Retail Buyers and Brands to Chart the Future of Conscious CPG at Inaugural Newtopia Now Event
Featuring “Buyerside Chats,” thematic neighborhoods, cutting-edge content, relationship-building events and more, Newtopia Now complements Expo West and is designed to deepen relationships between buyers and brands in the $300B market for natural, nutritional, organic, regenerative and related healthy lifestyle products.
This promotion first appeared in New Hope Network
Consumers from Gen Z on up are becoming more and more aware of the concept of “health span” over “life span.” They are asking themselves not just “how long am I living,” but also “how long am I living well?”
As such, demand for healthful, conscious products continues to surge. From a market estimated at $97 billion in 2007, consumer sales of natural, organic and better-for-you products have tripled to more than $300 billion in 2023, according to market research data published in March 2024 by New Hope Network.
The challenge for retailers and brands is how to continually innovate to meet the growing demands of health-minded and environmentally conscious consumers.
For retail buyers, discovering innovative, commercially appealing products and building lasting relationships with their customers and brands are paramount for success. For conscious companies, finding meaningful, authentic ways to connect and foster relationships with buyers and consumers is key to the growth of their brands.
Enter Newtopia Now, set for Aug. 25-28, 2024, in Denver.
Presented by New Hope Network, producer of Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural products industry trade show, Newtopia Now is a decidedly different experience designed to directly connect buyers and brands in a more intimate, interactive and future-forward setting.
JAMBAR Making Waves With New Tropical Trio Flavor and Signing of Pro Surfer Tia Blanco
Organic Energy Bar Maker Also Announces Three-Flavor Vegan Box
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (March 6, 2024) – Organic energy bar maker JAMBAR today announced the launch of Tropical Trio – a new vegan flavor featuring a bright and breezy blend of banana, pineapple and coconut. In addition to this ensemble of island fruits, the new bar contains gluten-free ancient grains, walnut butter and 10 grams of plant-based protein. JAMBAR also revealed the signing of pro surfer, mother and plant-based athlete Tia Blanco, as well as the launch of a 12-bar vegan box that will include Tropical Trio, Jammin’ Jazzleberry and Musical Mango.
The new flavor was formulated by JAMBAR founder Jennifer Maxwell, a food scientist and co-founder of the original PowerBar®. Designed to take taste buds on an island escape, Tropical Trio features comforting notes of banana that meet the exotic with hints of coconut and pineapple.
Professional surfer Tia Blanco.
Attendees at next week’s Natural Products Expo West (March 13-15) in Anaheim, California, will be the first to sample Tropical Trio at the JAMBAR booth (N2140). New JAMBAR ambassador Tia Blanco will be at the booth on Wednesday, March 13, from 1-4 p.m. for a meet and greet and to sign autographs.“Finally! A bar that not only tastes delicious, but one I can trust to deliver clean, plant-based energy. JAMBAR is the perfect fuel to power my active lifestyle and motherhood,” said Blanco.
A professional surfer from Southern California, Blanco was the gold medalist at the International Surfing Association Women’s World Surfing Championship in 2015 and 2016. She also won ABC’s The Ultimate Surfer competition in 2021 and is an accomplished yogi, painter and entrepreneur.
The newest member of Team JAMBAR, Blanco joins top-tier athletes including Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley, professional running power couple Joe Klecker and Sage Hurta-Klecker, Stroller Mile World Record Holder Neely Spence Gracey, pro cyclist and Gravel Hall of Famer Ali Tetrick, and professional skier and biker Ryan McElmon.
Tropical Trio is JAMBAR’s fifth flavor, and its first new flavor since the company launched in late 2021. In addition to the three vegan fruit flavors, JAMBAR also offers two bars that contain whey protein – Chocolate Cha Cha and Malt Nut Melody. All five flavors are crafted in a dedicated, state-of-the-art production facility in San Rafael, California.
JAMBAR Vegan Box Now Available
The company also announced the availability of a new 12-bar box featuring four bars each of JAMBAR’s three vegan options – Tropical Trio, Jammin’ Jazzleberry and Musical Mango. Every vegan bar contains 10 grams of high-quality sunflower protein and is sweetened using only organic maple syrup and natural sugars found in fruit.
The new vegan box can be purchased online at www.jambar.com and via Amazon Prime, and will be rolling out to retail locations this spring.
“Our vegan flavors pack a serious nutritional punch without sacrificing taste,” said Maxwell. “With the new vegan box, people who are focused on a plant-based diet can enjoy variety while staying true to their clean eating lifestyle.”
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and about the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, the bars feature ancient grains, authentic natural sweeteners and high-quality proteins.The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support the transformative pursuits of music and sports. JAMBARs are available at jambar.com, via Amazon Prime, and at select grocery and sports specialty stores including Erewhon, Safeway (NorCal Division), Raley’s Supermarkets, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Gelson’s Markets, Earth Fare, The Fresh Market, Good Earth Natural Foods, Mollie Stone’s Markets, Nugget Market and select Fleet Feet and other running store locations. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow JAMBAR on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel: 206.669.3580
Are You Expo Experienced? Insiders Share Tips for the Best Expo West
By Steven Hoffman
Natural Products Expo West, first launched in 1981 and held every year since, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, is the world’s largest natural and organic products trade show. Spread across five days, this year’s event, held March 12th to 16th, is expected to attract more than 65,000 trade visitors and over 3,000 exhibiting companies.
For business leaders, founders, entrepreneurs, retailers and others in the natural channel, attending Expo West is considered essential. However, as it can be costly, time consuming and a bit overwhelming, we asked industry insiders and colleagues their favorite tips to make the most of the show. Read on for some helpful hacks to maximize your Expo experience.
Karen Farrell, VP of Brand Services, PRESENCE
First, be sure to visit PRESENCE’s Hospitality Room at Expo West, Room 210A, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Trade members are welcome to visit during show hours for snacks, beverages, a place to meet or take a break, and to catch up with Presence Marketing team members.
On a self-care level, realize that all the restaurants and coffee shops are going to be crowded, for breakfast, in particular. Consider putting together a Whole Foods Market (or other) order with some basics for your hotel room to be delivered the night you get there. That way, you can get some nourishment and avoid long lines. Also, throw a healthy snack in your bag for nourishment during the day. This helps avoid ‘trade show stomach.’ I only sample things I haven’t tried before — samples are meant to be samples, not lunch! Also, make restaurant reservations well in advance of the show, preferably within walking distance, if possible. And if you can, consider making hotel reservations for next year’s (2025) event as soon as possible, as hotel space near the convention center fills up fast and is always in demand.
Leanne Thorsson, Director of Health and Natural Foods, Traditional Medicinals
Set appointments in advance; everyone’s time is tight at Expo West, so if you’re not on the calendar, you may not get the meeting. There’s always excitement and an extra level of engagement at the show. Plan in advance what you wish to accomplish — if it’s to visit booths, make a plan of what you want to see. We schedule meetings with account executives, regional managers, and major retail, distributor, and other key partners. This year, we are meeting with two new export partners for the first time; the event gives us an opportunity to meet with them in person and say hello. The show is a great way to get that human interaction, make the connections, talk about some of the larger items, and then set the stage for future conversations. Also, be sure to make unplanned time to walk the show and let some magic happen.
Stacy Gangestad, Director of Sales Management, Gimme Seaweed
Working as an exhibitor on the brand side, none of us in sales ever want to leave the booth, so that makes for long days. Taking a walk each day and getting some fresh air beforehand helps set the stage for the rest of the day. Wear comfortable shoes and get the extra padding under the carpet for your booth. We’ve learned over the years that a lot of initial conversations happen, but not a lot of business decisions are made at the show. It’s all about the follow up from there.
Also, consider after hours networking opportunities at Expo West: Go out to dinner with brokers and retail partners; attend events where there may be opportunities to connect with key buyers and other decision makers. Sometimes, you might run into a key contact just by going to the Hilton and Marriott lobbies, where many gather after each day of the show. We exhibit in Hall E — it’s a great location and the days go by fast because of all the positive energy and great vibes down there.
Jonathan Lawrence, VP of Center Store, Fresh Thyme Market
I’m a huge fan of Expo West. It’s very impressive, but can be very intimidating, not only to retailers and new buyers but also to brands (especially new brands). Tip number one is to capture the retailer’s attention. First thing you want to do is share the highlights around your brand strategy, specifically, why did you create this product and what makes it different from other products currently on shelf.
Have a positive and open-minded attitude. Be open to having conversations with people at all levels. When you’re talking about your brand, your product, talk to everyone that will listen, because everyone’s a consumer. Your product could be the next new product they tell people about. They might be able to give you great feedback, they might be able to make a great connection for you. Talk to the other brands when you’re at your booth. Some of those best connections are the people right next to you. The natural foods community is all connected.
Be efficient with your time. There are thousands of brands out there, so you don’t get a lot of time. Make sure you’re prepared. Have your elevator pitch ready, have maybe a sell sheet and product samples ready. Make sure you’re engaging. Don’t be sitting back behind your booth. Don’t be on your phone, looking down. Act like you want to be there, enjoy it, enjoy the fact that you’re in front of all these people at the biggest trade show.
I would focus on new retailers or new people that you don’t have current relationships with. And then keep conversations going. Not everything happens on the trade floor – great connections can be made in hallways, in passing on the show floor, off the show floor and at dinner. Utilize all the time that you have. While you’re there, you’ll have plenty of time to rest when you get home.
As a retailer, once we get home, we’re exhausted. But then Monday comes around and it’s back to work. Take a little time, but then make sure you’re following up. I would say a personalized note, don’t just send a canned email, that’s not very personal, it doesn’t show that you took the time to connect after. Send samples, I would say between a week to two weeks after. If it goes further than that, it might not be top of mind anymore. So, make sure you act fast.
Benji Fitts, Director of Growth Strategy, SPINS
So, you’re at your booth, spent a lot of money to get to Expo West, you’re meeting people, shaking hands, all that sort of fun stuff. And you’re going to need this little piece of paper, your sell sheet, to talk about your product.
There are just some simple things that you can do to make sure that your sell sheet looks good. First of all, it’s usually a piece of paper, 8½” by 11”, usually double-sided. You don’t have a lot of visual real estate so really, this has to be an amalgamation of the best things that you could possibly say about your product. Be brief, be succinct, and get the message across. Second, if you have the sell sheet in front of you, squint your eyes at it and if the biggest, most unique thing about your product, or whatever message you’re trying to convey, isn’t immediately apparent, then it needs to be fixed.
These shows are really all about discovery, finding out what’s new, what’s next. If this is what’s driving your product, is what is differentiated, innovative, what’s new and fresh about whatever you’re making, make sure that’s the primary message that a user is going to receive whenever they pick up one of these pieces of paper.
The storytelling element is really what drives a lot of the passion behind things. It’s a very passionate group of buyers, it’s a passionate industry, so lean into that a little bit, right? Make sure you’re highlighting sustainability and the key differences between you and the competition. It’s also smart to sometimes talk about your distribution partners or other people who you are already partnered with … and don’t forget to put your contact info and a call to action. Don’t just put a name and a phone number on there, but say, ‘Give me a call and let’s do business together.’
Allison Salvati, VP, Compass Natural; Former Marketing Lead for Bhakti Chai and noosa yoghurt
If you’re an exhibitor, you’ll want to collect contact information from as many people as you can who visit your booth. It’s up to you to collect that data; New Hope won’t share attendee or exhibitor contact lists. As such, it is recommended to purchase one or more seats on Expo West’s lead retrieval app. With it, you can scan badges using your smartphone camera, and at the end of the show, download contact info for every individual you and/or your team scanned. Also, consider cost-effective opportunities to amplify your brand at the show, including applying for a NEXTY Award for your new products, displaying in the New Products Showcase, and considering some of the more budget-minded sponsor opportunities for brands at Expo West, such as the Retailer’s Early Access Box. Check in to your Expo West Exhibitor Hub dashboard often so you don’t miss important deadlines, such as shipping to the show. Take advantage of Expo West social media tools, too, to promote your exhibit at the show.
Jim Slama, Managing Director, Naturally Chicago
Expo West is the big kahuna of trade shows in the natural products industry. Last year 65,000 attendees came to visit the booths of 3,000 vendors showing their wares. For brands, there is no better place to connect with retail buyers.
Michael Movitz, Co-Founder, Brandjectory; Managing Partner, The Movitz Group
My advice would be to attend as many social events as possible to network, network, network! I also suggest using a digital business card like Blinq or Flowpage. They’re easy to use, environmentally friendly and, in addition to contact information, can include links to your website, social media profiles and other online resources. Also, don’t forget to fully charge your devices and bring a portable phone charger – trade shows can be draining on your device’s battery, and having a backup charger can be a lifesaver.
Kelly Miano, Brand Strategy, Innovation and Launch Leader
Follow up. All of those connections you made are great but all that is forgotten if you don’t follow up in the weeks/months following Expo. Be selective in your sampling — try not to go back and forth between savory and sweet, your stomach will thank you. Drink more water than you think you need. It will help with headaches and you won’t be so tempted to try every sample. It’s easy to get sensory overload; it’s OK to take a break when you need it. Expo can be stressful — we’re on little sleep, excited, nervous, under pressure to land a sale. Everyone is trying to pack in as much as possible into a few short days. Assume positive intent, be gracious and kind. This is our industry, we are what we make it.
This article is based on personal interviews with industry leaders; a seminar hosted on Feb. 7, 2024, by New Hope Network and Naturally Boulder entitled “Beyond the Booth: A Blueprint for Creating Unforgettable Tradeshow Experiences”; and a Feb. 15, 2024, webinar hosted by Naturally Chicago, “Master Your Retailer Sell Story for Expo West.” You can access the Naturally Chicago webinar recording here.
Steven Hoffman is Managing Director of Compass Natural, providing public relations, brand marketing, social media and strategic business development services to natural, organic, sustainable and hemp/CBD products businesses. Compass Natural serves in PR and programming for NoCo Hemp Expo and Southern Hemp Expo, and Hoffman serves as Editor of the weekly Let’s Talk Hemp Newsletter, published by We are for Better Alternatives. Contact steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com.
Woman-Owned JAMBAR®, Maker of Organic Whole Food Energy Bars, Expands Retail Presence with Erewhon
Founded by Jennifer Maxwell, creator of the original PowerBar®, JAMBAR certified organic energy bars are now available in all 10 locations of leading natural products retailer Erewhon. Rapidly growing its retail and distribution base, JAMBAR also recently appointed natural products industry sales veteran Darren Wagoner as national sales manager.
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2024) – Independent, woman-owned JAMBAR, the artisan-made, organic energy bar company founded in 2021 by Jennifer Maxwell, is pleased to announce significant expansion of its line of certified organic, whole food energy bars. Maxwell, a food scientist, athlete and musician, together with her late husband, Brian Maxwell, essentially created the entire energy bar category when they launched the original PowerBar® in the mid-1980s.
Consumers can now find JAMBAR organic energy bars in all 10 Erewhon locations. Based in Los Angeles, Erewhon is renowned as one of the most innovative natural products retailers in the U.S. Erewhon will offer three JAMBAR flavors – Malt Nut Melody, Chocolate Cha Cha and Jammin’ Jazzleberry. By supporting local producers, ethical brands and sustainable farming practices, offering exceptional customer service and education, and fostering community, Erewhon has built a reputation that attracts healthy lifestyle consumers, athletes, entertainers and celebrities alike.
“With its commitment to quality, selection and service, Erewhon has become a ‘gold standard’ among grocers who sell natural products. As a mission-based brand committed to providing customers with premium quality organic products at an affordable price, we’re excited to partner with Erewhon,” said Maxwell, JAMBAR’s CEO and founder.
“We are pleased to offer JAMBARs to our customers,” said Vito Antoci, executive vice president of Erewhon. “First, they are simply delicious and nutritious whole food, certified organic energy bars that meet our high standards. Second, we support mission-based brands such as JAMBAR, which donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that promote music and active living.”
JAMBAR Featured in Leading Groceries, Specialty Retailers
In addition to Erewhon, JAMBAR is expanding its retail presence across the U.S. – the company’s artisan-made, organic energy bars are now available in leading grocers and specialty and athletic stores, including Safeway (NorCal Division), Raley’s Supermarkets, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Lazy Acres, Gelson’s Markets, Earth Fare, The Fresh Market, Good Earth Natural Foods, Mollie Stone’s Markets, Nugget Market, Cambridge Naturals, United Market, Scotty’s Market, Lucky’s Market, Bon Appetit, Fleet Feet and more.
Using only certified organic, whole food ingredients, JAMBARs are crafted in small batches in the company’s own state-of-the-art facility. Made of organic ancient grains, berries, nuts, premium chocolate, proteins from sunflowers and organic dairy, and real syrup, juices and honey as sweeteners, JAMBAR delivers a convenient, incredibly tasty bar you can take anywhere. All four flavors of JAMBAR — Malt Nut Melody, Musical Mango, Chocolate Cha Cha and Jammin’ Jazzleberry — are also available online at JAMBAR.com and via Amazon Prime.
For wholesale accounts, JAMBAR is distributed by leading natural and specialty foods distributors including UNFI, KeHE and Chex Distributing. For wholesale inquiries, contact jammin@jambar.com, tel 877-JAMBARZ.
JAMBAR Appoints National Sales Manager
In related news, JAMBAR recently appointed natural products industry sales veteran Darren Wagoner as national sales manager. Wagoner’s experience includes serving as national account manager and key account manager for such leading brands as Activate Drinks, Purity Organic, High Brew and CB Gourmet Foods. The appointment reflects the company’s focus on building sales in key natural products markets as it expands manufacturing and distribution.
Visit JAMBAR at Natural Products Expo West, Booth N2140
Visit JAMBAR at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade exhibition, March 13-15, 2024, Booth N2140 in the North Hall’s Hot Products Pavilion at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. In addition, JAMBAR will be sampling its products at all Erewhon Southern California locations the week before Expo West.
About JAMBAR
In 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and about the positive impact they can have on their local communities. A mission-based brand, JAMBAR donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support music and active living. Runner’s World named JAMBAR the Best Protein Bar for runners in 2022 and also recognized JAMBAR with its 2023 Fitness Nutrition Award. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow JAMBAR on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel: 206.669.3580
Natural & Organic Industry Set to Surpass $300 Billion in Sales in 2023, Despite Slower Growth, Inflation
This article first appeared in Presence Marketing’s May 2023 newsletter.
By Steven Hoffman
The U.S. natural and organic products industry is on pace to surpass $300 billion in total industry sales in 2023, despite slower growth and inflation, according to early estimates by Nutrition Business Journal.
Presenting the data at Natural Products Expo West in March, New Hope Network SVP and Market Leader Carlotta Mast said, “This would represent a doubling of industry sales over the last decade. That’s huge. We are a sizeable, impactful, meaningful industry. We’re not a fad anymore. We’re not this niche industry.”
Photo: Unsplash
U.S. consumer sales of natural and organic products reached $278 billion in 2022, with growth slowing from 7% in 2021 to 5.4% in 2022, according to preliminary research by Nutrition Business Journal, based on data provided by market research firm SPINS. This follows an unprecedented spike of 10% growth in 2020, as a result of the pandemic. Sales growth is expected to recover somewhat going forward, according to Mast, and is projected to reach 6% in 2024 and 2025.
The bulk of the growth in 2022 was driven by natural, organic and functional food and beverage sales, led by carbonated drinks, dairy alternatives, “better-for-you” sweeteners, baby products and canned and dried soups. These categories outperformed the overall natural and organic products industry, Mast noted. In functional foods and beverages, sports and energy drinks, soft drinks, frozen desserts and snack chips that include functional ingredients such as mushrooms, adaptogens, electrolytes, prebiotics and healthy fats helped drive sales in the category.
Hitting a milestone in 2022, as well, were sales of organic food and beverage products, with sales estimated at more than $50 billion. According to Mast, this figure represents a doubling in organic food and beverage sales since 2014. Product categories that performed strongly in the organic sector last year included organic baby formula, candy, dips, soft drinks and yogurt, according to New Hope and SPINS data.
However, after seeing record growth in 2020, most impacted by inflationary pressures was the dietary supplements category, which rose only 1.7% in 2022 to $60.9 billion in sales, based on the data presented at Expo West and reported on by Food Navigator-USA.
Kathryn Peters, Chief of Staff at SPINS, shared with attendees at Expo West that natural and organic foods are continuing to expand into the mainstream, with sales of natural products in conventional grocery and convenience outpacing growth in traditional natural food stores. Growth in sales of natural products in 2022 increased 9.2% in convenience, followed by a 7.4% increase in “conventional multi-outlet,” and a 4.1% increase in regional grocery, compared to 2.5% growth in the natural channel, based on SPINS data and reported by Food Navigator-USA.
While shoppers continue to look for deals and best prices across multiple channels including supermarkets, mass retailers, club stores and online to help reduce the impact of higher food prices, according to The Hartman Group and FMI — The Food Industry Association, 32% of shoppers concerned about rising food prices reported buying fewer items as a strategy to save money in February 2023. That’s down from 41% of shoppers who reported buying fewer items to save on food costs in October 2022.
“Our national survey reveals persistent consumer concern about food and beverage prices, as the weekly spend for groceries increased in late 2022 and early in 2023,” Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI, said in a statement. “To address higher prices, shoppers are visiting more stores and seeking deals to stretch their dollars but are now less likely to cut back on the number of items purchased compared to six months or a year ago. This is an opportunity for our industry to continue connecting with shoppers on food-inflation-mitigating solutions.”
According to FMI and The Hartman Group’s findings, food price concerns cut across shopper demographics, however, “Boomers are more worried about rising food prices than any other group, with 80% showing concern in February 2023 versus 69% in October 2022. Millennials polled close behind with 76% saying they are concerned, 5% more than one year ago. Such concerns about food costs coincide with an increase in spending in this inflationary environment. In February, on average, consumers spent $164 per week on groceries, up from $148 in both October and February of 2022,” FMI said.
Natural and organic food shoppers, in particular, may be less sensitive to price than traditional shoppers, but they still want quality, taste, nutrition, value … and sustainability. Younger consumers are driving demand toward brands that reduce waste and minimize carbon footprint and environmental impact. “The values-oriented shopper is a really important and valuable shopper,” Peters of SPINS noted, and according to Nutrition Business Journal, organic products are one of the last places consumers say they are willing to trade down to fight food inflation.
In a Chicago Tribune feature article published on April 3, 2023, Tonya Lofgren, Marketing Manager of Ciranda, a leading organic ingredient supplier based in Hudson, WI, said, “What’s cool about the natural and organic shopper is that if they value that, they’ll prioritize it over other ways to adjust spending because they realize how important it is.” Ciranda CEO Doug Audette added, “We are seeing consumers rationalizing their spending decisions. Overall, that has tempered the growth in organic. But we see no letting up in the long-term growth of organic, sustainable and fair-trade ingredients.”
In a March 2023 organic market report, USDA reported that, after a surge in pantry stocking pushed sales to record heights in 2020, organic food sales declined for the first time in decades in 2021 on an inflation-adjusted basis. However, “more than 15 million new customers entered the organic and natural foods market between early March and mid-April 2020,” USDA said. Time will tell if these consumers stick with organic.
According to USDA’s market report, organic consumers are diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, education, and income, though millennials purchase organic food at larger rates than other generations. Households with children are also more likely to purchase organic food than households without children, USDA noted.
Yet, challenging new and dedicated organic consumers alike is the fact that organic foods are seeing some of the steepest price hikes amid stubbornly high food inflation. Prices for organic fruit and vegetables rose 13.1% over the past year, compared with just under 10% for conventional produce, according to a February 2023 analysis of USDA retail pricing data by Lending Tree.
Among all the food groups included in Lending Tree’s analysis, organic chicken prices increased the most, at 19.5%. “That's more than three times the price jump for conventionally raised chicken, which rose 5.9% over the last year, the report shows. For households already struggling with the nation's worst bout of inflation in 40 years, such spikes could force many consumers to opt for nonorganic options instead,” CBS News reported.
Sales data for 2022 show organic fruits and vegetables growing in revenue but declining in sale volume, according to the Organic Produce Network. However, that’s a common theme across the food industry as consumers pay more for less in the face of heavy inflation, the Chicago Tribune noted.
According to the Tribune, a quarter of consumers surveyed by Nutrition Business Journal over the past year said they’re unlikely to stop buying organic produce, packaged food and meat to save money on groceries. Fewer than half of respondents said they are likely to cut those products out.
Steven Hoffman is Managing Director of Compass Natural, providing public relations, brand marketing, social media, and strategic business development services to natural, organic, sustainable and hemp/CBD products businesses. Compass Natural serves in PR and programming for NoCo Hemp Expo and Southern Hemp Expo, and Hoffman serves as Editor of the weekly Let’s Talk Hemp Newsletter, published by We Are for Better Alternatives. Contact steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com.
JAMBAR® Takes Off: Artisan-Crafted Organic Energy Bar Created by Jennifer Maxwell, Inventor of the Original PowerBar®, Expands in Natural, Organic and Specialty Retail Stores
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JAMBARs are now available in four San Francisco International Airport retail locations and a growing number of natural and specialty food stores and grocers. Visit JAMBAR® at Natural Products Expo West, Booth #151 in the Arena, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, March 9-11, 2023
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (February 21, 2023) — JAMBAR® – the artisan-crafted, certified organic energy bar created by Jennifer Maxwell, inventor of the original PowerBar® – is taking off. The whole food bar, available in four flavors and with 10g of protein per bar, is now available in four retail locations in the San Francisco International Airport and in a growing number of leading natural, organic and specialty retail stores across the country.
MIssion-based, the brand is committed to donating 50% of profits to philanthropic causes supporting sports and fitness, music, community and active living. Today, JAMBAR sponsors more than 200 sports and music events throughout the year. In January 2023, Bicycling and Runner’s World magazines both named JAMBAR as a 2023 Fitness Nutrition Award Winner.
In addition, the brand is getting ready to exhibit for the first time at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade show, held each year at the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) in Anaheim, California. Buyers from the world over attend this highly anticipated industry event. There, the JAMBAR team will share samples of its organic energy bars and interact with wholesale buyers and industry professionals in exhibit booth #151 in the ACC Arena, March 9-11, 2023.
Growing Retail Presence From East to West
In just two years since the company launched, JAMBARs are now available in such leading retail locations as Berkeley Bowl in Berkeley, California; 16 of 21 Earth Fare locations in the southeastern U.S.; all four Jimbo’s stores in San Diego; Good Earth Natural Foods in Fairfax and Mill Valley, California; all Mollie Stone’s locations in the San Francisco Bay Area; select Safeway stores in Northern California; Nugget Markets, Scotty’s Market, United Markets and Woodland Market in the Bay Area; and more.
"We first spoke with JAMBAR because they were a local company but soon discovered they are so much more! Besides creating a delicious, all-organic snack bar, they also donate 50% of their profits to support music programs and activities. They truly stand for health and taking care of people. A mission and a product that resonates with our customers as well as all of us at United Markets!" said Kelly Smith, president of United Markets.
For travelers in the San Francisco International Airport, JAMBARs – the perfect organic whole food energy bar for people on the go – are available in two Klein’s Deli locations and two Napa Farms locations.
“We are excited and motivated by such a positive response from natural, organic and specialty grocers across the country. They help support and expand our philanthropic mission,” said JAMBAR founder and CEO Jennifer Maxwell. “Also, I believe health-conscious consumers will embrace JAMBAR’s commitment to flavor, nutrition and sourcing the highest-quality organic ingredients in crafting JAMBARs. We offer premium, healthful, on-the-go nutrition at a reasonable price."
Small-Batch Crafted in the U.S.A. in JAMBAR’s Own Production Facility
With its own manufacturing facilities in San Rafael, California, JAMBAR is an independent, woman-owned business founded in 2021 by lifelong athlete, musician and food science and nutrition expert Jennifer Maxwell.
Natural products industry veterans and energy bar aficionados may remember Jennifer, who, along with her late husband, Brian, created the original PowerBar®, which, when it was introduced in 1985, effectively launched the entire energy bar category.
Today, inspired by organic food and agriculture and a desire to give back to and support healthy communities and the environment, Maxwell developed certified organic JAMBARs in four delicious whole food flavors that provide a good source of protein, nutrients and fiber. Using organic ancient grains, berries, nuts, premium chocolate, proteins from sunflowers and organic dairy, and real syrup, juices and honey as sweeteners, JAMBAR delivers a convenient, incredibly tasty bar you can take anywhere.
JAMBAR Is Available in These Musical Organic Flavors:
Chocolate Cha Cha — A blend of premium Guittard chocolate, real food ingredients and ancient grains. Fair trade certified, non-GMO and gluten free with 10g of protein per serving.
Malt Nut Melody — Peanut and maple malted magic with a touch of sesame and vanilla for an amazing medley of flavors, Malt Nut Medley is non-GMO, with 10g of protein per serving.
Jammin’ Jazzleberry — Vegan and gluten free, a jazzy combo of organic strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, with 10g of plant-based protein per serving.
Musical Mango — Energy goes exotic with delicious mango and ancient whole grains. The Musical Mango bar is vegan, gluten free and contains 10g of plant-based protein per serving.
JAMBARs are available online at JAMBAR.com, on Amazon.com and also at leading natural food and specialty stores. For wholesale inquiries, contact jammin@jambar.com, tel 877-JAMBARZ. For more information, visit www.JAMBAR.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Visit JAMBAR at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade exhibition, Booth #151 in the Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, March 9-11, 2023.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, pfeiferworks@gmail.com
Jack & Annie’s Launches Even Tastier New Recipes for Their Delicious Meat Alternatives Made From Real Plants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The next-generation plant-based meat brand introduces their “Best Recipe Yet” with even meatier flavor and texture, all with jackfruit as the primary ingredient.
BOULDER, CO (February 16, 2023) — Jack & Annie’s, a leader in the alternative meat category, has raised the bar again with even tastier new recipes for their Crispy Jack Nuggets, Crispy Jack Patties, Gluten-Free Jack Tenders, Savory Jack Breakfast Sausage Patties, Maple Jack Breakfast Sausage Links, and Classic Jack Meatballs. Plant-based and meat eaters alike will love the crispier nuggets, wings, and patties, all with even more craveable flavor. The jack breakfast sausages and meatballs are well-seasoned with a juicy bite. The new “Best Recipe Yet” will be available in grocery store freezers nationwide starting this June. Check the store locator to find a retailer near you.
“Our team has continued to innovate and evolve our recipes to make sure we’re always giving our fans the very best plant-based foods possible,” said Annie Ryu, CEO and founder of Jack & Annie’s. “Jackfruit is our number one ingredient, and we’re able to make simpler and less processed foods compared to other meat alternatives. These new recipes give fans more of what they want with amazing flavor and texture.”
Industry analysts have noted consumer concern about plant-based foods being overly processed or having questionable health benefits. Jack & Annie’s boldly stands out among other meat alternatives, because its foods are made primarily from jackfruit, a naturally delicious, nutrient-dense, sustainable, and regenerative plant that is known for its meaty texture and satisfying taste. The result is crave-worthy foods with valued nutritional benefits and positive impact for the planet.
Jack & Annie’s new foods are available at grocers nationwide, including Sprouts, HEB, Wegmans, Publix, Giant, Harris Teeter, Target, Hannaford , Whole Foods, and Stop & Shop.
Jack & Annie’s will be exhibiting at Natural Products Expo West, March 9-11, 2023, in Anaheim, CA. Come try a sample at Booth #4972 in Hall E!
About Jack & Annie's
Jack & Annie's, founded by Annie Ryu, features products made by The Jackfruit Company. Jack & Annie's is on a mission to create real, delicious foods featuring jackfruit, an underutilized crop that is one of the world’s most sustainable and regenerative plants, as the primary ingredient. Jack & Annie’s plant-based offerings are more than just a delicious alternative to meat; they are also naturally nutrient-dense, high in fiber and protein, and lower in calories, and they have a simpler ingredient panel than other meatless products. From crispy jack nuggets to savory jack sausage patties, the Jack & Annie’s portfolio offers foods that are satisfying for meat eaters and plant-based eaters alike. Bite by bite, Jack & Annie’s and The Jackfruit Company are building a better planet, supporting farming communities in India by preventing jackfruit from going to waste, operating the largest global jackfruit supply chain, and providing over 1,700 farming families with 10-40% of their income.
For more information about Jack & Annie’s, please visit jackandannies.com or follow on Instagram @jackandannies, Twitter @jackandannies, and Facebook @jackandannies.
Media Contacts
Taylor Welborn, Jack & Annie's, taylor@jackandannies.com
Steve Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
Revolutionary Solution for Natural, Organic & Specialty Brands: TrewUp Automates Deductions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Groundbreaking, user-friendly deductions management and analytics software saves time and money for natural, organic and specialty brands facing myriad chargebacks from distributors.
BOULDER, Colorado (February 14, 2023) – TrewUp, a food + tech company, has revolutionized the process of analyzing distributor deductions for natural, organic and specialty products manufacturers. Say goodbye to the grueling and time-consuming process of manually poring over endless pages of distributor statements and hello to TrewUp’s user-friendly, cloud-based AI technology.
Founded by industry veterans Kyle Barnholt and Scott Cousins, TrewUp was created to solve a common problem for CPG companies in the natural, organic and specialty products space. Their software allows brands to focus on profitability rather than on deciphering mountains of data from distributors.
According to the leadership at TrewUp, deductions are made up of all activities within the supply chain, including shortages, late fees, promotions, advertising, spoils, etc. “To reduce costs and boost sales, natural product companies need to identify where they should invest time and resources. Understanding deductions by type – such as fines and fees as opposed to advertising and promotion – is one step toward gaining that visibility. From there, they need to drill into spend by indirect retailer in order to manage trade spend for maximum ROI. We're excited to bring a tool to market that automates these crucial processes for companies seeking success in a challenging market,” advised TrewUp co-founder and CEO Kyle Barnholt.
TrewUp categorizes billbacks and aggregates the data by category, making it easy to input into accounting software like QuickBooks. Brands can quickly see whether they've overspent or underspent their accruals, allowing them to better manage their promotions and reinvest any savings.
Mining a Trove of Distributor Information … at the Click of a Button
According to Barnholt, CPG and natural products manufacturers often see deductions as an expense that is out of their control, or as a labor-intensive process of uncovering data that is often “buried in hundreds of invoice formats on thousands of PDFs across platforms and mediums,” making it difficult to effectively mine that valuable information. However, he noted, “Deductions are a unique source of intelligence about your business that can be used to improve everything from warehouse processes to sales to promotional schedules.”
TrewUp’s Deductions Software Offers These Solutions
- Automatically imports data from third-party platforms
- Uses cloud-based AI technology to extract, read and decipher deduction data
- Loads, reads and interprets data by retailer, deduction type and UPC code
- Helps reconcile deductions to discover and dispute errors
- Enables better decision-making for growing top-line sales and bottom-line profits
Free Webinar: Increasing Profitability Through Deduction Management
TrewUp co-founder and CEO Kyle Barnholt will be presenting as part of an online panel on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 3:30 pm CST. The webinar is hosted by Naturally Chicago, a leading trade organization serving natural products businesses in the greater Chicago area, and sponsored by TrewUp. Registration is free to everyone, and topics will cover: how to redeploy trade spending for more profitable sales; understanding and identifying ways to reduce costs; and best practices for deduction management. Register here.
Schedule a Meeting at Natural Products Expo West
For more information, to request a demo or to contact TrewUp, visit here. Additionally, TrewUp co-founder and CEO Kyle Barnholt will be in attendance at Natural Products Expo West, March 8-12, 2023, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, and is available for in-person meetings at the event. Natural Products Expo West is the world’s largest conference and exposition for the natural and organic products industry. Contact TrewUp here to request a meeting with Kyle Barnholt at Expo West.
About TrewUp
Founded in 2021, TrewUp provides user-friendly, cloud-based AI technology to natural, organic and specialty food and related CPG product manufacturers to harness the power of data and insights to accelerate your business and save time and money. At TrewUp, we're passionate about using technology to simplify the deduction process, giving brands what they need to manage their business with clarity and confidence. Visit www.trewup.com and follow the company on LinkedIn. To request a demo or to contact TrewUp, visit here.
Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
Bulk Purified Water Provider FreshPure® Waters to Exhibit for First Time at Natural Products Expo West
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FreshPure® Waters, the leading bulk purified water dispensing company, has been rebranded and will showcase its unique 3-in-1 retail display at the world’s largest natural products show in Anaheim this March.
What: FreshPure® Waters at Natural Products Expo West
When: North Hall, March 8-10, 2023
Where: Booth N2248 North Hall, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
SANTA FE, NM (February 13, 2023) – Long a fixture offering purified water in bulk to shoppers in natural foods stores across the country, FreshPure® Waters will exhibit for the first time at Natural Products Expo West, the largest natural products trade show in the world. On display will be the company’s unique, on-site dispensing system designed for retail sales of three types of water.
While most water companies provide systems for one kind of water at a time, FreshPure’s offering is a 3-in-1 dispenser from which shoppers can choose FreshPure Reverse Osmosis Water, FreshPure Deionized Water, or the company’s newest offering, FreshPure Alkaline Water. “At FreshPure’s ‘hydration station,’ retailers get one space-saving machine that provides three different types of water for their customers – and three revenue streams for the retailer. Also, the machines are wholly serviced by FreshPure, offering retailers a complete turnkey solution,” said FreshPure General Manager Ramon Lovato.
“Even with regulations and frequent testing, complicated infrastructure and outdated plumbing systems make tap water contamination an ongoing concern for consumers,” said Lovato. The FreshPure system helps solve this problem by offering three purified water choices for consumers, which are easily accessible from the unique dispenser system installed at retail outlets such as Whole Foods Market and other natural and organic food retailers and cooperatives. As a result, natural and organic markets have seen an increased demand for water vending machines, plus, “Freshpure offers an economical solution where inflation is having an impact on shoppers’ wallets. Also, there is the positive environmental impact,” he noted.
Lovato explained that the Reverse Osmosis water includes trace minerals but excludes as much as 98% of the impurities that may be found in tap water. Reverse Osmosis also removes microplastics and pharmaceuticals.
For health-conscious consumers seeking alkaline water, FreshPure’s Alkaline Water has an average pH of 9.5-10.5. FreshPure’s alkaline water also contains trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
Deionized Water, on the other hand, has been demineralized to a level of purity that makes it useful for special diets or a humidifier or fish tank. This water is comparable to distilled, except that impurities sometimes remaining in distilled water have been removed with deionization.
FreshPure Waters Are WaterNeutral
FreshPure Waters are already more sustainable than bottled water, but “WaterNeutral” goes above and beyond by offsetting any carbon or water used to make FreshPure Waters. FreshPure Waters offsets are focused on watersheds in the American West. The principle of the WaterNeutral concept is to reduce the water footprint used in production of products. This measure is being taken as a response to climate change and to raise awareness of global water resources. FreshPure is helping reduce the use of plastic water bottles which strain the ecosystem and is proud to say the company’s bulk water systems have prevented the use of well over 2 billion single-use plastic bottles … and counting.
About FreshPure Waters
FreshPure Waters was founded in 1991 to meet the water needs of Santa Fe, New Mexico. After 30 years, all production and operations are still based there, but the company is expanding nationally. The goal of FreshPure Waters is to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles by providing a superior refillable bulk water option for consumers. Every gallon of bulk water is equivalent to preventing the use of over seven 16-ounce single-use water bottles and keeping them from landfills and waterways. The company has spent years mastering the science of water and filtration to offer three pure, tasty and thirst-quenching waters – all in one machine. FreshPure services all machines installed in retail outlets and the company’s “best in class” customer service is available around the clock.
For more information, visit FreshPure at https://www.freshpure.com or contact Rlovato@freshpure.com. Follow FreshPure on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contacts
Ramon Lovato, Freshpure Water, Rlovato@freshpure.com
Steve Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
JAMBAR®, the Organic Energy Bar on a Mission, Teams Up With Stephen & Ayesha Curry's Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JAMBAR®, the Organic Artisan Energy Bar That Donates 50% of Profits to Local Communities, Shows Its Commitment to Giving Back This Holiday Season
SAN RAFAEL, California (December 13, 2022) — As part of its holiday giving campaign, JAMBAR joined Stephen and Ayesha Curry on December 11 at their 10th annual Christmas with the Currys holiday event, which makes the season brighter for families in need throughout the Oakland, California, area. Jennifer Maxwell, the CEO of JAMBAR and co-founder of PowerBar®, and her team helped hand out holiday boxes. The Currys, through their Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, surprised 500 families at the winter-wonderland-themed event with special holiday gift boxes filled with gift cards, books, toys, groceries and fresh produce. In addition, each family’s box contained a JAMBAR Holiday Pack donated by Jennifer and JAMBAR.
“It’s great to have the support of another mission-driven Bay Area organization. JAMBAR’s commitment to delicious organic food, along with its emphasis on community and active living, aligns with our values,” said Marissa Trambley, Vice President of Philanthropy and Advocacy, Eat. Learn. Play.
Stephen and Ayesha Curry (back row). Photo by Noah Graham
and Mike Rasay/Getty Images for Eat. Learn. Play.
Maxwell founded JAMBAR in 2021 with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies and the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only certified organic ingredients, JAMBARs feature ancient grains, authentic sweeteners from nature and high-quality proteins. The company donates 50% of all after-tax profits to organizations that support active living and music.
Maxwell and members of the JAMBAR team volunteered at the 10th annual event, which was the foundation’s largest holiday celebration to date.
Jennifer Maxwell at the Christmas with the Currys event.
“Being able to witness firsthand Stephen and Ayesha’s commitment to making life better for local families and our community was really moving. We had so much fun celebrating the holidays with these incredible families and we’re happy to do our part,” said Maxwell.
Philanthropy has been central to JAMBAR since its inception. Through the JAMBAR Gives Back program, the company donates to a number of organizations that support music and active living, including Positive Coaching Alliance, Trips for Kids Bay Area, Jazz in the Neighborhood, Bread & Roses and the California Jazz Conservatory (Berkeley).
Visit here to learn more about JAMBAR’s philanthropic mission and the groups the company supports.
JAMBARs are available online at JAMBAR.com, on Amazon.com, and also at leading natural food and specialty stores including Good Earth Natural Foods, United Markets, Scotty’s Market and more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
For wholesale inquiries, contact jammin@jambar.com, tel 877-JAMBARZ.
Visit JAMBAR at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade exhibition, March 7-11, 2023, Booth 151, in the Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, pfeiferworks@gmail.com