on a flavorful journey through some of the most exciting ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages in the natural products space. From functional sodas and sparkling waters to exotic mocktails and tea-wine blends, they sample a mélange of beverages, driving the future. Tasting products from this year’s NEXTY Awards, Jessica and Adrienne spotlight drinks that push the boundaries of flavor, function and sustainability. They dive into intriguing flavors, organic certifications and the rise of multifunctional beverages promising more than just refreshment. Sip a...2025-02-2425 minThe Natural ListSexual wellness goes mainstream: Trends reshaping the industryIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith welcome back Nutrition Business Journal’s Senior Editor Robyn Lawrence to explore the current landscape of sexual and hormonal health. As consumer attitudes evolve, this category is gaining mainstream traction, with new research, ingredient innovations and a growing focus on personalization. The conversation kicks off with a fun discussion about Super Bowl marketing, highlighting how natural CPG brands are making bold moves on the biggest advertising stage. Adrienne also shares her unique twist on Super Bowl parties, showing that game day can be just as...2025-02-1723 minThe Natural ListTariffs, food waste tech and the future of in-store retailn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith tackle some of the biggest topics shaping the natural products industry in Q1 of 2025, from tariffs and supply chain disruptions to food waste reduction and in-store retail innovations. With Natural Products Expo West just three weeks away, they also provide an inside look at the show’s wildfire relief initiatives, supporting Southern California communities impacted by the January wildfires. The discussion kicks off with a look at the looming impact of tariffs on products from China, Mexico and Canada. While Mexico’s and Canada’s are c...2025-02-1022 minThe Natural ListBest of Expo West 2024: Standout innovations shaping 2025Natural Products Expo West is the industry’s biggest stage for emerging trends, groundbreaking innovations and the next wave of category-defining brands in natural CPG. With Expo West 2025 just around the corner, The Natural List is revisiting last year’s biggest takeaways in a special re-release of its 2024 show preview episode. In this episode, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith welcome Scott Dicker, senior director of market insights at SPINS, to uncover the top products, attributes and themes that made an impact at Expo West 2024. From the rise of functional teas and botanical formulations to the ev...2025-02-0339 minThe Natural ListNatural personal care trends and NEXTY Awards innovationsn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by Steven Jamieson, health and body care merchandiser at PCC Community Markets and guest judge for the 2025 Natural Products Expo NEXTY Awards. With 13 years of experience in the natural products industry, Steven shares what surprised him most from the judging process, including standout product trends, ingredient innovation and the fascinating dynamics of product evaluation alongside other industry experts. From his toothpaste TED Talk to inspiring conversations around ethical sourcing and storytelling, Steven flexes his foodie and beauty sides and reveals what makes a product...2025-01-2722 minThe Natural ListExpo West '25 updates, plant-based protein trends, $795M Simple Mills acquisitionCo-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are back with a jam-packed episode exploring the key trends shaping the natural and organic products industry as we gear up for Natural Products Expo West 2025 in Anaheim.Adrienne kicks things off with highlights from her recent trip to Spain, home to the world’s second-largest fish market, before offering a sneak peek at Expo West’s must-see sessions. Don’t miss the State of Natural and Organic keynote on March 5, featuring exclusive insights from Whipstitch Capital and SPINS, and AI Unleashed with Mitch Mitchem on March 6, diving into how AI is tra...2025-01-2021 minThe Natural ListHot Trends in Retail: AI, Gen Z and the Future of Natural ProductsIn this episode of The Natural List, co-host Jessica Rubino teams up with New Hope Network Senior Retail Reporter Douglas Brown to dive into the hot retail trends shaping 2025. Whether it’s strategic merchandising for plant-based and non-alcoholic products or leveraging storytelling to connect with consumers around regenerative agriculture, this episode offers actionable insights to help retailers stay ahead. The discussion also explores generational shopping habits, including Gen Z’s interest in in-store experiences and the importance of community-building strategies among independent natural retailers. Watch now to learn about the transformative potential of AI in retail, key differ...2025-01-1322 minThe Natural ListWhat’s new for Expo West 2025?In the first episode of The Natural List for 2025, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by Kim Shaw, show director for Natural Products Expo West, to discuss exciting updates and changes coming to Expo West in Anaheim, California, March 4-7, 2025. With an estimated 68,000 attendees and a dynamic schedule, this year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever. Kim shares what’s new for 2025, from schedule adjustments to fresh features and experiences designed to make this year’s Expo West the best one yet. Learn how exhibitors and attendees can make the most of thei...2025-01-0614 minThe Natural ListA behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 NEXTY AwardsIn this episode of The Natural List, co-host Adrienne Smith is joined by New Hope Network’s Douglas Brown and Nancy Coulter-Parker for a behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 Natural Products Expo West NEXTY Awards preliminary judging. During the preliminary round, the New Hope Network team samples and deliberates over several days and hundreds of products to select finalists in each category based on the three Is: innovation, inspiration and integrity. With more than 1,000 products spanning 35 categories in the running, the judges share highlights from the first days of judging, noteworthy trends and a few early favo...2024-12-1910 minThe Natural ListOpportunities in regenerative CPG with RegenBrands' Anthony CorsaroIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by Anthony Corsaro, co-founder of the RegenBrands ecosystem, to discuss the dynamic intersection of regenerative agriculture and consumer packaged goods (CPG). Anthony shares the journey behind launching the RegenBrands Institute, RegenBrands Coalition and RegenBrands Capital—all designed to help regenerative brands grow, build sustainable supply chains and drive awareness about regenerative practices. From hosting the first-ever trade association for regenerative brands, with thirty-one inaugural members, to connecting regenerative businesses with investors, the RegenBrands Coalition is creating a unified voice to elevate the term “regenerative” and edu...2024-12-0925 minThe Natural ListTop trends shaping CPG and retail in 2025In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith offer a sneak peek at New Hope Network’s 25 transformative trends set to shape the CPG and retail landscape in 2025. From reimagined beauty rituals and personalized health solutions to evolving approaches to convenience, sustainability and inclusivity, these trends provide a glimpse into the future of consumer demand and market opportunities. Why do these trends matter? They reflect powerful forces reshaping how brands innovate, market and connect with consumers in meaningful ways. Whether you’re navigating supply chain challenges, exploring new product categories or pre...2024-12-0222 minThe Natural ListInside natural product investments and innovationIn this episode of The Natural List, co-host Jessica Rubino shares highlights from the Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) Fall Investor Meeting, where entrepreneurs and investors gathered to explore innovations and business strategies in the health and wellness industry. Jessica discusses the shift in the investment landscape, with investors now focusing on profitability over fast growth. Plus, how can brands balance capital efficiency with ESG and sustainability commitments? As for trends, Jessica recapped NCN's top picks: women’s health, multi-functional products and science-backed ingredients and technologies. While some may question the possibility of innovation today, advancements in regenerative prac...2024-11-1815 minThe Natural ListSupplement and ingredient trends from SupplySide West In this episode of "The Natural List," Erika Craft, market research analyst for New Hope Network’s Nutrition Business Journal, joins the discussion to share insights from her recent visit to SupplySide West 2024. Erika highlights some of the industry’s most promising trends, including a growing focus on women’s health, longevity and opportunities with pharmaceutical innovations such as GLP-1 and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As the conversation progresses, Erika offers predictions on which ingredients may gain or lose popularity in the next three years and introduces lesser-known ingredients making waves in categories like beauty-from-within. Tune in to get...2024-11-1123 minThe Natural ListNEXTY Awards: Dos and don'ts for Expo West submissionsEver wonder what it takes to win a prestigious NEXTY award? In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by New Hope Network's Douglas Brown, senior retail reporter, and Nancy Coulter-Parker, content marketing director, to discuss the essential dos and don’ts for submitting nominations leading up to Natural Products Expo West. With the final submission deadline on Dec. 2, the team divulge can't-miss tips and insights to help brands make the most of their applications. Judges from diverse backgrounds, including retailers and investors, will assess entries based on the "3 Is"—innov...2024-11-0423 minThe Natural ListBehind the scenes of 'The DSHEA Effect' documentaryIn this episode of The Natural List, co-host Jessica Rubino is joined by Bill Giebler, content and insights director for Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ), to discuss the upcoming documentary The DSHEA Effect. Produced by New Hope Network and NBJ, the documentary celebrates 30 years of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), passed on Oct. 25, 1994, which transformed the dietary supplement industry into the $67 billion powerhouse it is today. Bill and Jessica explore how DSHEA shaped the industry, allowing companies to make structure and function claims without delving into disease claims, and the opportunities ahead as we look forward to...2024-10-2823 minThe Natural ListFunctional beverages, health span trends and Amazon’s new grocery strategyIn this week's episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith dive into the rapidly expanding healthy beverage space, highlighting products that blend convenience with functional ingredients. From ready-to-drink beverages with supplement panels to products such as Bloom Nutrition’s colostrum and collagen peptides—focused on gut health and skin, hair and nail health—functional beverages are growing fast. Jessica and Adrienne’s UNBOXED picks include ÖRLÖ Nutrition's Icelandic Ultra Spirulina Women’s Vitality Mix, a carbon-negative, nutrient-packed product, and The Peachie Spoon Protein Powder, a versatile supplement combining grass-fed whey, MCT oil and acacia fiber. Our host...2024-10-2121 minThe Natural ListExploring Natural Products Expo West 2025 themes with Jenna FitchIn this episode of The Natural List, co-host Adrienne Smith is joined by Jenna Fitch, senior conference content director, to discuss the latest topics shaping Natural Products Expo West 2025. The conversation kicks off with an update on the speaker application window, open until Nov. 1, and the call to bring impactful conversations to the table, specifically on topics such as artificial intelligence, food access and sustainable agriculture. With 20 breakout sessions, a full day of Climate Day programming and an expanded Business School program, Expo West 2025 will address critical industry issues, helping brands scale purposefully and maintain profitability. Adrienne a...2024-10-1421 minThe Natural ListThe Natural List returns with hot industry takesIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith explore the latest news and trends in the natural products industry, starting with the excitement of the 2025 Natural Products Expo West NEXTY Awards. For the first time, nominations are open early, running until Dec. 2, and cover 35 categories, including new favorites like non-alcoholic beverages, beauty and packaged produce. Jessica and Adrienne dive into noteworthy trends from Newtopia Now, highlighting the rise of artisanal, chef-crafted brands; the growth of clean beauty; and the increasing influence of science-backed ingredients in supplements and wellness products. Our hosts also d...2024-10-0729 minThe Natural ListInvesting in CPG: A capital-efficient, good-growth eraIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith sit down with The Angel Group’s Founding Member Adam Spriggs and Managing Partner Chris Robb for an informal crash course in today's angel investing landscape. Founded just under five years ago, The Angel Group is a community of investors who are passionate about the food and beverage industry and supporting CPG’s most promising emerging brands. Built on a community-driven model, this investment syndicate partners with early-stage companies and offers far more than funding. In fact, Adam and Chris assert that “bringing in the righ...2024-06-2739 minThe Natural ListThe Gist – NBJ Summit: celebrating DSHEA, emerging ideas and industry leadersIn this episode of The Gist, Nutrition Business Journal’s Content and Insights Director Bill Giebler joins co-host (and fellow co-chair of the NBJ Summit, alongside Tom Aarts) Jessica Rubino to pull back the curtain on the upcoming NBJ Summit. The NBJ Summit is a premier event for the dietary supplement and global nutrition industry and its top CEOs and executives. The theme for 2024 is “Empowered Leadership: Illuminating the Path from Foundation to Future,” and this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which established a regulatory framework for dietary suppleme...2024-06-2011 minThe Natural ListWhat are functional beverages and do they work?In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith welcome Food and Beverage Insider staff writer Scott Miller to weigh in on the functional beverage category. What makes a beverage “functional?” How do retailers, brands and consumers define this emerging category? And who is ultimately responsible for ensuring consumers are informed about a product’s ingredients and efficacy? This timely conversation identifies current challenges in the functional beverage space and the problems of “pixie dusting,” plus offers insights into the class-action lawsuit against prebiotic soda brand Poppi and highlights the importance of ingredien...2024-06-1328 minThe Natural ListThe Natural Gist – What are the top trends in functional beverages?In this episode of The Gist, co-host Jessica Rubino shines a spotlight on the surge of growth in the wellness and functional beverage category. From opportunities in nonalcoholic beverages to popular ingredients like pre- and probiotics, mushrooms and CBD, retailers are seeing an explosion of wellness and social refreshments. Whether these tasty tonics are intended to optimize health and wellness or set the stage for group gatherings, the question that’s top-of-mind for consumers is: “what is this beverage going to do for me?” Tune in for this hot take on one of the hottest categories in CPG.2024-06-0710 minThe Natural ListThe new face of clean beauty is regenerativeIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino sit down with Founder and CEO of Thrive Natural Care Alex McIntosh. A decade after Thrive’s launch into the clean beauty market, McIntosh reflects on the greatest developments he’s witnessed in the CPG industry, including more diversity, the mainstreaming of the regenerative movement and functionality and performance of natural products compared to their conventional counterparts. Tune in to learn how Thrive educated consumers on the value proposition of regenerative beauty, McIntosh’s sustainability vision and healthy living and the key learnings for entrepr...2024-05-3147 minThe Natural ListThe Natural Gist – National Restaurant Association Show RoundupIn this episode of The Gist, co-host Adrienne Smith recaps her weekend in Chicago, IL and shares some highlights from her panel discussion at the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show. Tune in to hear all about it, as well as for a quick review of the show’s natural and organic pavilion and one of the standout trends from the show. She'll also offer a look into what opportunities can come from collaborations between CPG brands and the restaurant and food service industry. 2024-05-2410 minThe Natural ListHow 'going green' can reward people and the planetWhether on the shelves of your favorite neighborhood retailer or on the menu at popular restaurants like Chipotle, consumers are “seeing green” in more places than ever; and no, we don’t mean green with envy! In this episode of The Natural List, co-host Adrienne Smith is joined by HowGood’s SVP of Growth and Innovation Rachel Calomeni and Director of Retail Growth and Innovation Lauren Porter to explore the history of HowGood, success stories and sustainability frameworks adopted by companies in the food system and methods used by CPG brands and retailers to present product sustainability informatio...2024-05-1734 minThe Natural ListThe Natural Gist – Mushrooms, biotics and women run the (supplements) worldIn this episode of The Gist, co-host Adrienne Smith is joined by Natural Products Insider’s Content Director Todd Runestad for the latest and greatest in supplements. From functional fungi and the continued rise of “biotics” to the dethroning of statins and the boom in women-centered research and the resulting products, Runestad discusses the ingredients, conditions and delivery formats currently driving today's market. 2024-05-0912 minThe Natural ListFad or future? Current trends in CPGIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by Start-Up CPG’s Founder and CEO Daniel Scharff to discuss popular innovations in natural CPG and their potential “shelf-life” with consumers. From CBD (anything) to spicy flavors and adaptogenic baked goods, we’re peering into our CPG crystal ball and offering up our industry predictions and the rationale behind them. Listen in and play along with “Fad or Future” and compare your forecast to ours! Headed to Newtopia Now? Don’t miss our Buyerside Chat with Whole Foods Market–led by Daniel Scha2024-05-0227 minThe Natural ListThe Natural Gist – What’s up with Newtopia Now?We are four months out from the launch of Newtopia Now, and one question remains top of mind: what is Newtopia Now? You might recognize her from Natural Products Expo’s popular video series What’s Up Expo, but today, New Hope Network Marketing Director Hannah Price joins co-host Jessica Rubino to drop some deets about Denver’s hottest new CPG extravaganza. Designed to deepen relationships, spotlight the latest innovations and complement the foundations laid at Natural Products Expo West, this groundbreaking event offers a more boutique experience and thoughtful activations across four neighborhoods: thrive, glow, re...2024-04-2510 minThe Natural ListThe Natural Gist – What does the Dom's and Foxtrot news mean for CPG?In a shocking move, Dom's Kitchen & Market and Foxtrot—two Chicago-based retailers comprising two and 33 stores, respectively—announced that doors would be closing at noon on Tuesday, April 23rd at all of the stores' retail locations. The two retailers merged five months ago under the parent brand Outfox Hospitality, which is filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Hear from Food and Beverage Insider's Content Director Audarshia Townsend what's happening on the ground in Chicago, plus what this means for other retailers and the emerging CPG brands that were on these stores' shelves. 2024-04-2407 minThe Natural ListFinding CPG’s 'sweet spot' with less sugarIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by Registered Dietitian at The Real Food Dietitians Jessie Shafer and Founder at Original Strategies and Kitchen Cabinet Chair at PLEZi Nutrition Deb Eschmeyer. Since we just put their titles in the subheading, this feels awkward to me. What if we just say, “joined by children’s nutrition experts…. Jessie Shafer and Deb Eschmeyer?”According to Eschmeyer,two out of three children on average drink a sugary beverage every day. Moreover, children consume approximately fifty-three pounds of added sugar per year. To combat this...2024-04-1928 minThe Natural ListGen Z food trendsIn this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by esteemed food ethnographer June Jo Lee. With studies in both medical and cultural anthropology from Harvard, June Jo explores the relationship between people and the foods they eat to “nourish the modern hungers of disconnection and dislocation.” Is “regenerative” a fad or a cultural shift? What patterns emerge from countless founder stories? How does “caring more” relate to Gen Z and their connection to food? And what would a Michelin star restaurant serve on Mars? Catch this week’s episode to enjoy...2024-04-1142 minThe Natural ListThe Natural Gist – Where’s the data on women?Welcome to The Natural Gist – a new biweekly series featuring hot takes in a short and sweet format. Each episode explores current questions and industry issues with your favorite co-hosts and notable guests. Our first question is: where’s the data on women? While the CPG industry is championing the long-neglected category of women’s health, female-centric research is scrambling to catch up with the times. Though researchers continue to expand the foundation of women-focused research, gender parity in the research world is still an aspiration. ...2024-04-0414 minThe Natural ListTrends and opportunities in women’s healthForget the hushed tones and awkward silences. The women’s health category is having its much-anticipated moment, now celebrated as the darling of CPG by retailers, investors and, most importantly, consumers who crave accurate information and effective solutions.In this episode, co-host Jessica Rubino, guest co-host Robyn Lawrence of New Hope Network’s Nutrition Business Journal and NielsenIQ Vice President Total Wellness Sherry Frey explore the trends and opportunities defining the future of women’s wellness. Dive into this exciting conversation about how women-centric science, marketing and education are challenging the CPG paradigm and bringing to market products...2024-03-2925 minThe Natural ListRestoring ecosystems: Regeneration before sustainabilityWe’re back from Natural Products Expo West with a wealth of expertise from some of the top innovators in the natural and organic industry!In today’s episode of The Natural List, Adrienne Smith and New Hope Network’s Senior Retail Reporter Douglas Brown sit down with Regenified’s Co-Founder Gabe Brown and Chief Marketing Officer Kristine Root to learn about Regenified’s Regenerative Agriculture Certification, how they measure success on farms and possible roadblocks preventing more farmers and ranchers from going regenerative. Tune in to hear about some of the brands committed to Regenified...2024-03-2233 minThe Natural ListHot takes and hidden gems to spot at Expo WestIt’s that time of year! Natural Products Expo West, the Super Bowl of the natural products industry, kicks off tomorrow! In this special Expo West edition of The Natural List, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith welcome Market Insights Director of SPINS Scott Dicker back to the podcast to unearth the top emerging trends before the show floor opens on Wednesday, March 13. From innovative attributes and careful botanical formulations to back to back-to-basics, these trends reflect the shift in consumer mindsets and foretell the “next big thing” in CPG. Don’t miss The NEXTY Awards Cere...2024-03-1139 minThe Natural ListCPG capital crunchIs this a good time for brands to raise capital? What are investors looking for? And what caused the drop in food tech investments? In this episode of The Natural List, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith welcome Executive Director of Nutrition Capital Network Mike Dovbish to examine the investment landscape as it looks today, highlight standout categories and offer projections for the venture community in CPG. Tune in Attending Natural Products Expo West? Don’t miss Nutrition Capital Network’s Investor Kickoff and All-Star Pitch Showcase on Friday, March 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. P...2024-03-0739 minThe Natural ListForbes' Chloe Sorvino puts a fork in unethical meat productionCan the future of meat be sustainable or equitable? Chloe Sorvino, author of "The Raw Deal," argues it depends on who gets the money. In this episode of The Natural List, we dive into Sorvino's key solution: redistributing investment dollars and aligning around sustainable meat models. Plus, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith champion the change makers who are doing beef and poultry better.2024-02-2944 minThe Natural ListStandouts from the NEXTY AwardsWe’re back with season two of The Natural List podcast! Hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith kick-off 2024 with a detailed recap of the Natural Products Expo West NEXTY Awards. In this episode, we invite first-time NEXTY judges Brody Burk, forager manager at Sprouts Farmers Market, and Jonathan Lawrence, vice president of center store and founding member of Fresh Thyme Market, to discuss standout trends and categories from the NEXTY awards and the future of CPG. Plus, the hosts review some of their favorite products and innovations from this year’s list of 154 NEXTY finalists.2024-02-2344 min
The Buyer's DeskDancing the Tradeshow TangoThis 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 conversation with Amy Clark from KeHe about trade show strategy and 2024 trend predictions.2024-01-151h 10The Natural List5 natural products business reflections from 2023In this final episode from season one of The Natural List, our hosts and industry experts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith share a bonus list of macro-level observations from the natural products industry. Join us as we close out another trip around the sun with these top five takeaways from 2023. 2023-12-2707 minThe Natural ListNatural beauty trends (and brands) to love in 2024Join hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith for an end-of-the-year review of the current trends defining the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry. In this episode, our team explores sustainable supply chains, multipurpose products and the marriage between ancient traditions and modern technology. Tune in for a highlight reel of the trends and brands to watch in 2024! 2023-12-2013 minThe Natural ListEmerging brands and independent retailers: better togetherWhile many brands compete for placement in large retailers, independent grocers and local coops offer flexibility and growth opportunitiesIn this episode of The Natural List, we welcome guests Angela Bozo and Chris Sorensen from the Independent Natural Food Retail Association (INFRA). Back in 2004, INFRA started as four retailers with an idea. Today, INFRA is a purchasing cooperative comprised of 347 retailers and 602 storefronts across the nation. Join us for a behind-the-retailers discussion about the launch of INFRA’s podcast The Buyer’s Desk, top challenges and opportunities natural grocers will face in 2024 and how independent natur...2023-12-1341 minThe Natural ListWhat's next for 2024? 11 natural food and supplement trends to watchIn this episode of The Natural List, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith explore the food, beverage and supplement trends leading the multi-billion-dollar natural products industry into 2024. Tune in for exclusive insights from our industry experts and hear which brands and products are pioneering each trend! 2023-12-0621 minThe Natural ListExclusive interview with Jay ShettyWhy is passion a critical ingredient in your career – and how can you infuse purpose and love into your professional journey? During our exclusive sit-down-interview with Jay Shetty, host of On Purpose with Jay Shetty and author of Think Like a Monk and 8 Rules of Love, we discuss why finding and staying true to your mission can be the key to long-term career success. Tune into this episode of The Natural List for more on how Shetty, co-founder of adaptogenic sparkling tea brand Juni, thinks about packaging your purpose. As an entrepreneur, he offers advice for...2023-11-3015 minThe Natural ListTop trends in healthier food service fareIn this episode, we dive into the dynamic food service universe, and how healthier for you—and the planet—options are making their way into restaurants, dormitories, hospitals, airlines and more. The global food service industry is now valued at between one and three trillion dollars, representing a world of opportunity for CPG companies looking to expand their distribution strategies. From primo menu placements to innovative campus popups and in-flight makeovers, we highlight some of the most exciting things happening in CPG outside of retail. Plus, we spoke with Rob Morasco, vice president of innovation at Sodexo...2023-11-1537 minThe Natural ListCharcuterie gets a vegan makeoverFrom the “humble ham” to a luxurious foie gras, Prime Roots’ plant-based revolution is coming to a deli counter near you. By relying on hero ingredient koji, Berkley-based innovator (and Certified B Corp!) Prime Roots has launched a selection of mind-blowing meat analogues that include roasted ham to salami, pâté and, our favorite, koji foie gras. In this episode, we talk to the company's co-founder Kimberlie Le about the brand's origins, impacts and how she's transforming Old World deli products into clean, sustainable plant-based charcuterie coming to a food service location near you. Plus, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne...2023-11-0138 minThe Natural ListExclusive interview with Paul StametsFor many, the mushrooms craze is somewhat new, or at least newly embraced. But for world-renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, it’s affirmation of something that, in nearly four decades of impassioned work, he never wavered on: Mushrooms can change the world. Stamets has spent 40 years funneling resources into the study of mycelium. He is the founder and owner of Fungi Perfecti and Host Defense, co-founder of Mycomedica Life Sciences, co-director of the nonprofit the Center for Ecological consciousness and the author of multiple books describing psilocybin mushroom identification and cultivation.In this episode of The Natural List, we connect...2023-10-1234 minThe Natural ListWellness predictions with SPINS & NBJIn this episode of The Natural List, we connect with Scott Dicker of SPINS and Nutrition Business Journal's Bill Giebler to make sense of the supplement industry's "wild ride" through the unprecedented sales growth peak of 2020 to the harsh, but healthy, normalization of 2023. From mushrooms to menopause and everything in between, we functional coffee talk the many trends driving the industry innovation of 2024. Join us for this conversation from the trenches of the Natural Products Expo East show floor, where health-focused companies launched some of the most exciting wellness, nutrition and functional food and beverage products into...2023-09-2732 minThe Natural List10 natural products trends to watch nowWhat’s on our radar as we hit the show floor at Natural Products Expo East, one of the country’s largest natural products tradeshows? From the continued rise of NA beverages and soulful CPG to plastic-free packaging and the new face of fiber, Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith share the top natural food, supplement and personal care trends to have on your radar now. Learn more about these trends here (for the newhope.com article, link to the trends article that just went live; for Captivate, point to newhope.com). 2023-09-2014 minThe Natural ListFounders Heritage elevates diversity in CPGIn this episode of The Natural List, Jake Deleon, founder of Fila Manila and co-founder of Founders Heritage, joins Jessica and Adrienne to discuss ways of challenging the CPG paradigm and how to take action around equity in funding and retail distribution. Founders Heritage is a community of entrepreneurs whose products represent the founder’s authentic heritage. From its launch with five brands to a thriving community of 60, including Yai's Thai, Maazah, Nona Lim and others, Founders Heritage celebrates cultural diversity in CPG and retail. Join the three-time NEXTY Award winner as he shares insights fro...2023-09-1335 minThe Natural ListThe Future Market’s Mike Lee on innovation strategyIn this episode of The Natural List, Founder of The Future Market, Mike Lee, joins Jessica and Adrienne for a discussion about defining responsible innovation and evaluating a brand's positive and negative externalities. Initially inspired by the concept cars at Detroit automobile shows, Mike unearthed an early appreciation for products that could do good for people and planet and delighted in the preview of future possibilities. In a few weeks’ time at the New Hope Innovation Experience, Natural Products Expo East and The Future Market will create a musuem-like experience that brings these forward-thinking concepts to life. The...2023-09-0648 minThe Natural ListForbes, Pop Up Grocer share what's hot and what's not in naturalFor over a decade, the NEXTY Awards have recognized innovative, inspirational, and integrity-driven natural products at Natural Products Expos West and East. Now open to all natural products brands—regardless of whether or not they are exhibitors at these shows—the NEXTYS are a platform for some of today’s most value-driven and exciting brands, many of which are embracing creative solutions to some of the most pressing issues impacting people and the planet.For the Expo East 2023 edition of these awards, New Hope Network’s team of editors and analysts were joined by a range of industry...2023-08-3044 minThe Natural ListSupplement futurecasting with Ritual and Radicle ScienceInnovative women leaders are redefining the health and wellness industry Today, around 75% of Americans take dietary supplements, whether for health maintenance, daily optimization, or long-term prevention. But a lot goes on behind the scenes at the companies that provide these pills and powders to ensure that consumers' expectations are met.At an executive event in Rancho Palos Verdes called the NBJ Summit, leaders from ingredient suppliers, supplement brands and retailers gathered to discuss the opportunities in this multi-billion-dollar industry. From AI-driven clinical trials and dynamic omnichannel sales strategies to scientific validation and ingredient transparency, the f...2023-08-1853 minThe Natural ListFounderMade’s ethos of community and connectionHow to support the brand innovators and industry disruptors of tomorrowFounderMade, which began as a pitch event in 2015, has grown into a large-scale media company that specializes in "best-in-class content and experiences created specifically for tomorrow's brand innovators." Today, the FounderMade Innovation Show connects over 1200 industry leaders in beauty, food and wellness for a full day of networking, discovery and education. In today’s episode of The Natural List, Michelle Finizio, president and co-founder of FounderMade, details her journey from a background in the accelerator ecosystem to the evolution of world-class trade shows that sup...2023-08-0245 minThe Natural ListThe zero-proof is in the pudding: NA is here to stayIt’s official: NA is here to stay. No longer relegated to sugary artificial sippers, wellness-oriented consumers can access far more diverse and sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages through a range of retail and food service outlets. Whether they’re going totally “dry” or opting for the more moderate “damp” approach, consumers everywhere (especially “sober curious” Gen Zers) are seeking delicious options that support a more present, healthier lifestyle. The options available to support this cultural shift have become so prolific that serial entrepreneur Marcos Salazar launched the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA) to educate on and responsibly grow t...2023-07-1942 minThe Natural ListGenerative AI and the future of foodGot (green, plant-based) milk? While generative A.I. holds great promise for the future of CPG product formulation and marketing, tech-derived innovations also come with unique challenges. In this episode of the Natural List, Jessica and Adrienne talk with Aadit Patel, vice president product engineering at NotCo, about finding the right balance of technology and humanity to scale high-performing plant-based products. Jessica and Adrienne also share which companies are using A.I. as a force for good by focusing on climate-friendly agriculture methods, novel botanical identification and next-level plant-based product development.2023-07-0652 minThe Natural ListThrive Market on how to stand out at Expo EastThrive Market's Jason Bidart and Christine McNerney reveal the ins-and-outs of a highly curated product catalogue and what emerging brands can do to stand out.Thrive Market, a B Corp certified online retailer, is on a mission to make healthy living easy and affordable for everyone. In today’s episode of The Natural List, New Hope Network’s Director of Content Adrienne Smith joins Jason Bidart and Christine McNerney—both VPs of merchandising at Thrive Market—to discuss consumer education, building community, and what they’ll be looking for in new brands at Natural Products Expo East this Septe2023-06-2138 minThe Natural ListLet's talk about sex(ual) healthThe conversation around women’s health has shifted, not only to a place where stigmas are finally dissolving around topics such as menstruation, menopause, hormones and reproductive health, but also where women can talk frankly about their sexual health, libido and other formerly “off-limits” physiological functions that affect over half of the U.S. population.Natural products brands are rising to meet this demand and fill this massive gap in the marketplace for women’s health solutions. One such brand is Winged Wellness. Its women-centric supplement and personal care products offer women clinically studied formulations for a variety...2023-06-0645 minThe Natural ListWeight, weight, don't tell meWill Ozempic and other new pharmaceuticals make weight-management supplements a thing of the past? A recent New Hope consumer survey yields surprising results about natural channel shoppers and their willingness to turn to Big Pharma for weight loss's new "silver bullets." Don't miss this week's edition of The Natural List, when hosts Jesica Rubino and Adrienne Smith talk to New Hope's Nutrition Business Journal Editor-In-Chief Rick Polito about what natural consumers are saying about weight management and how supplement companies can stay in the game. 2023-05-2427 minThe Natural ListSustainability storytelling: Vulnerability, authenticity and impact matterConsumers care about what brands are doing to engage in sustainable practices. In fact, more than 30% of natural channel shoppers in a recent survey conducted by New Hope Network have purchased a new product based on its sustainability claims within the past year. At the same time, consumers are wary of greenwashing and want to know the specific steps a brand is taking toward sustainability. But when, where and how should brands share this information with consumers? How much should brands tell consumers about both successes and failures along the way? How much information is t...2023-05-1035 minThe Natural ListNatural beauty's plastic-free futureThe beauty industry is rife with plastic packaging and excess water, issues that until recently even brands focused on nontoxic formulations did little to address. But thanks to the tireless work of key beauty innovators, including this week's interviewee HiBar Co-Founder and President Nora Schaper, the future of the beauty industry is looking a whole lot different than its wasteful past. In this week's episode of The Natural List, we unpack what goes into removing plastic from the equation. 2023-04-2647 minThe Natural ListBivalves and algae and mackerel, oh my!Guest host Jenna Fitch joins The Natural List to talk about the sustainable tinned seafood trend featuring highlights from a recent panel of natural CPG founders. Over three billion people in the world get the majority of their protein sources and nutrition from oceans and waterways. Yet in America, oceans are often overlooked as a part of the food system despite being the most internationally traded food commodity on earth. In this episode of The Natural List, host Jessica Rubino and guest host Jenna Fitch introduce the Seafood Collab and several of the brands working har...2023-04-1144 minThe Natural ListUpcycling: How 'trash' food became a climate movementIn this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the expansion and marketing of the age-old practice now known as "upcycling"—and how it’s motivating brands and consumers to take climate into their own hands (and mouths).We open our conversation with a definition of upcycling, look at SPINS data reflecting this growing trend and examine consumer research on the movement’s reach and importance. The hosts are then joined by Upcycled Food Association Board President and Renewal Mill Co-Founder and COO Caroline Cotto and Regrained Co-founder and Chief Grain Officer Daniel Kurzrock, to discuss developing an upcy...2023-03-3039 minThe Natural ListWhat’s NEXT(Y) in natural products?In the third episode of The Natural List, we continue the conversation around sustainable innovations. But this time around we are scrapping the usual format and turning the whole episode into an extended segment of "The List" to talk about our favorite brands and products from the NEXTY Awards. We are joined by members of the New Hope Network team and judging committee for a behind-the-scenes look at evaluating some of this year’s most exciting and impactful NEXTY winners.2023-03-2333 minThe Natural ListExpo West: not the 'granola show' anymoreNatural Products Expo West is a confluence of the world’s top CPG changemakers and thought leaders, which comprise the nearly $300 billion natural products industry. Every year, the tradeshow’s State of Natural and Organic keynote unveils the latest industry data and key insights driving future growth. In this episode of The Natural List, New Hope Network’s SVP and Market Leader Carlotta Mast shares top takeaways from the session and hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith identify the “big idea” companies playing a critical role in the industry’s transformation.2023-03-1535 minThe Natural ListThe Teaser for The Natural ListJoin the New Hope Network team and industry guests as they share the most compelling and (sometimes off the wall) innovations that are primed to transform the CPG industry and support a global shift toward healthier, more sustainable living. 2023-02-2801 minThe Natural ListInside-Out Innovation In this episode, we’ll discuss how New Hope Network looks at innovation: Not just what makes its way onto store shelves, but also what happens behind the scenes to ensure companies use business as a force for good. We also talk with Holly Adrien of The Kroger Co. and Emily Kanter of Cambridge Naturals about how brands can partner with retailers to elevate their innovations. And in a segment called The List, we highlight our favorite industry-shaping products, companies and ideas. 2023-02-2839 min