#174 - Buyer Spotlight: Heidi Traore and Jeanette Bloss, National Co+op Grocers

The Startup CPG Podcast · 18 Dec 2024 · 55m · Episode 104

What this episode covers

Heidi Traore, Supplier Relationship Development Manager, and Jeanette Bloss, Category Manager, from National Co+op Grocers (NCG), explain how this secondary cooperative serves 165 member co-ops across the US. They detail the 'Core Sets' category review process, the necessity of UNFI distribution, and how brands can leverage co-op deals and flyers to drive velocity. The guests highlight emerging trends like dumplings, mocktails, and mushroom-based products, while advising brands on the importance of data, authentic storytelling, and long-term partnership over one-off sales.

Mentioned

Companies
National Co+op Grocers, UNFI, Whole Foods Market, Good Eggs, Lakewoods Food Co Op, PCC, Weaver Street, La Montanita
Products
Bio Bond Dumplings, Jaju, Seedlip
Tools
Spins
Also
Core Sets, Co-op Deals

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