# #142 - Buyer Spotlight: Christine McNerney and Jason Bidart, Thrive Market

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2024-05-14
- Length: 1h 02m
- Episode: 38
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2024-05-14-142-buyer-spotlight-christine-mcnerney-and-jason-bidart-thrive-market
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3d3c59f9

## Summary

Christine McNerney, VP of Merchandising Ops for Health, Beauty, and Home, and Jason Bidart, VP of Food Merchandising, both at Thrive Market, discuss the retailer's high ingredient standards and sourcing strategies. They detail how Thrive Market bans over 700 ingredients, enforces non-GMO verification, and prioritizes sustainable sourcing for palm oil and coconut, while highlighting top-selling products like electrolyte powders, taco seasoning, and their private label Rosie Home. The guests explain their discovery process via RangeMe and trade shows, distribution options through UNFI or direct, and marketing programs like Gift with Purchase that drive brand success on the platform.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Christine McNerney and Jason Bidart at Thrive Market
2. Christine McNerney's Career Path from Fast Fashion to Thrive Market
3. Jason Bidart's Journey from Grocery Retail to Thrive Market
4. Thrive Market's Ethos: Resource, Discovery, and Education
5. Strict Ingredient Standards: Non-GMO, RSPO, and Ethical Sourcing
6. Consumer Trends: Electrolytes, Wellness Parents, and Private Label
7. Sourcing and Distribution: RangeMe, UNFI, and Direct Partnerships
8. Marketing Programs: Promotions, GWP, and Brand Discovery

## Topics

- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Thrive Market (company)
- RangeMe (tool)
- UNFI (company)
- Rosie Home (product)
- Chomps (product)
- Simple Mills (product)
- Rooted Fair (company)
- Indie Lycoq (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Thrive Market: Nick Green](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-08-12-thrive-market-nick-green) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Nick Green of Thrive Market](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-10-08-advice-line-with-nick-green-of-thrive-market) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Sarah Kauss of S'well](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-06-20-advice-line-with-sarah-kauss-of-swell) (How I Built This)
- [Thrive Causemetics: Karissa Bodnar. How a Beauty Business Made Millions for a Mission](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-14-thrive-causemetics-karissa-bodnar-how-a-beauty-business-made-millions-for-a-miss) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Andy Dunn of Bonobos](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2025-04-17-advice-line-with-andy-dunn-of-bonobos) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

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