Roaring Fork Mill Unveils New Packaging for Regenerative Organic Certified® Flours

Colorado’s only Regenerative Organic Certified® mill inspires home bakers to elevate their holiday recipes with flavorful, heirloom grain flours.

CARBONDALE, Colo. (Oct. 28, 2025) — Roaring Fork Mill, Colorado’s only Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) stone mill, is rolling out a fresh new look for its line of heirloom grain flours — just in time for the holiday baking season. The family-owned Colorado mill is inviting home cooks to bake with purpose and flavor this holiday season.

Roaring Fork Mill’s flours are milled from 100% Colorado-grown, non-GMO grains cultivated by local farmers using regenerative organic practices that enrich the soil and protect biodiversity. Each flour, from White Sonora to Turkey Red and Purple Barley, tells a story of place and flavor, yielding breads, pies, pastries, and pastas that truly taste alive.

“Our heirloom flours have a depth of flavor that simply doesn’t exist in conventional flour,” said Jacob Trumbull, founder and head miller of Roaring Fork Mill. “Because these grains are grown in living soil and stone-milled fresh, they retain their natural oils and aromas, bringing a remarkable richness and texture to every bake. You can taste the difference.”

Chefs across Colorado agree. Chef Gabby Gawreluk of Tiny Pine Bistro uses Roaring Fork Mill flours in her celebrated kitchen.

“These flours are unlike anything else — they bring soul to a dish,” said Gawreluk. “When we bake with Roaring Fork Mill’s grains, the flavors are layered, earthy, and expressive. It’s Colorado terroir at its best.”

For holiday bakers, Roaring Fork Mill’s online shop makes it easier than ever to bring regenerative ingredients to the table. Whether it’s a rustic loaf, a flaky pie crust, or festive cookies, the mill’s freshly packaged flours make it simple to impress your family and guests with more flavorful, nourishing recipes.

For recipe inspiration, from dinner rolls to chocolate chip cookies, visit roaringforkmill.com. Roaring Fork Mill’s full line of Regenerative Organic Certified® flours is available for purchase online and through select retailers throughout Colorado.

About Roaring Fork Mill
Founded in 2022, Roaring Fork Mill is a family owned Regenerative Organic Certified® stone flour mill based in Carbondale, Colorado. Sourcing heirloom grains from local farmers using regenerative practices, the mill produces premium flours for home bakers, chefs, and food producers. Products are available online and for wholesale. Visit the website and follow Roaring Fork Mill on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. 

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

JAMBAR Accelerates Nationwide Growth Through Strategic Retail and Distribution Expansion

JAMBAR, Created by PowerBar® Co-Founder Jennifer Maxwell, Grows Mission-Driven Brand’s Presence in Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, and Natural Retailers Nationwide

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2025) - JAMBAR, the artisan-crafted organic energy bar company founded by Jennifer Maxwell, creator of the original PowerBar, is significantly expanding its retail footprint across the United States. Celebrating its fifth year in business, the company announced that its bars will be available in more than 200 new store locations this month. In addition, JAMBAR announced the growth of its distribution network.

The artisanal organic energy bars created by JAMBAR, which donates 50% of after-tax profits to active living and music education nonprofits, will now be available in major markets from the Midwest to New England and across the Mid-Atlantic.

New retail partners now stocking JAMBAR in their protein and energy bar sets include:

• Jewel-Osco: 82 supermarket locations throughout the greater Chicago area, and

• Shaw’s: 90 supermarkets across New England.

JAMBAR is also strengthening its presence in the specialty and natural products channel with new retail partners:

• MOM’s Organic Market: Serving the Mid-Atlantic region with 27 stores focused on organic and climate-friendly foods, and

• Buehler’s Fresh Foods: 15 employee-owned locations across Ohio.

“We’re thrilled to see JAMBAR reaching more communities across the country,” said Jennifer Maxwell, founder and CEO of JAMBAR. “From the California coast to New England, our mission has always been to make clean, convenient, organic nutrition accessible to people who care about what they eat, how they move, and how they give back. Each new retail partnership helps us share that mission and continue fueling active, vibrant lives.”

JAMBAR delivers great-tasting, nutrient-rich energy bars made with certified organic, whole-food ingredients. The bars are crafted with no seed oils or processed sugars and contain 10g of protein, serving as an easy-to-digest fuel source for athletes and active individuals. JAMBAR offers five distinct flavors, including gluten-free and plant-based options.

Distribution Expansion
The brand’s growth also extends to its wholesale distribution network. JAMBAR is now available through new key partners, including Palko (Indiana), Quality Foods Distributing (Montana and the Northern Rockies), and KeHE Distribution Centers in Aurora, Colorado, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This broadens JAMBAR’s reach to independent and natural retailers nationwide.

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 the positive impact they can have on their local communities. JAMBAR organic energy bars are made in the U.S. and crafted in small batches in the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in California. A woman-owned, mission-based business, JAMBAR donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support active living and music. JAMBARs are available in sports specialty shops, natural foods and grocery stores, and online at Amazon.com. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow JAMBAR on Facebook and Instagram.

For wholesale inquiries, contact sales@jambar.com 

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

Fungi Perfecti LLC Earns Leading Living Wage Employer Certification

Host Defense® parent company ensures all employees receive a living wage

OLYMPIA, Wash. (Oct. 10, 2025) — Fungi Perfecti, LLC, makers of Host Defense® Mushrooms™, is proud to announce its official certification as a Leading Living Wage Employer by Living Wage For US. This prestigious designation affirms that every member of the company’s staff earns at or above the full family living wage for their location.

Last year, Fungi Perfecti partnered with Living Wage For US to undergo a comprehensive evaluation of its total compensation package—including base pay, company-sponsored medical benefits, 401(k) retirement plans and matching contributions, discretionary bonuses, and commission structures. The analysis confirmed that Fungi Perfecti’s compensation model meets and exceeds the living wage thresholds across all its positions.

“Paying a living wage is about dignity, equity, and integrity,” said Shanna Brown, VP of People at Fungi Perfecti. “We’re proud of this commitment.”

This recognition aligns with Fungi Perfecti’s longstanding ethos of supporting people, planet, and community through responsible business practices. In addition to offsetting 110% of its carbon footprint, operating as a Certified B Corporation, and reinvesting over $1 million annually into scientific research, Fungi Perfecti ensures its success is shared with the people who make it possible.

What Is a Living Wage?
According to the Global Living Wage Coalition, a living wage is qualified as “the remuneration received for a standard workweek by a worker in a particular place sufficient to afford a decent standard of living for the worker and their family.” This standard, which Living Wage For US adheres to in its certification process, requires a living wage to afford earners the means to meet the essential needs of themselves and their families.

By this criterion, Leading Living Wage Employers must provide compensation that ensures their employees have the ability to obtain adequate food, water, housing, health care, transportation, education, and clothing—among other essentials—while also providing a cushion for unexpected expenses. Unlike the legal minimum wage, which often falls short of real-world living costs, the living wage is independently calculated each year to reflect the actual cost of living required for a given community. Current rates are published at www.livingwageforus.org.

About Fungi Perfecti, LLC—Makers of Host Defense® Mushrooms™
Fungi Perfecti, LLC is a family-owned company founded by internationally renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, who launched Host Defense® under Fungi Perfecti with the goal of building a bridge between people and fungi. Host Defense is now the leading mushroom supplement brand in the U.S., specializing in mushroom mycelium-based supplements designed to support human health. Its product line reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability, scientific integrity, research, and education.*

Fungi Perfecti has become synonymous with cutting-edge mycological research and solutions—from water filtration (mycofiltration) and ecological rehabilitation (mycoremediation) to combating Colony Collapse Disorder in bees. A Certified B Corporation, Fungi Perfecti is third-party designated as Climate Positive, offsetting 110% of its carbon emissions. Follow Host Defense and Fungi Perfecti on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042

From Startups to Multinationals, Regenerative Agriculture Reshapes the Food Business

This article first appeared in the October 2025 issue of Presence Marketing’s newsletter.

By Steven Hoffman

As climate change accelerates, the food industry faces a paradox: It is both a driver of ecological degradation and a potential solution. Agriculture accounts for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it also has the capacity to sequester carbon and rebuild ecosystems. At the center of this opportunity sits regenerative agriculture  – a set of practices that go beyond “sustainable” to actively rebuild soil, restore biodiversity, and promote community health and the health of local economies.

In business terms, regenerative agriculture is moving from philosophy to label. Much as “organic” transformed consumer expectations in the 1990s and early 2000s, “regenerative” is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing claims appearing on food and beverage products. Retailers, too, are beginning to carve out shelf space for regenerative brands, echoing the early days of organic.

The rise of regenerative can be attributed in great part to the fact that, according to GLOW/NielsenIQ surveys, 70% of consumers consider environmental responsibility more important than they did just two years ago, and 90% see eco-friendliness as a key decision criteria. Over 78% of consumers aged 18-24 believe the current food system is not sustainable and is a major cause of the climate crisis, reported Errol Schweizer on Sept. 22, 2025, in Forbes.

For companies across the value chain – from Roaring Fork Mill, a family-run mill working to restore heirloom grain farming in the Rocky Mountain West, to Lundberg Family Farms, which recently converted all of its organic rice production to Regenerative Organic Certified, and to multinationals including McDonald’s, PepsiCo, General Mills, Nestlé, and others – adopting regenerative practices represents not just climate responsibility, but it also gives them a competitive edge in a changing marketplace.

What Regenerative Agriculture Means
The concept of regeneration is not new. Farmers and Indigenous communities have practiced soil-restoring methods — such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and integrated livestock management — for centuries. What distinguishes modern regenerative agriculture, as coined by Robert Rodale in the late 1970s, is its intentional framing as a climate strategy, ecosystem rebuilder, and market driver.

At its core, regenerative agriculture refers to farming and grazing practices that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, improve water cycles, and strengthen the resilience of agricultural regions. These practices, which vary according to crop, climate, and ecosystem, are helping to rebuild soils, sequester carbon, and revitalize farming communities. While not all regenerative standards are based on organic principles, many proponents argue that organic remains a baseline for regenerative practices.

The Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) standard, launched by the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) in 2017, represents the most rigorous framework for these practices worldwide. Unlike other regenerative programs, ROC prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which the organization asserts contribute to the climate crisis. ROC certification includes requirements for practices that respect animal welfare and promote social fairness.

The results are becoming measurable. According to industry data released by ROA in September 2025, ROC practices now span nearly 20 million acres across 46 countries, involving more than 67,000 smallholder farms and 320 participating brands.

From Niche to Mainstream: Market Momentum
Consumer demand is pushing regenerative agriculture into the mainstream. Products carrying the ROC label have grown 45% year-to-date, with retail sales up $20 million, representing a 24% jump over the previous year, according to ROA. Such growth is remarkable given that regenerative certification is relatively new, and it demonstrates  that consumer appetite for climate-friendly products extends beyond niche markets, according to the organization.

Several pioneering brands working with the Regenerative Organic Alliance illustrate how regenerative claims are translating into market share:

- Dr. Bronner’s, the natural soap leader, has worked with more than 18,000 smallholder farmers to convert 52,000 acres to ROC standards.
- Lundberg Family Farms, known for its California-grown rice, has transitioned all of the organic rice it grows to ROC. The company reports that 65% of its consumers actively seek ROC products, creating clear market differentiation.
- Applegate, a leader in organic meats, converted 100% of the beef in its organic hot dogs to ROC in 2025, touching nearly 10 million acres, the company claims. Label research found that adding the regenerative claim increased purchase consideration significantly among hot dog buyers, a signal to CPG marketers that the regenerative label stands out in crowded categories.
- Gallant International, a private-label textiles company, has grown its farmer network from 700 to 1,250 in just three years to meet demand for ROC cotton.
- Patagonia continues to invest in regenerative supply chains through its clothing and also via its food division, Patagonia Provisions, and also through its membership in coalitions such as One Planet Business for Biodiversity.

“Regenerative organic farming practices can draw down carbon instead of releasing it, enhance ecosystem biodiversity instead of degrading it, and increase nutrient density instead of depleting it,” said Lundberg Family Farms CEO Craig Stevenson. “People say it can’t be done at scale, but we’re bringing ROC rice to every category of our portfolio, showing that when farmers commit to regeneration, the result is healthier food, stronger ecosystems, and real progress in the fight against climate change.”

The Multinational Pivot
While smaller players often lead the way, the sheer scale of agriculture requires buy-in from multinational corporations. In recent years, some of the world’s largest food companies have made highly publicized commitments to regenerative agriculture:

- General Mills pledged to advance regenerative practices across one million acres by 2030. Five years in, progress reports show that farmers are seeing improved soil health and reduced input costs, though scaling challenges remain.
- PepsiCo launched regenerative potato farming initiatives in Latin America, tying regenerative practices to the sustainability of its Lay’s and Sabritas brands. The company is also part of the Step Up for Agriculture Initiative, a collaboration with major retailers and other food and beverage companies to scale regenerative agriculture through locally tailored support systems.
- McDonald’s announced a $200 million investment in regenerative practices in 2025, targeting beef, potato, and dairy supply chains.
- Nestlé has embedded regenerative agriculture into its cocoa sourcing strategy, linking it to deforestation reduction goals.
- Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) in September 2025 released its third annual report, which announced that in 2024 the company engaged more than 5 million acres in advancing regenerative agriculture practices.
- Mondelez International announced in May 2025 a “new wave of impact-first investments,” including an investment in eAgronom, an ag-tech company supporting the transition to regenerative agriculture to improve soil health, reduce carbon emissions, and “enhance financial resilience through sustainable practices.”

Collectively, these companies signal that regenerative agriculture is no longer a fringe concept but an integral part of corporate climate strategy. By joining efforts such as the Step Up for Agriculture Initiative and One Planet Business for Biodiversity, they also acknowledge that collaborative approaches are needed to scale regenerative systems globally.

Certifications and Standards: Who Defines “Regenerative?”
As regenerative agriculture has gained traction, the number of new product entries with regenerative claims on the label has surged across categories. Yet, as the USDA has not regulated any standard for regenerative agriculture, questions of definition, standards, and credibility remain, leading to the emergence of a number of regenerative certification seals, creating both momentum and some confusion.

Amazon-owned Whole Foods Market allows four regenerative agriculture certifications to appear on front-of-package claims in its stores: Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC), Certified Regenified, Certified Regenerative by A Greener World, and Ecological Outcome Verified by Land to Market (see below). The retailer does not recognize organic as the only baseline standard for regenerative practices, which is one reason it accepts more certifications than just ROC, the Observer reported.

For business leaders, however, the takeaway is clear: certification matters. Manufacturers may complain about the need for a parade of seals across the front panel of a food package, yet it comes down to the fact that consumers (and investors) increasingly demand third-party verification to avoid “greenwashing” and to ensure label claims such as “fair trade” or “gluten free” are true. The same applies to regenerative agriculture claims made on a product label.

According to Ken Roseboro, reporting in February 2025 in The Organic & Non-GMO Report, demand for regenerative certification has been overwhelming. Today, several certification programs provide frameworks for brands and farmers:

- Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC): Overseen by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, the ROC seal is widely considered the gold standard because it integrates soil health, organic farming practices, animal welfare, and social fairness. According to a SPINS report published in August 2025, ROC products saw a 22% year-over-year increase in buyers, making it one of the fastest growing certifications in the country.
- Regenified certifies producers, brands, and supply partners committed to the adoption of regenerative agriculture, offering a seal to place on the label of certified products to signal to consumers that the product comes from a farm that is putting regenerative principles into action.
- Land to Market, created by the Savory Institute, works to connect brands with raw materials that come from verified regenerative land bases. The program verifies regenerative outcomes using ecological monitoring rather than prescriptive practices. Founded by Allan Savory, the program focuses primarily on livestock.
- A Greener World has established a set of standards for its Certified Regenerative program, which the organization says offers supply chain assurance for brands, processors, distributors, and others who want to assure customers of transparency.
- Soil & Climate Initiative, developed by Green America, offers a whole-systems, farm-to-shelf regenerative agriculture program with options for third-party verification.
- Rainforest Alliance in September 2025 announced the launch of a new regenerative agriculture standard, certification program, and seal for coffee, expected to appear on consumer coffee bags in 2026.

Investor Interest in Regenerative Food Systems
Behind the consumer-facing story lies another trend: a surge of capital into regenerative food and agriculture. Impact investors, venture capitalists, and blended-finance funds are betting on regeneration as both a climate solution and a growth opportunity. For investors, regenerative agriculture represents an unusual convergence, offering  measurable environmental impact alongside competitive financial returns, especially as consumer demand continues to climb.

As an investment category, regenerative food and agriculture systems raised $1.17 billion in funding in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released in April 2025 by the Regenerative Food Systems Investment (RFSI) group. RFSI, which hosts the annual Regenerative Food Systems Investment Forum, reports that almost half (46%) of all deals in Q1 2025 came from venture capital investment.

Recent investment highlights in regenerative food and agriculture include:

- Mad Capital, the investment arm created by leading consultancy Mad Agriculture dedicated to scaling regenerative agriculture systems, announced in September 2025 that it had closed a $78 million oversubscribed Perennial Fund II to finance regenerative organic food and agriculture.
- DiversiFund, launched in 2025 by an affiliate of Transformational Investing in Food Systems, introduced a new pooled-financing model for regenerative food systems, aiming for $100 million in capital commitments in 2026.
- TransCap Initiative, with financial support from the Walton Family Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, along with 20 leading investors, funders and farming organizations, announced in June 2025 that they were joining forces to design innovative financial infrastructure to align capital flows to accelerate regenerative agricultural production in the U.S. Midwest.
- Mirova, a French impact investment firm that manages more than $34 billion in assets, is financing a portfolio of 12 regenerative agriculture projects across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, focusing on crops such as cacao, citrus, coffee, nuts, and botanical ingredients. One project currently underway in Morocco is converting conventional citrus orchards to regenerative organic practices. The World Economic Forum in September 2025 called on the global food industry to “embrace regenerative agriculture now.”
- Zintinus, a German investment firm managing $175 million, projects that regenerative agriculture will be a key part of a $4.5 trillion business opportunity in 2030 associated with 10 “critical transitions,” including organic foods, diversifying protein, reducing food waste, restoring ecosystems and promoting resilient rural economies.

What’s Next?
Despite momentum, regenerative agriculture still faces critical challenges, such as scaling. Can regenerative methods be deployed across millions of acres quickly enough to make a dent in climate change? Can carbon sequestration from such farming practices be quantified? With multiple certification programs, how will the industry ensure consistent, credible standards and metrics? For farmers, transitioning to regenerative practices often requires upfront costs and new knowledge. Without financial support and assistance, many farmers will struggle to make the leap.

For consumers, while “organic” is now widely understood, “regenerative” is still emerging in the lexicon. Brands must invest in storytelling and education to connect the regenerative label to tangible benefits.

To address this, ROA announced in September 2025 that it has partnered with food tech company Edacious on a four-year study to test the nutritional makeup of Regenerative Organic Certified foods and to drive further awareness of the health benefits of ROC products. ROA and Edacious will analyze more than 200 food products bearing the ROC seal. “With Edacious and the Regenerative Organic Alliance, this data becomes more than numbers: it becomes a story about how regenerative organic systems deliver measurable nutritional benefits,” Eric Smith, CEO of Edacious, told AgFunderNews.

For producers, practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping and rotational grazing are presented as effective solutions to restore soil organic carbon and improve soil health, ultimately increasing farm profitability and resilience against climate change. But how do you measure that? Researchers from the Soil Health Institute, University of Vermont Agricultural Research Service, the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, Agoro and elsewhere are currently addressing that question by developing tools and methods to measure and quantify carbon sequestration in regenerative soils – key data for farmers, agriculturalists, climate change experts, policymakers and others.

The rise of the regenerative label reflects more than a marketing trend — it signals a strategic pivot for an industry under pressure from climate change, shifting consumer values, and investor scrutiny. For small brands, regeneration offers differentiation and authenticity. For multinationals, it represents risk management and brand relevance. For investors, it provides a rare dual return: financial performance and measurable climate impact. Much as the organic label reshaped food markets over the last 30 years, regenerative is poised to redefine them in the decades ahead. The question is no longer whether regenerative agriculture can scale, but how quickly — and who will lead the transition.

Momentum is building. As Christopher Gergen, CEO of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, noted, “Nearly 20 million acres are already under regenerative organic management, and with accelerating adoption rates and growing consumer demand creating clear market incentives, the movement is shifting from an emerging practice to a mainstream business and climate strategy.”

Steven Hoffman is Managing Director of Compass Natural Marketing, a strategic communications and brand development agency serving the natural and organic products industry. Learn more at www.compassnatural.com.

Portal Film Co. Premieres Documentary on Food, Community and Brand-Defining Moments

Documentary film screenings in Denver and Boulder offer culture-forward gatherings that center community connection, local food and empowerment

DENVER (Sept. 30, 2025) — Portal Film Co., a Denver-based video production company specializing in documentaries, commercials and original content, today announced the premiere of Building the Table, Episode 2 of its original documentary series, Portal Connects. The film explores how Colorado chefs use food to build identity, trust and community. Screenings will take place Oct. 14 at Root Down (Denver), Oct. 23 at Riot BBQ (Denver) and Oct. 29 at Rosetta Hall (Boulder).

Portal Connects brings people together through shared stories and shared spaces, showing how culture, craft and lived experience shape resilient communities. Building the Table highlights the role of food as a universal language of belonging, featuring Top Chef alum Manny Barella and Root Down’s Chef Hannah Elkins. The episode shows how hospitality becomes a catalyst for modern community-building. Click here to learn more about Portal and to watch the trailer.

As a strategy-first partner, Portal helps organizations earn credibility at the moments that matter most—launches, openings, and campaigns that define reputation and growth. The studio’s team has worked with global brands including Google, Honda, Verizon, and Capital One, alongside bold, innovative independent brands and nonprofits.

“Our series showcases real stories through connection, culture, and community,” said Michael Sharon, Executive Producer at Portal. “With Building the Table, we’re documenting the authentic moments that shape identity and trust. That’s also how we collaborate with brands: we help partners capture the brand-defining moments that move audiences beyond marketing campaigns and into real connection. That is the mission of this original series, and of Portal as a production company.”

To deepen the community impact, Portal is collaborating with nonprofit partners Longer Tables and the Hispanic Restaurant Association to connect screenings with local food-system initiatives, mentorship and entrepreneurship support.

“We joke that tacos will save the world—and the truth is the table and shared meal is the most powerful place on the planet to share our stories and see one another as humans,” said Tim Jones, Executive Director of Longer Tables. “We share this passion and mission with Portal and hope this is just the beginning of the story.”

Screening Details
For more details about each screening and to RSVP, visit these links:

    Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 — Root Down (Denver)

    Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 — Riot BBQ (Denver)

    Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 — Rosetta Hall (Boulder)

About Portal Connects
Portal Connects is a documentary series by Portal Film Co. Each episode explores a central theme through conversations with cultural leaders and everyday people, filmed in the real spaces where community happens—from a neighborhood park to America’s first Mile Long Table to major music festivals, the series captures authentic stories that explore how connection is built in today’s world.

About Portal Film
Portal Film Co. is a Denver-based video production company known for producing documentaries, commercials and original content for brand-defining moments. From concept to distribution, Portal helps brands and organizations capture the stories that build trust and credibility at launches, openings, fundraising campaigns and other critical milestones. Clients include Google, Honda, Verizon, Capital One and Transamerica, alongside innovative independent brands and nonprofits. Learn more by visiting their website and follow on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

About the Hosting Restaurants
Root Down pairs globally inspired, seasonal cooking with neighborhood hospitality—an ideal setting for culture-forward community gatherings. Riot BBQ marries the open-fire cooking traditions of Monterrey, MX with Southern US-style classic barbecue techniques. Rosetta Hall is Boulder’s spot to gather together—whether it’s after the hike, before the show or simply to share a table with friends. With chef-driven food, craft cocktails, live music and rooftop views, Rosetta blends Boulder’s flavor, culture and creative energy all under one roof—just steps from Pearl Street.

Media Contact
Allison Salvati, Compass Natural, allison@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.709.8583

Roaring Fork Mill Wins Sustainability-First Shelfie Award from Startup CPG

Mill Also Secures USDA Grant to Grow Regional Grain Supply Chains

CARBONDALE, Colo. (Sept. 16, 2025) — Roaring Fork Mill, a family-owned Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) stone mill in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, is celebrating two major milestones: recognition as the winner of the Sustainability-First Award at the Shelfies, Startup CPG’s annual awards program, and the receipt of a USDA Business Builder Grant supporting its mission to strengthen regional grain supply chains. ROC is the highest standard in agriculture, requiring rigorous practices that prioritize soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness — values at the core of Roaring Fork Mill’s work.

At the Shelfies, Roaring Fork Mill was honored with the inaugural Sustainability-First Award, sponsored by Green Spoon. The award recognizes brands that prioritize people and planet above profit. Roaring Fork Mill stood out for its exclusive use of non-GMO grains grown by Colorado farmers using regenerative organic practices, with a focus on ancient and heritage wheats that require less water and fewer inputs and protect vital topsoil nutrients.

“We’re honored to be recognized by Startup CPG and Green Spoon for the values that guide our work every day,” said Jacob Trumbull, Founder of Roaring Fork Mill. “From our farmers to our stone mill, we are committed to proving that local grains, grown with care for soil health, can be both good for people and good for the planet.”

Startup CPG launched the Shelfies to celebrate emerging brands making a difference in food and beverage. This year’s awards included the first-ever Sustainability-First category, a reflection of the growing emphasis on climate-friendly innovation.

“A big congratulations to Roaring Fork Mill on winning our first ever Sustainability Shelfie Award, presented by our friends at Green Spoon Sales,” said Daniel Scharff, CEO of Startup CPG. “We're really proud of Jacob and his team putting sustainability into practice and we're so excited to recognize their efforts with this award."

Roaring Fork Mill is also a participant in Green Spoon’s Take Root accelerator, which provides early-stage, disruptive brands with retail sales and promotional support to help them scale.

“It’s inspiring to see Roaring Fork Mill recognized with the first-ever Sustainability Shelfie award,” said Green Spoon CEO and Co-Founder Kari Pedriana. “Their commitment to regenerative organic grains and regional farmer partnerships is exactly the kind of bold, planet-forward approach our industry needs to lift up and support.”

USDA Business Builder Grant
In addition to its Shelfies recognition, Roaring Fork Mill was awarded a USDA Business Builder Grant through the USDA’s Regional Food Business Centers (RFBCs). The grant program provides direct financial assistance to small and mid-sized farm and food businesses to expand local and regional supply chains. With this support, Roaring Fork Mill will continue investing in farmer partnerships, infrastructure, and consumer education around the benefits of regenerative organic grains.

“These two honors — one from our peers in the natural products community, and one from the USDA — give us significant momentum to keep building a resilient grain economy rooted in the Rocky Mountain West,” Trumbull added.

About Roaring Fork Mill
Founded in 2022, Roaring Fork Mill is a family owned Regenerative Organic Certified® stone flour mill based in Carbondale, Colorado. Sourcing heirloom grains from local farmers using regenerative practices, the mill produces premium flours for home bakers, chefs, and food producers. Roaring Fork Mill is also the only flour company in the U.S. with Upcycled Certified® baked goods. Products are available online and for wholesale. Visit the website and follow Roaring Fork Mill on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. “A big congratulations to Roaring Fork Mill on winning our first ever Sustainability Shelfie Award, presented by our friends at Green Spoon Sales,” said Daniel Scharff, CEO of Startup CPG. “We're really proud of Jacob and his team putting sustainability into practice and we're so excited to recognize their efforts with this award."

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

Host Defense® Receives INFRA’s Vendor Impact Award and Additional Awards from Taste for Life Magazine

Mushroom supplement category leader honored by Independent Natural Food Retailers Association as well as by leading health publication Taste for Life

OLYMPIA, Wash. (Sept. 9, 2025) — Host Defense®, the #1 best-selling mushroom supplement brand in the U.S. based on SPINS data, has just been honored with three major industry accolades.

The Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) presented Host Defense with its Vendor Impact Award, recognizing the company’s leadership in sustainability, innovation, and retailer education. In addition, MycoBenefits™ Focus*, one of Host Defense’s newest product innovations, was named a winner in Taste for Life’s Back-to-School Essentials Awards for its formula designed to support attention, clarity, and concentration. Most recently, MycoBenefits™ Mood* was also honored by Taste for Life in its September Remedies Happiness (Avoid SAD) Essentials Awards, celebrating it as a standout solution to support a peaceful emotional state and balanced mood.*

"These awards affirm our mission to advance the science, sustainability, efficacy, and accessibility of beneficial mushroom mycelium and fruiting bodies," said Betsy Bullman, Host Defense Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We’re proud to partner with independent retailers, innovate in ways that matter, and deliver products that help people thrive naturally. We appreciate the recognition from these distinguished organizations."*

INFRA Vendor Impact Award
With over 350 member retailers and 600 store locations across the country, INFRA is a cooperative of independently owned natural food stores working together to strengthen the success of their businesses.

The Vendor Impact Award celebrates brands that embody INFRA’s values:

• Innovative Leadership: Pushing the boundaries of sustainability, retail innovation, and business excellence.

• Nourishing Communities: Supporting independent retailers and strengthening local economies.

• Forward Momentum: Demonstrating strong sales growth and purposeful expansion.

• Regenerative Impact: Leading in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and climate-conscious initiatives.

• Advocacy & Access: Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion while making sustainable, healthy food accessible to all.

Host Defense was chosen for its unmatched sustainability efforts. Climate Positive, the company offsets its carbon footprint by 110%—that’s 10% more emissions offset than the organization produces itself. Host Defense also sources energy from renewables like wind and hydroelectric, utilizes recycled plastics in packaging wherever possible, and commits to deforestation-free practices. The company invests in Life Cycle Analyses to further improve packaging efficiency and is developing a green transportation plan to reduce shipping impacts.

Beyond environmental business practices, Host Defense sets the bar for retailer education—hosting nearly 20 live webinars monthly, offering free products to attendees, and providing extensive training for retail staff. The brand’s research-backed formulations and category-defining product innovation continue to shape trends in the mushroom supplement space.

Taste for Life Awards
Reaching nearly 1 million readers, Taste for Life is a leading natural health and wellness magazine and online platform with over 25 years of editorial history.

The Taste for Life Back-to-School Essentials Award for MycoBenefits™ Focus* spotlights the formula’s unique blend of organic mushroom mycelium—including Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi—with targeted botanicals and nutrients to promote mental clarity, attention, and calm energy for students, professionals, and anyone seeking daily cognitive support. This recognition underscores Host Defense’s expertise in creating functional, multi-benefit wellness solutions.*

And the Taste for Life September Remedies Happiness (Avoid SAD) Essentials Awards recognizing MycoBenefits™ Mood* is a reflection of Host Defense’s ongoing commitment to formulating high-quality products. The formula uses Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushroom mycelium alongside other supportive adaptogens like Ashwagandha and L-Theanine to aid mental energy, mood, and calm thinking. It's a multi-ingredient formula that fits seamlessly into a self-care wellness routine and promotes a balanced mood, calm body, and clear mind.*

About Fungi Perfecti, LLC—Maker of Host Defense® Mushrooms™
Fungi Perfecti, LLC is a family-owned company founded by internationally renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, who launched Host Defense® under Fungi Perfecti with the goal of building a bridge between people and fungi. Host Defense is now the leading mushroom supplement brand in the U.S., specializing in mushroom mycelium-based supplements and functional beverage mixes designed to support human health. Its product line reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability, scientific integrity, research, and education.*

Fungi Perfecti has become synonymous with cutting-edge mycological research and solutions—from water filtration (mycofiltration) and ecological rehabilitation (mycoremediation) to combating Colony Collapse Disorder in bees. A Certified B Corporation, Fungi Perfecti is third-party designated as Climate Positive, offsetting 110% of its carbon emissions. Follow Host Defense and Fungi Perfecti on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042

Food Inflation in the U.S.: A Strategic Reckoning for Food Sector Leaders

This article first appeared in the September 2025 issue of Presence Marketing’s newsletter.

By Steven Hoffman

In 2025, food inflation in the United States has transformed from a passing concern into a defining business challenge—and opportunity—for leaders across the food ecosystem. A 3% year-over‑year increase in overall food prices, including 2.4% for groceries and 3.8% for restaurant meals, may seem modest. Yet beneath those figures lie sharper, more disruptive trends: surging prices in staples such as coffee, ground beef, and eggs; strategic responses from consumers and retailers; and structural pressures that demand both resilience and reimagining. Business strategists in the food sector must now lead with insight, not just facts.

A Collision of Climate, Cost, and Policy
Climate volatility continues to drag on food supply and costs. Extreme drought in U.S. cattle belts, heat waves in crop regions, and pest outbreaks such as avian flu have propelled food inflation beyond headline figures. Coffee is up 13.4%, ground beef 10.3%, while eggs have spiked 27.3%, putting extraordinary strain on manufacturers and squeezing household budgets (Axios).

Adding to the upward pressure are sweeping tariffs introduced by the Trump administration, with tariffs on imports from Brazil and India reaching 50%. The tariffs are already working their way into the cost of everything from meat and produce to metals used in cans and packaging (The Washington Post). According to the Yale Budget Lab’s estimates as of August 7, 2025, consumers face an overall average effective tariff rate of 18.6% – the highest since 1933 – and the impact is projected to cost U.S. households an extra $2,400 per year.

Meanwhile, immigration enforcement over the past several months has destabilized farm labor. In California’s Oxnard region, intensified ICE activity has slashed agricultural labor by 20-40%, leading to $3-7 billion in crop losses and driving produce prices up 5% to 12%, according to research published in August 2025 from Cornell University. Simultaneously, cuts in SNAP and other supports have strained both consumer access and farm revenue—especially for smaller producers—plus, grocers in rural communities and elsewhere that depend on SNAP programs feel that impact much harder (Climate and Capital Media).

Beyond cost drivers, the retail margin picture is fraught. Analysis from the White House Council of Economic Advisers showed grocers’ profit margins rising 2 percentage points since before the pandemic—reaching two-decade highs—while “shrinkflation” and package downsizing quietly preserve profitability (Grocery Dive).

FMI—The Food Industry Association’s study released in July 2025, “The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2025,” reveals an industry struggling to navigate challenging economic conditions, largely due to policies implemented during the Trump administration. According to FMI, about 80% of both retailers and suppliers anticipate that trade policies and tariffs will continue to affect pricing and disrupt supply chains. Most grocers expect operating costs to remain high (Supermarket News).

Consumers Are Stressed About Rising Prices
Recent polling reveals that nearly 90% of U.S. adults are stressed about grocery prices—with half calling it a major stressor. As a result, Americans are responding to these pressures with pragmatic and inventive shifts. Consumers across income levels are tightening the belt, leveraging buy-now-pay-later options, getting creative with savings, and turning to food banks when they must (AInvest).

Shopping behavior reflects this anxiety—and innovation. RDSolutions reports that 86% of consumers now buy private-label products, with price cited as the primary decision factor; 42% opt for cheaper alternatives; while 20% skip items altogether. Data from The Feedback Group shows 61% of supermarket shoppers use sale-driven habits—buying on promotion, eating more at home, and choosing store brands over national names (Progressive Grocer). Meanwhile, many households lean on grocery hacks such as careful list-making, midweek shopping, loyalty programs, and bulk purchases to maximize savings (Times of India).

Even amid tightening budgets, shoppers haven’t completely abandoned pleasure, however. KCI’s “stress index” reveals that consumers crave “affordable luxuries” and product discovery—seeking balance between taste and value. In fact, 68% of consumers surveyed prioritize taste over price, while one-third still prioritize lowest-priced options (Food Dive).

In a fresh produce market reeling from the effects of inflation and immigration enforcement, one consumer trend remains strong: Health continues to drive purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables. According to The Packer Fresh Trends 2025 report, published in August 2025, 72% of shoppers say their primary reason for buying produce is to support a healthy lifestyle. However, price pressures loom larger than ever, with 44% of consumers now saying that cost is the top factor in deciding what to buy, up from 39% last year. As households juggle tighter budgets, they’re opting for familiar staples over experimenting with newer or higher-priced options (Farm Journal).

For lower income individuals and families, higher food prices are resulting in less consumption of healthier food options, with the result that Americans are not eating enough fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods. Instead, they are choosing sugary and ultra-processed foods, which tend to be cheaper and last longer.

"There's evidence that inflation continues to shape food choices, particularly for low-income Americans who prioritize price over healthfulness," Constance Brown-Riggs, a registered nurse and nutritionist specializing in diabetes care, told Northwell Health. "These results highlight the disparity in how income influences food priorities," she continued, adding that higher food prices often increase food insecurity. "These shifts increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity."

Even so, there is some opportunity on the horizon. The Packer Fresh Trends 2025 report shared some bright spots, including the fact that Millennials and Gen Z are leading the way on trying new products, exploring organic options, and prioritizing convenience, including prepped veggies and grab-and-go fruit packs. In addition, interest in organic remains strong, with 22% of consumers purchasing organic always or most of the time, particularly among younger and higher-income households.

Grocers, Brands, and Manufacturers Corral Cost Pressures
The reaction from retailers and manufacturers has been tactical and dynamic. Major chains are reevaluating supplier cost increase requests, pushing back aggressively against inflation on branded items. Meanwhile, grocers are ramping up private-label assortments (Investopedia).

Businesses like Aldi are demonstrating how cost leadership can go viral: A summer discount campaign across 2,550 stores marked down 400 items by up to 33%, estimated to save shoppers $100 million. Fast-food chains are responding with value menu bundles—their way of catering to cash-strapped consumers without sacrificing frequency (The Wall Street Journal).

In the natural channel, retailers such as Natural Grocers are emphasizing value, loyalty programs and sales to draw shoppers. For its 70th anniversary in August, Natural Grocers leveraged deep discounts across its nearly 170 stores in 21 states—up to 60% off on more than 500 products—to tap into consumer demand for affordability and quality. According to AInvest, the campaign “sets a benchmark for value-driven retail” by blending “nostalgia, discounts and loyalty incentives to boost sales and customer retention.”

As demand for better-for-you foods remains strong among health-conscious consumers, Jay Jacobowitz, president and founder of Retail Insights, told Supermarket News that many retailers in the natural and independent space experienced a strengthened second half of 2024 and first quarter of 2025, as less price-sensitive consumers make personal health and wellness a priority. Smaller retailers “are going to have increased (economic) pressure, but it’s not pressure that they’re unfamiliar with dealing with,” he said.

Manufacturers are similarly pressured. They face rising raw material, labor, and energy costs, yet retailers limit how much of that inflation they pass through. Many are resorting to smaller or reformulated packaging, trimming promotions, and optimizing sourcing strategies to protect shelf placement (Columbus CEO).

Yet even in the last few weeks, food makers are succumbing to the need to raise prices as the longer-term effects of tariffs, economic policies, and supply chain disruption kick in. On Aug. 7, 2025, Forager Project co-founders Stephen Williamson and John-Charles Hanley announced the following on Instagram:

“Like many food makers, we’ve been feeling the effects of rising ingredient costs—especially for our beloved cashews (up 52%) and coconuts (up 113%). We’ve held off as long as we could, but to keep making food the right way, a price increase was necessary. What hasn’t changed? Organic ingredients, ethical sourcing, planet-healthy practices.”

At the agricultural level, the disconnect is acute. Farmers receive only about 16 cents back from every retail food dollar spent—and that fraction must cover skyrocketing seed, fertilizer, and machinery costs (Washington Post). Some farmers still support tariffs, believing they will yield long-term trade gains; others see them as a short‑term hit to margins (Investigate Midwest).

Strategy: Adaptation, Advocacy, and Resilience
Current forecasts from the USDA suggest moderate gains: food-at-home prices rising around 2.2% for 2025 and restaurant prices about 4%. But the structural challenges—climate, policy, labor, and pricing power—carry implications far richer and more urgent than those figures alone (Food & Wine).

For food-sector professionals, the directive is clear: Strategies must be multidimensional.

1. Reinvent Pricing & Perceived Value
Offer tiered, smaller, or private-label packaging; highlight affordable luxuries and discovery moments in-store and online. Aldi’s shelf reset, Sprouts Farmers Market’s value-based positioning, and Natural Grocers’ emphasis on savings and its frequent buyer program demonstrate ways to drive loyalty and savings.

2. Strengthen Supply Chain Flexibility
Diversify sourcing, invest in climate-resilient inputs, and forecast for volatility. Manufacturers need contingency plans for both weather and trade disruptions.

3. Align Expectations & Margins
Increase analytics around cost impacts and pass-through capabilities. Supplier–retailer partnerships should define fair margin boundaries and shared value strategies for inflation periods.

4. Advocate for Systemic Support
Engage policymakers to safeguard labor stability—through H-2A visa expansions or by regularizing undocumented workers—and to secure tariff relief for food essentials and farm inputs.

5. Build Resilient Retail Formats
Simplify offerings to reduce shopper anxiety and stock-outs. Grocery models like Aldi or Sprouts’ curated “innovation centers” help drive discovery while managing complexity.

A New Epoch for Food-Business Leadership
Food inflation in 2025 is less an anecdote than a wake-up call. When climate shocks strike, tariffs bite, and labor becomes unstable overnight, businesses that only react are left behind. But those that blend adaptive execution, strategic policymaking, and bold market positioning are building enduring advantage.

Consumers may feel squeezed, but they’re still looking for experiences that feel smart, authentic, and human. Retailers, suppliers, processors, and farmers must each meet them there—delivering value, stability, and insight. Because in this new era, food-sector leadership is not just about pricing; it’s about crafting trust in uncertain times—and reshaping food systems to weather today’s storms and make the most of tomorrow’s opportunities.

Steven Hoffman is Managing Director of Compass Natural Marketing, a strategic communications and brand development agency serving the natural and organic products industry. Learn more at www.compassnatural.com.

JAMBAR Embraces Sports Heritage With New Wrappers

Organic Energy Bars Created by PowerBar® Co-Founder Now Feature Runners, Cyclists, Skiers, Snowboarders, Soccer Players and Surfers

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (Aug. 20, 2025) -- Organic energy bar maker JAMBAR today unveiled new packaging that celebrates the brand’s deep roots in performance nutrition and its growing community of sports partners. Wrappers and boxes for each of the brand’s five flavors now include images of athletes: Chocolate Cha Cha has runners; Peanut Butter Malt Medley features cyclists; Jammin’ Jazzleberry includes skiers and snowboarders; Musical Mango pictures soccer players; and Tropical Trio shows surfers. Launched in 2021, JAMBAR was founded by Jennifer Maxwell, returning her to the category that she and her late husband, Brian, pioneered in 1985 when they created the original energy bar, PowerBar®.

Maxwell, a former college athlete and lifelong runner, crafted JAMBAR with a nutritional profile and commitment to real food that appeals to many athletes, who also appreciate that the bars don’t melt, crumble or freeze. JAMBARs contain ancient gluten-free grains, authentic natural sweeteners, dried fruit or premium chocolate and high-quality protein.

“So many active people - ranging from weekend warriors to professional athletes - have told us that JAMBAR is their go-to energy bar to fuel their performances and daily adventures,” said nutritionist, food scientist and JAMBAR founder Jennifer Maxwell. “The new JAMBAR packaging leans into our love of sports and our commitment to providing clean ingredients for athletes and active people.”

As part of its giveback program, JAMBAR donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that promote active living and music. Since its launch, JAMBAR has supported athletes and sponsored races, events and sports organizations. 

JAMBAR partners with professional athletes including:

• Running power couple Joe and Sage Hurta-Klecker, 

• Skier and Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley,

• Cyclist and Gravel Hall of Fame rider Ali Tetrick,

• Freestyle skier and downhill mountain bike racer Ryan McElmon, and

• Runner and 2023 Stroller Mile World Record holder Neely Spence Gracey.

The company also sponsored Jimmy Conrad’s Kwik Goal FC at The Soccer Tournament in 2023 and 2024, and worked with pro surfer Tia Blanco to launch its Tropical Trio flavor in 2024. 

“Jennifer Maxwell is an absolute legend in the energy bar industry, and with JAMBAR, she’s done it again,” said Olympic Gold Medalist and skier Jonny Moseley. “I’ve tried a lot of energy bars, and JAMBAR is my favorite - I really appreciate the whole food, organic ingredients and the great taste.”

JAMBAR can be found at hundreds of events and races across the country, and is the official energy bar of teams and organizations including:

• Aspen Snowmass;

• The Bear National Cycling Team;

• The Armory;

• The Big Sky Conference;

• Penn Athletics and Penn Relays; and

• More than 20 collegiate athletic departments, including University of Texas, University of California - Berkeley and University of Richmond.

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 the positive impact they can have on their local communities. JAMBAR organic energy bars are made in the U.S. and crafted in small batches in the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in California. A woman-owned, mission-based business, JAMBAR donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support active living and music. JAMBARs are available in sports specialty shops, natural foods and grocery stores, and online at Amazon.com. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow JAMBAR on Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

Roaring Fork Mill, Maker of Regenerative Organic Flours, Signs with National Broker Green Spoon

Catch Roaring Fork Mill and its ROC-certified heritage grain flours and cookies at Newtopia Now in Denver, Aug. 20–22 | Booth #665, Regenerate Pavilion

CARBONDALE, Colo. (Aug. 13, 2025) — Roaring Fork Mill, a regenerative organic stone mill based in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, announced today a new partnership with national brokerage firm Green Spoon to expand the reach of its heirloom grain flours. Roaring Fork Mill handcrafts Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) flours from ancient and heritage grains grown on local family farms using climate-friendly farming practices.

“We’re not just milling flour — we’re building a regenerative future one loaf at a time,” said Jacob Trumbull, founder and head miller at Roaring Fork Mill. “From sourcing grains from nearby regenerative farms to preserving flavor and nutrition through stone milling, our mission is rooted in people, planet, and performance.”

Green Spoon Partnership Expands Reach
Based in Boulder, CO, Green Spoon represents purpose-driven natural brands. Through its “Take Root” accelerator, the brokerage offers retail sales and promotional support for disruptive emerging brands. Green Spoon will manage sales for Roaring Fork Mill across the Central U.S. and Rocky Mountain regions.

The partnership comes amid growing interest in regenerative agriculture and regional food systems. Roaring Fork Mill has been featured in ColoradoBiz, Aspen Sojourner, The Sopris Sun, and Progressive Grocer for its efforts to bring nutrition, sustainability, and heritage back to the baking aisle.

See and Sample at Newtopia Now
At Newtopia Now (August 20–22, Denver Convention Center), Roaring Fork Mill will exhibit its full line of ROC certified flours and preview its new line of shortbread cookies — the first of their kind in the U.S. — at Booth #655 in the Regenerate Pavilion. Flours are available in 2-lb. home-use pouches and bulk sizes for food service and bakeries.

Product highlights include:

• All Purpose Flour — Made with 100% White Sonora, an heirloom wheat, ideal for pancakes, cookies, and cakes. 

• Heritage Bread Flour — Made with Heritage Spring Wheat, our Heritage Bread Flour has a 12.2% protein content, making it an excellent choice for baking artisan breads.

• Ryman Rye Flour — Grown in Colorado’s San Luis Valley as part of the Rye Resurgence Project on the Jones Farm Organics 4th generation farm. We’re proud that our rye flour is the first flour to be Regenerative Organic Certified in Colorado.

• Purple Barley Flour – Milled from antioxidant-rich heirloom purple barley, our Purple Barley Flour has a slightly nutty flavor and is vibrant in color, making it ideal for crackers, flatbreads, muffins, and more.

• Emmer Flour – Stone milled from one of the oldest cultivated grains, Emmer Flour has a bold, earthy flavor that shines in rustic loaves, pasta, and crackers.

• Spelt Flour – Offers a sweet, nutty flavor and light texture, perfect for cookies, pancakes, and pizza dough—easy to love and easier to digest.

About Jacob Trumbull
Founder Jacob Trumbull developed a love of the land and passion for real food rooted in the community when he worked at Sterling College in Vermont. While there, he helped develop the Wendell Berry Farming Program (now called the Berry Center Farm & Forest Institute), an institute teaching sustainable and regenerative farming practices. Upon moving to the Roaring Fork Valley, he saw a gap in the market for regionally grown, regeneratively sourced grains in an area historically known for its wheat and grain production. 

Inspired to bring fresh-milled nutrition back to the table, Jacob launched Roaring Fork Mill with a simple goal: to support local farmers focused on regenerative farming practices, restore soil health, and offer flour with soul. Today, he continues to lead the business with a hands-on approach— grinding each batch on a traditional stone mill and building a regenerative future one loaf at a time.

About Roaring Fork Mill
Founded in 2022, Roaring Fork Mill is a family owned Regenerative Organic Certified® stone flour mill based in Carbondale, Colorado. Sourcing heirloom grains from local farmers using regenerative practices, the mill produces premium flours for home bakers, chefs, and food producers. Roaring Fork Mill is also the only flour company in the U.S. with Upcycled Certified® baked goods. Products are available online and for wholesale. Visit the website and follow Roaring Fork Mill on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. 

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042