Operationalizing Climate Action: Tracking the Natural Industry's Progress
This article originally appeared in Presence Marketing’s January 2023 industry newsletter.
By Steven Hoffman
Despite numerous barriers, such as limited resources, supply chain and transportation factors, labor shortages, inflation, lingering pandemic pressures, and more, a majority of natural products companies surveyed by the Climate Collaborative indicated they are integrating climate action into all aspects of operations and in their overall business strategy. In addition, 83% of companies have taken steps to reduce emissions throughout their entire operations, and 76% of respondents reported prioritizing emissions reductions over offsets, a strategy the Climate Collaborative encourages.
With a vision of “leveraging the power of the natural products industry to reverse climate change,” the nonprofit Climate Collaborative’s 2022 Tracking Progress Annual Report, published in December 2022, reflects the responses from 224 businesses in the natural channel. The survey asked questions to help establish a baseline of the ways in which companies are currently integrating their climate goals into their overall operations. At the time of publication, 761 companies have made more than 2,822 climate commitments through the Climate Collaborative, the organization reported.
Results of the 2022 survey showed that half of responding companies have trained more than 80% of their staff on climate commitments and nearly 70% have made opportunities available for staff members to learn and engage in the company’s climate work. Of those surveyed, 85% of respondents are taking climate into consideration when designing new products or offerings. Also, 90% of companies said they have informed their board or other stakeholders about their respective climate commitments, and 75% of reporting companies are engaged in climate advocacy.
The Climate Collaborative’s report also indicated that an increasing number of companies are making net-zero commitments – 28% of companies responding to the survey reported having set a net-zero target, a 3% increase over the previous year, and 37% of companies are considering it. The organization anticipates a continued increase in the number of companies making net-zero commitments and is developing programs to support businesses in fulfilling these commitments, it says.
“This movement towards setting a north star goal reflects a broader industry trend of companies publicly promoting their long-term goals in marketing and promotional copy. We encourage all companies with long-term net-zero targets to support their targets with shorter-term goals. It is heartening to see that concurrent to an increase in net-zero targets, there is an increase in companies disclosing emissions,” the Climate Collaborative said in a statement.
Highlights of the Climate Collaborative’s 2022 Tracking Progress Annual Report include:
- Almost 85% of responding companies said they are considering climate when they design new products
- 75% of responding companies said they are engaged in climate advocacy
- Almost half of responding companies have trained more than 80% of their staff on their climate commitments
- 76% of respondents reported that they are prioritizing emissions reductions over offsets
Externally, reports the Climate Collaborative, 38% of companies responding to the 2022 survey are actively working with suppliers to decrease Scope 3 emissions (emissions that are the result of activities from assets not owned or controlled by the reporting organization), which includes asking suppliers to transition to renewable energy (21%), asking to eliminate equipment that uses fossil fuels and transition to electric equipment where applicable (20%), asking to require or utilize low carbon farming practices (40%), and asking suppliers to reduce water use or set water reduction targets (32%).
With just over 10% of all reporting companies engaging more than 80% of their suppliers in making climate commitments such as setting net-zero targets, making a commitment with the Climate Collaborative, or setting science-based targets, “we see an opportunity to more intentionally engage suppliers in climate action to further build resilience throughout the supply chain,” the Climate Collaborative said.
Taking its place as a top potential solution to reversing climate change, regenerative agriculture had the largest increase of survey responses with 76% of companies overall reporting progress, up from 58% over 2021 results. Companies responding to the Climate Collaborative’s survey reported lack of financial resources, competing priorities, and reduced capacity to manage programs and producer relationships as barriers to greater implementation. Despite these challenges, however, the Collaborative reported that of the 76% of companies reporting progress, 36% of companies report they have taken robust steps to implement regenerative agriculture and are seeing results compared to 21% last year.
In 2022, 56% of companies with an energy efficiency commitment reported progress on their commitment, up 4% from 2021. Companies implementing a transportation commitment reported a 5% increase in progress this year compared to last year, despite ongoing supply chain issues, the Climate Collaborative reported. Specific to implementing strategies to reduce food waste, 35% reported taking robust steps and are seeing results compared to 28% last year. For companies with a forest commitment, 29% of companies have ensured their supply chains are free of deforestation and 41% of companies reported engaging in reforestation efforts in 2022.
When asked which platforms companies used to measure climate action, survey respondents indicated that B Lab is the top reporting platform among committed companies. Other platforms companies refer to include the SME Climate Hub, Climate Pledge, Planet FWD Carbon Neutral, Climate Neutral, Science Based Targets Initiative, Net Zero Standard, CDP, SFTA at OTA, NCG Coefficient, CCOF, NOP, Regenerative Organic Certification, Climate Registry, GRI, Fair for Life, and RePurpose Global - Plastic Neutral, RSPO, Aclymate, SASB, Fairtrade International, and more.
Download the report here.
Get involved in the Climate Collaborative 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.
Surthrival Announces Launch of the World's First Wild-Foraged, Plant-Based Protein Powder
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Surthrival Announces the Launch of the World’s First Wild-Foraged, Plant-Based Protein Powder
Surthrival Black Walnut Protein Powder is made from 100% USA wild-grown, sustainably foraged & processed black walnuts. A sophisticated, ultra-clean CO2 extraction process produces this powerful source of plant-based protein – with 17 grams of protein per serving.
BIDDEFORD, Maine (January 3, 2023) – Surthrival is pleased to announce the launch of Black Walnut Protein Powder, the world’s first sustainable, wild-crafted protein powder sourced from black walnuts collected by foragers in the American Midwest.
Co-founded in 2008 by Daniel Vitalis, the creator and host of the Outdoor Channel's WildFed television series, Surthrival produces a range of potent, regenerative dietary supplements inspired by Vitalis’ study of our early ancestors and the vast range of foods they consumed.
“We should look to hunter-gatherer communities to see what they traditionally ate to see how we can supplement our modern diets to support optimal health,” says Vitalis, a passionate hunter, forager and wild food cook. “When I started Surthrival, I was looking at all the health problems our modern lifestyle and diet are creating. We wanted to produce uncompromising products – superior-grade, efficacious dietary supplements that can provide what’s lacking in modern diets.”
Black Walnuts Contain the Highest Protein Content of Any Tree Nut
Black walnuts contain the highest protein content of any tree nut and are an excellent alternative for health-conscious consumers seeking to add more high-quality, plant-based protein to their diet, according to WebMD. To create its Black Walnut Protein Powder, Surthrival uses an ultra-clean CO2 extraction process to draw out the powerful plant-based protein from its wild-foraged, sustainable harvest – with 17 grams of protein per ¼-cup serving. The company is proud to be the exclusive distributor of this path-breaking product, which it calls the first of its kind.
Surthrival’s Black Walnut Protein Powder, available in 16-ounce pouches, comes from wild-grown, North American native black walnut trees. Unlike other proteins, black walnut is habitat-friendly – no agricultural land is used or irrigation required, since the trees aren’t “grown” like traditional crops. Moreover, no fertilizers or toxic chemicals are involved, “only wholesome, healthy, wild nature. It’s wild nutrition you can feel great about,” says Vitalis.
Surthrival’s Black Walnuts Are 100% Sustainably Wild Harvested
Each fall, when ripe wild black walnuts fall to the ground, they are gathered by foragers – individuals and families – who bring the nuts to hulling stations around the Midwest, where the foragers are paid by the pound for their harvest. The nutmeats are then turned into an exquisite, high-quality, fully absorbable protein powder that is perfect for smoothies and blended drinks – and even to fortify baked goods.
“When you use Surthrival’s Black Walnut Protein Powder you’re voting for wild lands and wild species, for fair wages for foragers, and for a healthy habitat,” says Surthrival co-founder LeighLon Anderson.
Key Elements of Surthrival’s Black Walnut Protein Powder
100% wild-foraged
Ethically and sustainably harvested
100% USA sourced
Your only source of wild-crafted Black Walnut Protein Powder
Vegan and vegetarian
Paleo friendly
Non-GMO
Gluten free
About Surthrival
Based in Biddeford, Maine, Surthrival was founded in 2008 by LeighLon Anderson and Daniel Vitalis, star of the Outdoor Channel’s WildFed, to provide powerful, regenerative nutrients to support peak nutrition and optimal wellness. In addition to its new Black Walnut Protein Powder, Surthrival’s products include its best-selling bovine colostrum powder, elk antler concentrate, reishi mushroom extract, Vitamin D3/K2, and CBD for pets and people.
Follow Surthrival on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
For wholesale inquiries, contact wholesale@surthrival.com.
Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
Building Great Brands: Steve Hughes Kicks Off Compass Coffee Talk's 3rd Season on Jan. 18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Building Great Brands: Steve Hughes, Co-Founder of Leading Investment Group Sunrise Strategic Partners, Kicks Off Season 3 of Popular Podcast Compass Coffee Talk, Jan. 18
Compass Coffee Talk™, a popular live webinar series featuring conversations with business leaders in the natural, organic and sustainable products industry, welcomes Steve Hughes, co-founder of leading investment firm Sunrise Strategic Partners, for a discussion of opportunities in the healthy, active and sustainable living space.
What: Compass Coffee Talk™️
When: Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, 8:30 am PT; 9:30 am MT; 10:30 am CT; 11:30 am ET
Presented by: Compass Natural, Connecting Media and Markets in Natural and Organic Products
Sponsored by: INFRA, Presence Marketing, Naturally Boulder, Naturally New York and Naturally San Diego
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qZDKKH8JQeaf9rAWw4P25g
BOULDER, CO (Jan. 4, 2023) — Compass Coffee Talk™, a popular live webinar series featuring conversations with business leaders in the natural, organic and sustainable products industry, will feature natural foods investor Steve Hughes of Sunrise Strategic Partners on Jan. 18, 2023, at 11:30 am Eastern Time. There is no cost to register for the live online event.
Sunrise Strategic Partners’ work is reflected in the brands they’ve helped build, including Kodiak Cakes, Coolhaus Ice Cream, Kill Cliff, Pact, Teton Waters Ranch, Little Secrets, Vital Farms, Maple Hill Organic and more.
Steve Hughes
The company’s investment strategy is to identify category leaders with demonstrable proof-of-concept who are ready to scale, and those with food and beverage brands in the healthy, active and sustainable living sector that resonate with millennial and Gen Z customers. Sunrise also looks for highly-differentiated businesses in attractive categories with great leadership, seeking brands that will be category disruptors with the potential to be market share leaders over the next 5-10 years, and that have $20-$50+ million of revenue, strong gross margins and a clear path to profitability.
In an interview on Medium in 2021, Hughes stated: “I truly believe that people should treat people the way they want to be treated. I always told myself that once I became a CEO for the first time, I wouldn’t view myself at the top of the pyramid — I was on the bottom. The people at the company did not work for me; rather, I was there to make sure they had everything they needed to be successful. This includes a clear strategy, priorities and resources, all of which help a company to function at its best.” Hughes continues to look for similar key leadership qualities in the companies he considers for the Sunrise portfolio.
“We’re excited to host Steve Hughes on Compass Coffee Talk. It’s our first episode of the 2023 season, and we’re grateful for the support of such entrepreneurial guests as Steve Hughes, our Sponsors, and our viewers and listeners. I first met Steve when he served as CEO of Celestial Seasonings. Since then, he’s been a mentor, colleague and friend. Steve is a highly respected investor and brand builder in the natural channel, and we look forward to sharing his perspectives on the market and economy in the coming year,” said Steven Hoffman, Managing Director of Compass Natural and co-host of Compass Coffee Talk.
Register Here for Compass Coffee Talk with Steve Hughes
Register here to participate in the upcoming Compass Coffee Talk, Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 11:30 am – noon Eastern Time.
About Compass Coffee Talk™️
Compass Coffee Talk™ features lively interactive conversations with industry leaders and experts designed to help guide entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes to succeed in the marketplace. Hosted by natural and organic products industry veterans Bill Capsalis and Steven Hoffman, Compass Coffee Talk is produced by Compass Natural Marketing, a leading public relations, branding and business development agency serving the natural and organic products industry.
Previous Episodes of Compass Coffee Talk
View the entire library of Compass Coffee Talk episodes on YouTube. Co-hosted by natural products industry veterans Steven Hoffman and Bill Capsalis, Compass Coffee Talk has featured notable professionals such as Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado; John Mackey, CEO and Co-Founder, Whole Foods Market; Miyoko Schinner, CEO and Founder, Miyoko’s Kitchen; John Foraker, CEO of Once Upon a Farm; Emerald-Jane Hunter, Founder of the MyWhy Agency; Heather Terry, CEO of GoodSAM; Milton Zimmerman, Executive Vice President, Presence Marketing; and more.
Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com, tel 303.807.1042
Experience Hemp: 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo Offers 'Full Spectrum' of Educational Tracks, Networking Events
Experience Hemp: 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo Offers a ‘Full Spectrum’ of Educational Tracks, Expo Hall and Networking Events
December 9, 2022
For everyone with an interest in the business of hemp — from agriculturalists to investors, from entrepreneurs to product innovators, from retailers to researchers, and from advocates to the “hemp- and cannabis-curious” — the 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo offers a “full spectrum” of conference tracks to benefit you and your business. A networking lunch is included with each full-day conference track.
What: 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo
When: March 29-31, 2023
Where: The Broadmoor Resort, Colorado Springs, CO
Info: https://www.nocohempexpo.com/
Register for Noco9 early bird tickets: https://www.nocohempexpo.com/ticket-sales/
Loveland, CO (December 8, 2022) – The 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo will take place on March 29-31, 2023, at one of Colorado’s most legendary and historic resorts, The Broadmoor. Now is the time to reserve space to showcase your brand and products at this highly anticipated event – and certainly to mark your calendar to attend.
With roots dating back to the late 1800s and located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs features a world-class setting, 315,000 square feet of new, state-of-the-art meeting and convention space, a lake, walking paths, a 36-hole golf course, a spa, restaurants, and premium lodging at a special rate for NoCo Hemp Expo attendees. Recently remodeled, the Broadmoor is committed to sustainability and has been awarded a Forbes Five-Star resort rating every year since 1960.
This year, NoCo9’s educational program will highlight investment and finance, science, technology, innovation, industry and consumer trends, regulatory and legislative news, BIPOC and diversity in hemp, advances in research, best practices in sustainable agriculture, and more. Covering all aspects of hemp over three days of programming, NoCo9’s comprehensive educational program is divided into the following tracks:
Advocacy & Policy
Hemp businesses are required to operate in a highly regulated, rapidly evolving environment. As a result, it’s critical to pay attention to legislation and what’s going on in regulatory agencies including the USDA, FDA and DEA, as well as various state-by-state regulations. By staying abreast of current legislation before Congress affecting hemp, CBD and cannabis, the hemp industry has a unique opportunity to create the regulatory environment it seeks, but not without advocacy, vigilance … and knowledge. This track will feature policymakers, regulators, legal specialists, and legislative advocates involved in advancing the market for hemp from inside the Beltway and in states across the country. Learn how what happens in Washington, D.C., affects your business, and how you can stay involved to affect outcomes that favor business growth and ultimately create greater access to hemp-derived products.
Business & Investment
NoCo Hemp Expo’s Business & Investment Track will bring together top business leaders and investors from around the world in the exciting convergence of industrial hemp, cannabis, natural products, technology & innovation, infrastructure, diversity & inclusion, capital markets, banking & financial services, ESG, and more. Learn from the stories of entrepreneurs, experts, and leaders from publicly traded companies. Garner data and information from market and economic analysts about what trends are on the horizon and, from investors, learn what's drawing their interest, where they're placing capital in the hemp and cannabis markets, and where they see future opportunities and risks. Gain valuable insights about what lies ahead for the business of hemp in the U.S., North America and throughout the world, and interact with key business influencers and investors in the market.
Agriculture & Academia
Hemp is entering its fifth year as a legal crop in the U.S. after more than 80 years of prohibition. The industry has experienced growing pains, but it also has seen significant advances in hemp agriculture and production techniques, as well as a renaissance in hemp and cannabis research. NoCo Hemp Expo’s Agriculture & Academia Track draws skilled farmers, researchers, educators, and specialists in genetics and plant breeding, soil health, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, pest control, harvest and post-harvest handling and storage, testing and compliance, and innovations in value-added processing and product development. Exploring the latest science, research, methodology, agricultural economics, domestic and international trade, and what’s happening in universities across the country, this full-day event also will focus on programs farmers can take advantage of, e.g., carbon credits, banking services, crop insurance, farm, harvest and processing equipment, and more.
Experience Hemp Expo Hall – The World of Hemp Under One Roof
In addition to the educational program, NoCo9 will feature the Experience Hemp Expo Hall in The Broadmoor’s new, state-of-the-art exhibition facilities. Featuring a world of hemp and business opportunities in 100,000 square feet, NoCo9 attendees can sample wares, learn about products and businesses, hold meetings and visit with more than 350 exhibitors. The Experience Hemp Expo Hall also will feature specialized zones, including:
Solution Circle – Visit this special educational zone on the trade show floor for quick solo presentations from experts and specialists innovating with hemp solutions across all industries, from automotive to zero-waste.
NoCo Demo Zone – Experience hands-on demonstrations and workshops featuring traditional and new applications of hemp, from the making of hemp textiles to using hemp in artisan craft production, as well as in building and construction.
Schedule at a Glance
- Advocacy & Policy Conference, Wednesday, March 29
- Welcome Party, Wednesday, March 29
- Business & Investment Conference, Thursday, March 30
- 2nd Annual NoCo Hemp Pitch, Thursday, March 30
- Agriculture & Academia Conference, Friday, March 31
- Experience Hemp Expo Hall: Thursday and Friday, March 30-31
- NoCo Hemp Expo After Party, Friday, March 31
Register Here for NoCo9 – $499 early bird Platinum tickets are still available. Visit https://www.nocohempexpo.com/ticket-sales/
First Citizens Bank, EarthX, Patagonia Lead Distinguished Group of Sponsors
NoCo Hemp Expo is also pleased to recognize our Sponsors, including First Citizens Bank, which returns as Presenting Sponsor after a successful experience at this past summer’s 4th Annual Southern Hemp Expo, held in August in Nashville, Tenn.
“Having a leading, agriculture-focused financial institution such as First Citizens Bank, with its 100-plus-year history of serving farmers and ag-related businesses, step up and serve as Presenting Sponsor of this year’s NoCo Hemp Expo is a huge statement, providing vital credibility and legitimization for the industry at a time when it’s needed most,” said Morris Beegle, NoCo9 Hemp Expo organizer and president and founder of We Are for Better Alternatives (WAFBA).
“We’re also thrilled to welcome EarthX as our Environmental NGO partner and Patagonia as Sustainable Apparel Sponsor. We are very excited about these categories to bring focus to areas where hemp can make a difference in sustainability and improving the environment,” Beegle said.
NoCo9 also will feature networking events, as well as the much anticipated 2nd Annual WAFBA Awards of Excellence, recognizing top leaders, innovators, educators, policymakers, and advocates in the hemp community.
For more information on sponsorship and exhibiting, please visit https://www.nocohempexpo.com/sponsors-and-exhibitors-request/
About NoCo Hemp Expo
For nearly a decade, NoCo Hemp Expo — the world’s most comprehensive industrial hemp exposition and conference — has brought together international business and government leaders, academia, nonprofits, media, and the public to collaborate on important initiatives, opportunities, and solutions for the future of a crop and an industry that can have a significant positive impact on human, animal, and planetary health.
The 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo is produced by We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA), a leading organization dedicated to the advancement and advocacy of hemp farming, processing, production, innovation, education, and legalization. WAFBA also is the publisher of Let's Talk Hemp, the industry's leading news source. Learn more about the hemp and cannabis industry, and subscribe to the latest news at www.letstalkhemp.com.
Contact
Morris Beegle, WAFBA, info@nocohempexpo.com
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com, tel 303.807.1042
Giving Season: 23 Nonprofits to Support in 2023
Giving Season: 23 Nonprofits to Support in 2023
December 9, 2022
This article originally appeared in Presence Marketing’s December 2022 industry newsletter.
By Steven Hoffman
With a common mission of providing healthful, eco-friendly and socially responsible products to consumers, natural and organic products companies often have philanthropy engrained as part of their brand’s DNA. Given that, the industry is well positioned to play a lead role in helping society address many of the problems facing the world today.
The month of December, with its focus on family, community and giving, presents an opportunity to highlight some of the nonprofit organizations that work with leaders in the natural products sector to help solve some of the pressing issues of our time. There are many organizations doing great work — below find a list of 23 organizations this writer has interacted with in some capacity over the years and identified as potentially worthy of your awareness, consideration and support in the coming year.
This list is divided into four categories: Climate & Environment; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Food & Agriculture; and Nutrition & Health. Perhaps one or more of these organizations will resonate with you this season of giving and throughout the year.
We know there are many nonprofit and related organizations doing important work that rely on contributions from individuals, businesses and foundations — please forgive us if we didn’t include your favorite nonprofit this time around. However, if you let us know, there’s a chance we can include it next year. We’d love to hear from you.
Happy holidays and all the best for the New Year.
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.
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
1% for the Planet
1% for the Planet is a global network of individuals and businesses that, to date, has donated more than $350 million to support environmental nonprofits around the globe. A number of natural products companies have aligned with 1% for the Planet, and many express their support by placing the organization’s logo on their product packaging. This past year, the organization launched the 1% for the Planet Impact Fund at National Philanthropic Trust to drive climate impact. https://onepercentfortheplanet.org
Carbon Underground
Founded in 2013 by CPG and natural products veterans Tom Newmark and Larry Kopald, the Carbon Underground’s goals are to coalesce the emerging science on the soil’s relationship to climate change, and to tell the world about a possibility to not simply slow down the threat of climate change, but to reverse it. The organization advances ways to draw down legacy carbon from the atmosphere and promotes regenerative agriculture as a tool to mitigate climate change. https://thecarbonunderground.org
Climate Collaborative
A project of One Step Closer, the Climate Collaborative’s mission is dedicated to “leveraging the power of the natural products industry to reverse climate change.” The organization recently released a four-part webinar series, Climate Action Guidance for Business. Also, the Climate Collaborative’s annual Tracking Progress Update assesses how companies are progressing on their climate action commitments. https://www.climatecollaborative.com
Environmental Working Group
Working to protect consumers, the Environmental Working Group takes the lead in shining a “spotlight on outdated legislation, harmful agricultural practices and industry loopholes that pose a risk to our health and the health of our environment,” encouraging industries to adopt safer practices and educating consumers with actionable information. EWG recently released a report on forever chemicals in pet food bags and in baby textiles, plus a report on how “multitasking” preservatives might help make cosmetics safer, plus the organization works to keep cancer-causing chemicals out of everyday consumer products. https://www.ewg.org
Natural Capitalism Solutions
Founded by renowned environmentalist and author Hunter Lovins, Natural Capitalism Solutions is dedicated to building an economy in service to life through education, innovative solutions, and youth empowerment. The organization works with companies, communities and countries to help offset and reduce carbon emissions and to implement more regenerative practices profitably. https://natcapsolutions.org
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Anishinaabe Agriculture Institute
With Akiing — an Indigenous organization dedicated to restoring sacred landscapes, community wealth and resilience — serving as its fiscal sponsor, the nonprofit Anishinaabe Agriculture Institute was founded by Native American leader, water protector, and former candidate for Vice President of the United States Winona LaDuke. The organization’s work includes educating youth about Indigenous, sustainable, and regenerative agriculture practices, restoring agro-biodiversity and food sovereignty, advancing traditional methodologies, and supporting research into hemp fiber production to benefit local economies. http://anishinaabeagriculture.org
Her Many Voices Foundation
Through environmental, cultural and community projects, Her Many Voices brings a diverse group of artists, humanitarian leaders and businesses together to help solve problems for the betterment of women, children and “our Mother Earth.” Her Many Voices was founded by Native American leader Alicia Fall, a former TEDx presenter and recipient of the New York State Assembly Citation Award. Through Alicia and her team’s work in education, inclusivity and collaboration, the organization is also dedicated to supporting farmers and is currently planning events for Earth Day 2023. https://www.hermanyvoices.org
J.E.D.I. Collaborative
Launched in April 2020, the mission of the J.E.D.I. Collaborative is to help create a natural products industry “that centers at its core justice, equity, diversity and inclusion” with systems-level solutions. According to a Natural and Organic Industry Benchmarking Survey conducted in late 2019 by the J.E.D.I Collaborative and New Hope Network, “only 2% of leadership positions within our industry companies and on company boards are occupied by black professionals. The situation isn’t better for Latinx professionals, who hold 2% of company board positions and 6% of company leadership roles within the U.S. natural products industry.” Women also represent only 23% of board seats for companies with more than 50 employees, according to the J.E.D.I. Collaborative, a project of One Step Closer. https://jedicollaborative.com
Naturally Network
Inspired by Naturally Boulder, a public-private partnership founded in 2005 to promote entrepreneurship in natural, organic, and sustainable products in Colorado, the Naturally Network has grown to become a national organization with nine independent chapters, including Naturally Austin, Naturally Bay Area, Naturally Boulder, Naturally Chicago, Naturally Los Angeles, Naturally Minnesota, Naturally New York, Naturally North Bay and Naturally San Diego. Linking emerging businesses and brands with seasoned veterans and mentors in natural and organic products, Naturally Network offers business education, resources for entrepreneurs, mentorship and diversity programs, and ongoing regional and national networking and event opportunities. As former Chair and Board Member of Naturally Boulder, this writer can’t recommend enough to individuals in the natural channel to get involved in the Naturally Network or one of the above mentioned regional chapters. https://www.naturallynetwork.org
Project Potluck
Breaking into the natural and organic products industry isn’t easy for anyone, and it’s especially challenging for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) to attract investors, find the right co-packers, refine recipes, and garner placement on retail shelves. Enter Project Potluck, established by Ibraheem Bashir, CPG veteran and founder and CEO of A Dozen Cousins, a leading Black-owned natural food brand, to provide the support that minority entrepreneurs in the natural products space need to succeed. In March 2022, Project Potluck won New Hope Network’s inaugural Justice Award for its efforts promoting justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the natural and organic products industry, and the organization was recently featured in Forbes Magazine. https://www.potluckcpg.org
Wild Animal Sanctuary
Including animal welfare on this list, one of this writer’s personal favorites is the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Based an hour east of Denver in Keenesburg, CO, on nearly 700 acres, the organization rescues and provides a home to more than 350 large animals including lions, tigers, bears and wolves, many of which were rescued from abusive environments. Want to know where all those animals from the TV show Tiger King ended up? The Wild Animal Sanctuary saved more than 100 of them, providing sanctuary at its large, open-space environment where visitors can view the animals from elevated walkways and decks overlooking this fenced-in “Serengeti of the West.” The organization also recently saved the lives of 11 African lions that were located in an active war zone in Ukraine. The sanctuary welcomes visitors and your support. https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org
FOOD & AGRICULTURE
Kiss the Ground
With a passionate, committed and growing community inspired by Kiss the Ground: the Movie, a full-length documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson that sheds light on a “new, old approach” to farming called regenerative agriculture, Kiss the Ground was founded in 2013 to educate about and advance a system of agriculture and food production that rebuilds our soils and water resources, sequesters carbon from the atmosphere and feeds the world. Kiss the Ground’s mission is to awaken people to the possibilities of regeneration and inspire participation through storytelling, education, and advocacy. https://kisstheground.com
Regenerative Organic Alliance
The Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) comprises a group of experts in farming, ranching, soil health, animal welfare and farmer and worker fairness. Founded by the Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia, other members of the alliance include Compassion in World Farming, Fair World Project, and the Textile Exchange. The ROA was established to continuously review and update the Regenerative Organic Certified® framework, a recently introduced certification program for food, fiber, and personal care ingredients that represents the “highest standard” for organic agriculture in the world, with stringent requirements for soil health, animal welfare and social fairness. https://regenorganic.org
Regeneration International
With a vision to collaborate with consumers, educators, business leaders and policy makers, Regeneration International’s mission is to work with multiple stakeholders in key regions around the world to promote, facilitate and accelerate the global transition to regenerative food, farming and land management for the purpose of cooling the planet, restoring climate stability, ending world hunger and rebuilding deteriorated social, ecological and economic systems. Regeneration International, which offers a number of resources for those interested in regenerative organic agriculture and climate change, is a project of the Organic Consumers Association. https://regenerationinternational.org
Regenerative Rising
With events including Women Leading Regeneration and the Regenerative Earth Summit, plus an ongoing podcast series, Regenerative Rising is dedicated to elevating and forwarding regenerative principles that expand a living systems worldview. The organization engages leaders in agriculture, business, and finance to elevate stories of regeneration and innovation to activate urgent and necessary change in business strategy, public policy and personal decision-making that serves the long term health and betterment of people and the Earth. https://regenerativerising.org
The Rodale Institute
Celebrating 75 years of organic leadership, the “OG” of organic agriculture and research, The Rodale Institute remains on the vanguard of science and best practices in advancing organic and regenerative agriculture. The Rodale Institute’s main office is located on a 386-acre organic research and education farm in eastern Pennsylvania that investigates a number of organic crops and rotations, including hemp, and also the value of animal husbandry in regenerative agriculture. In September 2022, General Mills announced it would donate the Cascadian Farm home farm in Skagit County, WA, to the institute, bringing the total number of Rodale Institute research campuses to 12. The organization also recently partnered with Colorado-based nonprofit Mad Agriculture to help farmers transition to organic and regenerative organic farming methods. The Rodale Institute was originally founded in 1947 as the Soil and Health Foundation by Rodale Press founder J.I. Rodale. https://rodaleinstitute.org
NUTRITION & HEALTH
American Botanical Council
Founded in 1986 and based in Austin, TX, the mission of the American Botanical Council (ABC) is to help people live healthier lives through the responsible use of herbal medicine. ABC is an independent, nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to providing science-based, accurate and reliable information for consumers, healthcare practitioners, researchers, educators, industry, and the media about the safe and effective use of herbs and medicinal plants. Through monographs, a comprehensive library, its newsletter, HerbalGram, and more, the American Botanical Council is a vital resource for advocates and makers of herbal-based products, from tinctures and topicals to functional foods and personal care products. https://www.herbalgram.org
Chef Ann Foundation
The Chef Ann Foundation is dedicated to promoting whole ingredient, scratch cooking in schools. Scratch cooking enables schools to serve the healthiest, tastiest meals so that kids are well nourished and ready to learn. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the foundation works with both public and private schools in all 50 states. Founded in 2009 by “the Renegade Lunch Lady,” Chef Ann Cooper — an internationally recognized author, chef, educator, public speaker, and advocate of healthy food for all children — the foundation reports it has helped more than 13,500 schools and 3.3 million kids eat healthier, fresher school meals. https://www.chefannfoundation.org
Conscious Alliance
With the slogan “Art that Feeds,” Conscious Alliance partners with food makers, musicians, artists, and music lovers to empower youth and end hunger in underserved communities. Working with top recording artists and bands, concert-goers, food donors and supporters, many of which are natural food brands, the alliance organizes major food drives at concerts and music festivals nationwide to deliver food directly to economically isolated communities in need, including Native American reservations and rural areas, such as the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. https://consciousalliance.org
Feeding America
As a leading national network of food banks, Feeding America is seeing a spike in demand among its member network of food banks and food pantries amid rising food prices. According to Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, an estimated 53 million or more people in the U.S. are currently food insecure. The organization also is seeing a decrease in donated food and a decrease in federal commodities, meaning member food banks are having to buy more food at a time when food costs are high. “…if I could break down whom it is that comes to us in need of help, as a rule, we’re talking about children. A huge portion of those who are counting on us and the work that we do would be kids, the elderly, people with disabilities,” said Babineaux-Fontenot in an interview with NPR. https://www.feedingamerica.org
The Organic Center
The Organic Center, based in Washington, D.C., is an independent non-profit educational and research organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association. Founded in 2002 with a mission to conduct, convene and disseminate credible, evidence-based science on the environmental and health effects of organic food and farming, and to communicate those findings to the public, The Organic Center collaborates with academic and governmental institutions to advance research. The Organic Center is the organic products industry’s leading research and education organization advocating for the nutritional, health, environmental and climate mitigating benefits of organic food production. https://www.organic-center.org
Vitamin Angels
Founded in 1994 by natural products industry veteran Howard Schiffer, Vitamin Angels is a public health nonprofit organization working to improve nutrition and health outcomes in low-resource settings worldwide. The organization helps to strengthen, extend, and amplify the impact of partner organizations working to reach the most nutritionally vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, infants, and children who are underserved by existing systems with evidence-based nutrition interventions and health services. Vitamin Angels works with more than 1,200 local organizations, including governments, to reach more than 70 million women and children in 65 countries annually. https://www.vitaminangels.org
Whole Planet Foundation
Founded in 2005, Whole Planet Foundation is a Whole Foods Market foundation that funds poverty alleviation worldwide where the company sources products. The nonprofit’s mission is to empower the world’s poorest people with micro-credit and the chance to create or expand a home-based or small business to help lift themselves and their families out of poverty. As of June 2022, Whole Planet Foundation is helping to alleviate poverty through micro-finance partners in the U.S. and 79 other countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. To date, the nonprofit reports it has disbursed $101 million through micro-lending partners worldwide, funding 6 million micro-loans and 30 million opportunities for a better life for micro-entrepreneurs and their family members. https://wholeplanetfoundation.org
Bonus! To support racially and ethnically underrepresented business entrepreneurs, check out the products created by Naturally Network's M/O Fellows.
Cynthia Tice, Founder of Lily’s Sweets, Joins BeyondBrands as Entrepreneur in Residence
Cynthia Tice, Founder of Lily’s Sweets, Joins BeyondBrands as Entrepreneur in Residence
December 2, 2022
NEW YORK, NY – BeyondBrands announced today that Cynthia Tice, best known for her role as the founder of Lily’s Sweets and a trailblazer in the no-sugar-added sweets category, has joined BeyondBrands as a partner. Based in New York, BeyondBrands is a mission-driven, full-service consulting agency known for its team of highly experienced veterans from across the natural products industry.
“Joining BeyondBrands is a logical next step in my career that will allow me to use my years of experience in our industry,” says Cynthia. “It’s an honor to work alongside such an esteemed group of industry veterans who are truly committed to enhancing our natural products community.”
In her new role as Entrepreneur in Residence, she will continue to foster industry growth with a focus on helping the next wave of better-for-you brands navigate all stages of business to achieve their goals. Her work as a board member of Naturally Network, as well as advisory and board roles for early-stage brands, will be a tremendous asset to help grow BeyondBrands by sharing her depth of knowledge and expertise with their current clients while attracting new clients to the firm.
Eric Schnell, Founder, and CEO of BeyondBrands commented, “The addition of Cynthia to the BeyondBrands team brings a profound breadth and scope of wisdom, contacts, and expertise to our agency at the highest level. The entire team is thrilled to have her join our collective of diverse c-suite professionals in making the world a better place, one brand at a time. Over her impressive career, Cynthia has focused on supporting women in business, introducing the highest quality delicious products for healthier living, especially those with no sugar, and supporting young entrepreneurs in the sustainable, better-for-you food and lifestyle space.”
She began her career in the Natural Product Industry, fresh out of college when she opened a natural food store in Philadelphia. She remains passionate about natural foods and their benefits to people and the planet on which we live.
To learn more about BeyondBrands or Cynthia Tice, visit https://beyondbrands.org/
About BeyondBrands
BeyondBrands co-creates brands in the natural products industry, including GoodSAM, Good Catch, and Cool Beans. Assembled by Steaz Co-founder Eric Schnell, and Under the Canopy and Institute for Integrative Nutrition Co-founder Marci Zaroff, a team of 20 senior-level natural lifestyle and eco-conscious experts that are co-creating the future model of full-service executive-level consulting including brand incubation and acceleration through the agency's networks and affiliates. This Conscious Products Collective is comprised of specialists from the most respected natural and organic food, beverage, fashion, beauty, and nutraceutical companies, to the most recognized consumer brands in the world – passionately and collaboratively delivering 360-degree consulting and outsourced management services for its clients. Visit www.beyondbrands.org.
Contact
Susan Fecko
BeyondBrands
307-690-8381
susan.fecko@beyondbrands.org
JAMBAR®, Maker of Certified Organic Artisan Energy Bars, Appoints Sales Brokers to Serve Southern, Western Regions
JAMBAR®, Maker of Certified Organic Artisan Energy Bars, Appoints Sales Brokers to Serve Southern, Western Regions
December 1, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN RAFAEL, CA — Certified organic, artisan energy bar maker JAMBAR®, which donates 50% of its profits to music, education and active living, is expanding its sales and distribution network by appointing two brokers of record to cover territories in the Southern and Western United States. JAMBAR announced partnerships with Independent Natural Food Brokers (INFB) and FamilyQuest Marketing to expand sales and distribution in leading independent natural food retailers.
The appointments reflect the company’s initial focus on building sales primarily in key Western natural products markets in advance of exhibiting the brand for the first time at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade exhibition, scheduled for March 7-11, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif.
With manufacturing facilities and headquarters in San Rafael, Calif., JAMBAR is an independent, woman-owned business founded in 2021 by mom, life-long athlete, musician, and food science and nutrition expert Jennifer Maxwell. Natural products industry veterans and energy bar aficionados may remember Jennifer, who, with her late husband Brian, created the original PowerBar®, which, when it was introduced in 1985, effectively launched the entire energy bar category. PowerBar was sold in 2000. Now, 20 years later, inspired by the organic food movement and her six children, some of whom now work in the business, Jennifer developed certified organic JAMBARs in four delicious, gluten-free flavors that provide a good source of protein, nutrients and fiber.
Broker Appointments to Focus on Independent Retailers
Covering Southern California, Arizona, Utah, Washington and Oregon, leading independent natural products brokerage Independent Natural Food Brokers, founded in 2008 by natural channel veteran Brenda Steele, will focus on introducing JAMBAR to leading independent natural food retailers in these important markets. “We enjoy bringing innovation to the market and building brands specializing in the natural channel,” said Steele. “I like JAMBAR because it’s organic, great tasting and not high in sugar — people are looking for ways to reduce the amount of sugar in their diet. JAMBAR is on trend, and there’s a great story behind its founder Jennifer Maxwell. She built this category.”
In addition to appointing INFB, JAMBAR also recently named FamilyQuest Marketing to represent the brand. An independent, family owned, full-service brokerage, FamilyQuest will serve natural products retailers in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. “We’ve got some of the biggest natural foods retailers right here in Texas and Colorado,” said FamilyQuest founder Kimbrough Johns. “It’s a tremendous market for JAMBAR and we’re excited to see what we can do with it.”
“Our ultimate goal is to become a well-recognized and sought-after national brand. However, we are scaling growth at a pace in concert (pun intended!) with our production capacity,” said JAMBAR founder and CEO Jennifer Maxwell. “We’re based in the West, and we’ll be debuting our products at Natural Products Expo West in March, so it made sense to establish a broker network initially focused primarily on the Western U.S.”
JAMBARs Are Small-Batch Crafted
Using only certified organic, whole food ingredients, JAMBARs are crafted in small batches in the company’s own facility by a team of dedicated employees who share the company’s mission. 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 certified organic, musical flavors:
Chocolate Cha Cha — Find your rhythm with a luscious blend of premium Guittard chocolate, real food ingredients and organic ancient grains. Dancing on the edge of decadence, it’s a bar to make brownies jealous! Fair trade certified, non-GMO and gluten free, Chocolate Cha Cha delivers 10g of protein per serving.
Malt Nut Melody — Peanut and maple malted magic mixed 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 — A jazzy combo of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, it’s “berry” delicious and vegan, gluten free and contains 10g of plant-based protein per serving.
Musical Mango — Energy goes exotic with delicious mango and a blend of 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 in leading natural food and specialty stores including Good Earth Natural Foods, United Market, Scotty’s Market and more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For wholesale inquiries, JAMBARs are available in leading natural and specialty food distributors including KeHE Distributors. 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 in Anaheim, Calif.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, pfeiferworks@gmail.com, tel 206.669.3580
Compass Natural Adds Talent to Boutique PR, Brand Marketing Agency Serving Natural, Organic, Regenerative and Hemp Products Businesses
Compass Natural Adds Talent to Boutique PR, Brand Marketing Agency Serving Natural, Organic, Regenerative and Hemp Products Businesses
November 9, 2022
Compass Natural, a boutique public relations & brand marketing agency serving businesses in the market for natural and organic foods and related products, is pleased to announce the addition of seasoned talent to its team.
Compass Natural, a Boulder, CO-based boutique public relations and brand marketing agency serving businesses in the market for natural and organic foods, industrial hemp and cannabis-related products, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable and eco-friendly products and services, is pleased to announce the addition of seasoned new talent to its team.
“Going into the new year, we are excited to offer our clientele a diverse, talented team with expertise in brand marketing, public relations, social media influencer marketing, digital communications, content development, business development, and trade show, conference and event planning — all focused on serving businesses and brands in the natural, organic, and healthy lifestyles market," said Steven Hoffman, Founder and Managing Director of Compass Natural.
“When Compass Natural’s longtime associate Evan Tompros moved on in September to further career opportunities after seven years of service to our clients in the natural and organic channel, it provided an opportunity for us to reorganize our agency. As such, we’ve been fortunate and successful in attracting an incredible lineup of professionals to serve our client companies into the future,” Hoffman added.
Joining the Compass Natural PR, Communications and Brand Marketing Team
Allison Salvati (top left) — Natural products brand marketing veteran Allison Salvati joins Compass Natural as “Creator of Opportunities.” Having worked with such leading natural and organic brands including Bhakti Chai, noosa yoghurt, Honey Smoked Fish Co., and others, Allison will help lead brand strategy and marketing, social media influencer marketing, media outreach, and client services. Allison proudly claims her superpower is building and nurturing relationships. Human connection is her core value and she is passionate about curating meaningful experiences for clients and brands.
Hope Keller (lower left) — Hope Keller joins Compass Natural to assist with digital marketing and communications, production, editorial and web, blog and related content. A veteran journalist, Hope has worked at the Baltimore Sun, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the International Herald Tribune, among other newspapers. She also served as director of communications for the University of Baltimore School of Law. In addition to her work with Compass Natural, she works as a writing tutor at Mitchell College in New London, CT, and as a freelance reporter for The Daily Record in Baltimore.
Elizabeth Lunt (top right) — Co-founder of Spark Events, Elizabeth Lunt joins Compass Natural as a contributing writer and to assist with trade show and conference planning, educational programming, booking speakers and other related services. Spark Events produces business networking and educational events for the cannabis industry in Maryland, where Elizabeth also has been active as a dispensary agent and cannabis advocate. She is fascinated by the development of the industrial hemp industry and has been a volunteer with the US Hemp Building Association as well as a writer for HempBuild Magazine.
Rachael Carlevale (lower right) — Rachael Carlevale joins the Compass Natural Marketing team with more than 10 years of experience directing sales and marketing in the natural products industry. The co-founder of Suelo Vivo, a certified regenerative hemp farm and brand, and founder of Ganjasana Plant Medicine School, Rachael develops and teaches cannabis and hemp courses. Rachael is a certified Mindfulness Educator, yoga instructor and DEM Pure Educator who contributes to Skunk Magazine with her “Cannabis + Wellness Column.”
Advisory Board — In addition to new team members, Compass Natural’s distinguished Advisory Board includes the following members: Mark Retzloff, co-founder of Alfalfa’s Market and Horizon Organic Dairy; Michael Schall, former VP of Global Business Development for Whole Foods Market; Ari Adams, CEO of ShiftCon, the nation’s largest community of eco-wellness social media influencers; and marketing and branding veteran and current director of Naturally Boulder, Bill Capsalis.
New Clients in 2022-2023
In addition to working with longtime clients -- including We Are for Better Alternatives, producer of NoCo Hemp Expo and Southern Hemp Expo and publisher of Let’s Talk Hemp; Presence Marketing, the nation’s leading independent natural products brokerage; BeyondBrands, a leading collective of branding experts serving the natural, organic, and healthy lifestyles market; and others -- Compass Natural welcomed a number of new clients in 2022. Such new brands include JAMBAR®, a certified organic, artisan-made energy bar created by Jennifer Maxwell, the inventor of the original PowerBar®; the Glyphosate Residue Free certification program, administered by the Detox Project; Bay State Milling, provider of certified organic grain ingredients; Franny’s Farmacy, an Asheville, NC-based producer of hemp-derived CBD consumer products and operator of a chain of dispensaries in the Eastern U.S.; and more. In addition, Compass Natural founder Steven Hoffman serves on the Advisory Board of ShiftCon Media, the country’s largest community of “eco-wellness” social media influencers.
About Compass Natural — Connecting Media & Markets in Natural, Organic Products
Based in Boulder, CO, and founded in 2002 by natural products industry veteran Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural is a boutique agency serving the public relations, brand marketing, social media, and business development needs of companies and organizations in the $500 billion market for natural, organic, regenerative, socially responsible, and eco-friendly products and services. Compass Natural also is the producer of the popular business podcast Compass Coffee Talk, which in November 2022 featured Colorado Governor Jared Polis talking about sustainability and the growth of natural and organic products, as well as the hemp and cannabis industries in the state and the nation. Visit Compass Natural’s fully illustrated client deck here. Also, learn more at www.CompassNatural.com and on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Contact
Steven Hoffman, info@compassnaturalmarketing.com, tel 303.807.1042
Broad Spectrum Meets The Broadmoor: 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo Set for Historic Colorado Springs Resort, March 29-31, 2023
Broad Spectrum Meets The Broadmoor: 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo Set for Historic Colorado Springs Resort, March 29-31, 2023
September 6, 2022
Exhibitor, Sponsor and Speaker Applications Are Now Open as the Industrial Hemp and CBD Industry Is Set to Gather in Colorado Springs at the Historic Broadmoor Resort for the 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo, March 29-31, 2023.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
What: 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo
Dates: March 29-31, 2023
Where: The Broadmoor Resort, Colorado Springs, CO
Info: www.NoCoHempExpo.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – With beginnings in 2014 in Windsor, Colorado, near Fort Collins, the Northern Colorado Hemp Expo, or NoCo Hemp Expo, has grown to become an internationally recognized event. For its ninth annual iteration, on March 29-31, 2023, NoCo Hemp Expo is moving a bit south and will host the world’s most comprehensive industrial hemp conference and exposition at one of Colorado’s most historic and iconic resorts, The Broadmoor.
With roots dating back to the late 1800s and located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs features a world-class setting, 315,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, a lake, 36-hole golf course, spa, restaurants, and premium lodging. Recently remodeled, The Broadmoor has been awarded a Forbes 5-Star resort rating every year since 1960. The resort is committed to sustainability in all its operations.
Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor Resort
NoCo9’s Theme: Stewardship, Sustainability, Sovereignty
The Broadmoor’s commitment to the environment ties in well with the theme of the 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo: Stewardship, Sustainability, Sovereignty.
“’The Earth is what we all have in common.’ That’s what farmer-philosopher Wendell Berry said. The hemp industry, like many others, took a hit over the past few years, given the climate with Covid and oversupply of CBD biomass. However, as we move past these issues, we are optimistic about a positive rebound and upward trend, and the diversification of hemp’s usage into multiple industries as we move forward into 2023, 2024 and beyond,” said Morris Beegle, President of We Are for Better Alternatives (WAFBA) and Producer of NoCo Hemp Expo.
“We are eager for an industry reset and a much-needed gathering of hemp leaders from around the world at our next NoCo Hemp Expo. The Broadmoor is a perfect place to host an international convention, elevate the hemp conversation, and attract larger businesses and corporations that should be considering hemp as part of their overall ingredient/input material and part of their ESG program moving forward into the next decade,” Beegle added.
The World of Hemp Under One Roof
Exhibits at NoCo9 will highlight the latest innovations in hemp, including the many product uses for CBD and other cannabinoids, hemp fiber in fashion and industry, hemp building materials, hemp paper and bio-composite plastics, food, oil and animal feed from hemp seed and more. The event also features a comprehensive educational program featuring a diverse lineup of expert speakers and topic material. “NoCo Hemp Expo is the one-stop gathering place for farmers, producers, manufacturers, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and all others involved in or interested in the business of hemp,” said Beegle.
In addition, NoCo Hemp Expo is thrilled to host its 2nd Annual WAFBA Awards of Excellence Dinner, recognizing top leaders, innovators, educators, policymakers and advocates in the field, along with other networking events throughout the week.
NoCo9’s educational program will highlight investment and finance, science, technology and innovation, industry and consumer trends, regulatory news, BIPOC and diversity in the hemp industry, advances and best practices in sustainable agriculture, and more.
Applications are open now to exhibit, sponsor and speak at the 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo. Visit www.NoCoHempExpo.com.
About WAFBA and Colorado Hemp Company
We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA) is committed to researching and developing better alternatives so that hemp can once again thrive, prosper, and help individuals and communities throughout America and around the globe. The Colorado Hemp Company, producer of the 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo (NoCo9), is a leading organization for the advancement and advocacy of hemp farming, processing, production, innovation, education, and legalization in the USA. The entire team is committed to researching and developing alternatives, as well as informing and bringing the industry together so that hemp and other regenerative alternatives can contribute to the growth of a more sustainable environment, a green economy, and vibrant communities.
Visit www.WAFBA.org.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, 303.807.1042, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
Morris Beegle, Colorado Hemp Company, 970.541.0448, info@nocohempexpo.com
Rise of the MegaGrocers: Industry Responds to the Kroger-Albertsons Merger
Rise of the MegaGrocers: Industry Responds to the Kroger-Albertsons Merger
November 3, 2022
This article was originally published in Presence Marketing’s November 2022 newsletter.
By Steven Hoffman
Since Cincinnati, OH-based The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and Albertsons Companies Inc. (NYSE: ACI), headquartered in Boise, ID, on October 14 announced a merger valued at $24.6 billion — one of the biggest deals in the history of the U.S. grocery industry — regulators, investors, labor organizations, independent grocers and other stakeholders in the natural, organic, conventional and specialty grocery industry have responded with mixed reactions.
The merger, in which Kroger will acquire all outstanding shares of Albertsons common and preferred stock for approximately $34.10 per share plus the assumption of $4.7 billion of debt, will combine Kroger, the nation’s largest supermarket retailer, with Albertsons, the second largest supermarket retailer in the U.S., to form what the companies say will be a national company. The combined operation will comprise 4,996 stores, 66 distribution centers, 52 manufacturing plants, 2,015 fuel centers and more than 710,000 employees across 48 states and the District of Columbia. The merged entity would create the second largest food retailer in the U.S with an estimated 11.8% market share, behind Walmart at 17.1%. The combined company also would be the fifth-largest retail pharmacy operator, with 3,972 pharmacies, according to Supermarket News.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Grocery store brands owned by The Kroger Co. include Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s Food and Drug, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Owen’s, Jay C, Pay Less Super Markets, Ruler, Baker’s, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick N’ Save, Metro Market, Mariano’s, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less and Foods Co. Albertsons Companies’ portfolio of supermarkets includes Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market.
The deal, which the companies say is necessary to offer better prices to consumers in an age of inflation, and to compete with the likes of other “mega-grocers” such as Amazon, Costco and Walmart, has to first gain approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Increased regulatory scrutiny is expected, as the merger is unprecedented for the retail food industry, given the size of the two companies and the large number of markets in which both grocers compete.
“If this were 20 years ago when I was still working in the government, I would expect the FTC would try to block this deal,” Daniel Rubinfeld, law professor at New York University and former deputy assistant attorney general for antitrust with the Department of Justice, told Grocery Dive. But today, supermarkets are not the only stores selling groceries; for example, Walmart is the leading grocer in the U.S., with a nearly 21% share of sales, Rubinfeld noted.
Yet, that was not how FTC viewed things in 2007, when Whole Foods Market, based in Austin, TX, announced its acquisition of natural foods supermarket chain Wild Oats Markets, based in Boulder, CO. Then, the FTC ruled that the merger would violate federal antitrust laws by eliminating competition among natural and organic grocers, which former Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey and others argued at the time was a very narrow definition of the competitive landscape, since natural and organic products were being sold in many kinds of retail formats by then. The FTC eventually approved the deal in 2009, after Whole Foods agreed to sell off 32 Wild Oats stores in 17 markets.
“Ultimately, the resolution was that organic foods is not its own market and any place you can buy food counts,” Jim Burns, an antitrust lawyer with Williams Mullen in Richmond, VA, told Grocery Dive. Burns said that perspective also will be applied to the deal between Kroger and Albertsons. “I think the better and the ultimate result here is going to include Walmart and those other stores in the same market as these guys,” he said.
However, Christine Bartholomew, a law professor and specialist on corporate monopolies at the University at Buffalo School of Law, countered, “Regulators should not approve the merger simply because two competitors want to compete more effectively with the prevailing dominant big box or online retailer,” she told Grocery Dive. “Nor is inflation enough to justify losing one of the top three market players. If regulators treat these justifications as reason enough to approve the merger, the long-term ramifications are significant.”
Knowing there is significant overlap of stores in numerous major markets, Kroger and Albertsons said they are willing to divest between 100 and 375 locations, reported Reuters. As such, they have created a separate company called SpinCo, controlled by Albertsons shareholders, to sell off the stores, a preemptive move, said analysts, to garner quicker FTC approval for the merger. The companies hope to close the transaction in early 2024, pending regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
Expressing concerns about the merger, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Lee (R-UT), Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, announced they will hold a hearing in November 2022 to examine the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons. “As the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, we have serious concerns about the proposed transaction between Kroger and Albertsons. The grocery industry is essential, and we must ensure that it remains competitive so that American families can afford to put food on the table. We will hold a hearing focused on this proposed merger and the consequences consumers may face if this deal moves forward,” the Senators said in a statement.
Independent Grocers and Labor Unions Respond
Already facing stiff competition from retail grocery giants, independent retailers, too, have expressed concerns over the pending merger of the nation’s two top food retailers, while other independents are looking to benefit from potential store closures and other ways they can turn the merger to their market advantage.
“A merger of the nation’s top two grocery chains should raise serious questions about a single supermarket giant gaining unprecedented dominance over the nation’s food supply chain,” said Greg Ferrara, President and CEO of the National Grocers Association. Based in Washington, DC, NGA represents 21,000 privately held and family owned independent grocery stores across the country. “A merger would not only put smaller competitors at an unfair disadvantage, but also increase anticompetitive buyer power over grocery suppliers, which ultimately would harm consumers. It is our expectation that this deal will receive rigorous scrutiny from federal antitrust enforcers,” he said.
Barons Market, a Southern California-based independent grocer with nine stores, sees the mega-merger as an opportunity to further differentiate, said Rachel Shemirani, SVP of Barons Market, in an emailed statement to a number of media outlets. “A Kroger-Albertsons merger puts independent grocers like Barons Market in a unique position to nurture and cultivate connections with potential shoppers, current customers and the community. Simply put, we do things differently and better than the large grocery stores,” she said.
Shemirani also sees the Kroger-Albertsons deal as an opportunity for independent grocers to attract talent. “When big grocery store chains merge together, these organizations tend to focus on the bottom line rather than their customers and employees,” she said. “As with any merger, layoffs or potential store closures could be on the horizon. So, what do you do when your favorite grocery store closes or your grocery store bestie is laid off? You search for that sense of community elsewhere.”
Leading natural products retailer Natural Grocers (NYSE: NGVC), which operates 164 stores in 21 states, also sees an opportunity for new shoppers to visit its stores, given the likelihood of store closures in some areas as a result of the Kroger-Albertsons merger. “As many have pointed out, without these companies competing against each other, prices could go up and their stores may close to eliminate redundancy,” the Lakewood, CO-based retailer told Winsight Grocery Business. “Many people will be looking for alternative places to shop for better prices, closer proximity or a better shopping experience. We look at the planned merger between Kroger and Albertsons as an opportunity to reach folks that may not be readily familiar with us. If the merger goes through, this could be a catalyst for some customers to give us a chance. And then it’s up to us to win them over with our high-quality product selection,” the grocer said.
Errol Schweizer, retail consultant and former global grocery director for Whole Foods Market, wrote in Forbes that grocery workers, who faced workplace illness, low pay, erratic schedules and long hours during the Covid-19 pandemic, also face high rates of food insecurity as pay rates have failed to keep up with rising costs of housing, child care and transportation. While Schweizer noted that labor unions have negotiated new contracts with supermarket chains for higher wages and benefits, “a merger may make it tougher for unions; a 2004 grocery strike for better wages in California was squashed once Kroger and Albertsons joined forces against their own employees. Now the combined duo would become the latest private sector unionized employer. And a merger will mean large scale layoffs in redundant white collar jobs, such as office-based marketing, procurement, analytics, digital sales and category management roles,” he wrote.
Indeed, major labor unions throughout the country have spoken out about the proposed merger. According to Reuters, unionized retail workers throughout the U.S. are lobbying regulators about the proposed merger. Four local chapters of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International told Reuters they are assessing their options for lobbying and coordinated action against the deal, including potential strikes. The chapters together represent about 100,000 Kroger and Albertsons workers in Colorado, Wyoming, California, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and Tennessee. "There is no way that this is going to be good for workers," said Maggie Breshears, who works in the pickup department at a Kroger-owned Fred Meyer in Seattle, told Reuters. "I wish they would put their money toward trying to lower prices and increase wages, rather than gobbling up the competition,” she said.
In a statement, Teamsters Union General President Sean O’Brien, said, “The proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons will have serious implications for the more than 18,000 Teamsters employed at both companies and is another example of why real antitrust reform is needed. Historically, mergers of this magnitude have a negative impact on workers and the public. Less competition almost always means higher prices and fewer choices. We will be monitoring developments as the regulatory process plays out. There are a lot of unanswered questions that need to be addressed. Our concerns are shared among workers, customers, elected officials, shareholders, consumer advocates, and the general public,” he said.
Investor Reaction Mixed
From Wall Street’s perspective, the deal is primarily about Kroger and Albertsons being better positioned to compete with the likes of Walmart and Costco and ultimately Amazon in both brick and mortar and e-commerce business. While not pure grocery sector plays, Walmart, the market leader, is taking steps to expand its grocery business, and Costco, one of the biggest sellers of organic food, as well as conventional food, enjoys the benefit of a loyal membership base.
However, the deal all depends on FTC approval during a time when the agency is more closely scrutinizing corporate mergers. As such, Wall Street response has been a mixed bag, as exemplified by these comments in Supermarket News:
“We are surprised by this development. On paper, there appears to be clear strategic merit. However, we would expect a potential regulatory pushback given overlap in key West Coast states such as California, Washington, etc. As a result, this could add risk to any contemplated merger between these two entities,” Rupesh Parish, a financial analyst with Oppenheimer, told Supermarket News. “Consistent with our initial take, we continue to view regulatory approval as a potential roadblock for a Kroger-Albertsons merger. … Based on our work and incorporating a rational grocery backdrop, the earnings/cash flow accretion could be quite compelling down the road, assuming minimal divestitures. We expect our analysis to be quite fluid amidst an uncertain number of regulatory-related store divestitures, competitive developments, macro headwinds, and our changing assumptions (synergies, intangible amortization, etc.). Given our concerns on the regulatory front at this juncture, we remain focused on Kroger’s prospects as a stand-alone entity.”
Speaking to Supermarket News about the proposed merger, financial analyst Arun Sundaram of CFRA Research said, “The combined company will be one of the largest food retailers in the country and a more formidable competitor to its largest competitor, Walmart. With a combined customer base of 85 million households, Kroger will now have one of the most comprehensive first-party data repositories in the food retail space, which should allow the company to develop a very strong loyalty program and deliver more relevant and personalized promotions to its customers. With the savings realized from cost synergies, Kroger should be able to reduce food prices, raise associate wages and enhance the overall shopping experience for its customers over time. We anticipate Kroger obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals, as Albertsons will divest an estimated 100 to 375 stores prior to the merger, likely in markets where both companies have significant store overlap. Additionally, Kroger will keep its No. 2 market share position behind Walmart. Overall, we view this merger as a win-win for both Kroger and Albertsons shareholders.”
Looking forward, the Kroger-Albertsons deal is as much about boosting scale in data, retail media, personalized marketing, e-commerce and private label, and securing more negotiating power with suppliers, as it is about growing physical stores and warehouses. “Kroger has a huge data set of national consumer behavior data, to which they apply analytics, personalization, and expertise to drive retail media, personalized marketing, and better internal decision making,” Ken Fenyo, president of research and advisory with Corsight Research and former VP of loyalty and digital marketing with Kroger, shared with Jeff Wells, Lead Editor of Grocery Dive. “Data is the real gold in the deal,” Fenyo added.
“If it’s able to merge with Albertsons, Kroger will be able to pull itself within striking distance of the industry behemoths. It also leaves the rest of the country’s grocery chains in the dust, effectively creating a new ‘Big 3’ in the industry,” Wells wrote. There’ll be Walmart, Amazon, Kroger-Albertsons, and then everyone else.”