INFB Clients in the News
ORL- Feature on the Nexxt Level Brands Podcast
April 15, 2021
nexxtlevelbrands
"With all of the emphasis on ‘healthy’ and ‘better for you’ products out there, you would think that most of the ‘bad actors’ would have died and gone a while ago –but it’s just not so – and particularly in the area of oral care – that’s right, your toothpaste and mouthwash can be two of the worst things to put in your mouth!
"Joining the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast this week is Howard Kaufman –the co-Founder and CEO of ORL, an emerging organic and natural oral care brand –with a line of really healthy products – all in glass packaging – which we will talk about. Howard’s background is in larger CPG and with time spent on the retail side, he has a different perspective about building a CPG Brand today! "
ORL- Shoutout from Brooklyn Decker for the Strategist
April 4, 2021
nymag.com
"We’ve really tried to get rid of single-use plastics where we can in our house. Toothpaste is one of the changes we made; for whatever reason, we always had a million disposable tubes of toothpaste lying around. I wanted to find something packaged in recyclable glass and landed on ORL. It has kid flavors like bubblegum and adult flavors like fresh mint and cinnamon. The fresh mint is my favorite. It’s kind of expensive, but it lasts a long time."
Tea Drops- Shoutout from Natural Grocers Health Hotline
March 5, 2021
Naturalgrocers.com
"Tea Drops are delicately ground loose leaf teas, blended with a dash of raw sugar, pressed into fun shapes, and ready to dissolve in hot water—no extra work and no wasted tea bags. They’re Certified Organic, Fair Trade, made in the USA, and brought to you in recyclable packaging from a women-owned company that is deeply committed to a female forward supply chain. So, take a moment and enjoy a cuppa, swirling the cup gently while you do, to capture every fiber-rich sip. Let Tea Drops connect you to the nourishing ritual of tea any time, any place."
Hugo- Shoutout from Food Business News
January 26, 2021
Foodbusinessnews.net
"Another trend he discussed is 'values-based everything.' Examples include a coffee roaster promoting dog rescue and a tomato sauce brand that donates a portion of sales to support blood cancer research.
'I think people are understanding voting with their dollar, with a lot of the social action that’s been happening over the past year,' Dr. Deutsch said. 'Whether it’s supporting women- and Black-owned businesses or community-based non-profits and organizations, the story is becoming such a big differentiator.'"
V2O- Recognized by BevNET
December 4, 2020
BevNET.com
V2O Launches Sparkling Balsamic Water" The first consumer packaged sparkling balsamic water has been created and launched by Maggie Peterson, V2O founder and owner, along with her experienced entrepreneurial team. The product is already making a huge splash, with national distribution from KeHE and other regional distribution partners. "
ORL- CBD Highly Recommended in Daily Oral Care
August 20, 2020
Newsweek.com - Richard Cowan
CBD Mouthwash Study Has Implications Far Beyond "Word of Mouth" Especially For Seniors
"Another study, published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports 'Cannabinoids have the potential to be used as an effective antibacterial agent against dental plaque-associated bacteria. Moreover, it provides a safer alternative for synthetic antibiotics to reduce the development of drug resistance.'
The fact that CBD has powerful antibiotic and anti-inflammatory effects suggests that it may have a wide variety of other medical uses, and this study demonstrates a way that it may be effective in treating or preventing a variety of infections, oral or otherwise."
Sunshine Burger- Recommended by Experts
June 28, 2020
Forbes.com - Daphne Ewing-Chow
Not All ‘Meatless Meats’ Are Good For Your Health Or The Environment
"In the frozen food aisle, Sunshine Burgers Loco Chipotle Organic Veggie Burgers With Sprouted Rice, is an example of a healthy alternative, made of organic cooked black beans, organic ground raw sunflower seeds, organic cooked sprouted brown rice, organic carrots, chipotle pepper, organic chia seeds, organic hemp seeds and flavored with organic spices. This brand does not contain artificial or industrial ingredients and is not processed. "
Sunshine Burger- Shoutout from Spins
May 11, 2020
Spins.com
Five Brands Worth Taking Your Mask Off For This Week
"Sunshine Burgers are crafted with flavorful and nutritious, organic whole food ingredients, and nothing more. No matter what you’re craving, their many flavor varieties provide you with a tasty, fast, and easy meal. "
Buddha Teas - Recognized by Inc 5000
"Every year Inc. 5000 announces its most successful companies in the U.S.A, and Buddha Teas made the 2019 list! Of the fastest growing companies in the country, we’re #1455!. The list of Living Wellness products can be found at https://www.inc.com/profile/living-wellness-partners"
New Seasons Market - Sale to Good Food Holdings Approved
Portland Business Journal "Food and Lifestyle" - December 10, 2019
"New Seasons Market is being acquired by a subsidiary of a global South Korean retailer. New Seasons' board approved the sale to upscale California-based grocery chain Good Food Holdings, a subsidiary of South Korea's largest retailer Emart, which is part of The Shinsegae Group. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Emart acquired Good Food Holdings for $275 million in December 2018, according to the industry trade publication And Now U Know. The publication also reported that Emart had been eyeing the U.S. market. The Good Food acquisition was its first. Portland-based New Seasons Market employs 4,000 across 21 stores in Oregon, Washington and Northern California. That includes employees of New Leaf Community Markets, which New Seasons acquired in 2013. Good Food Holdings is the holding company for California-based Bristol Farms and Lazy Acres Natural Market, and Seattle-based Metropolitan Market. more..."
Nightfood - Expands distribution West
"Tarrytown, NY, Nov. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Nightfood, Inc. (NGTF), the start-up ice cream company addressing America’s $50 billion-dollar nighttime snacking problem, has engaged Independent Natural Food Brokers (INFB) to represent the Nightfood line to retail accounts throughout the western half of the United States..."
Yahoo News Finance - November 5, 2019
Repurpose Interviewed by Forbes AND Honored by INC Magazine
Lauren Gropper, CEO and co-founder of Repurpose, Inc. was interviewed recently by Forbes about the about Starbucks and Disney's phasing out of the use of plastic straws.
Additionally, founder Lauren Gropper is featured in the October Issue of INC Magazine as part of their list of the top 100 Female Founders. AND as one of America's fastest growing companies. They are the number #52 fastest growing consumer products company in the United States and #713 out of all companies listed.
Repurpose Seeing Uptick in Interest in Wake of Starbucks' Plastic Straw Announcement
Repurpose Co-Founder Repurpose Corey Scholibo reports, "Things are really heating up on straws and there is great appetite for them from retailers ," since Starbucks' July 9 announcement that the biggest coffee house chain in the world will ban plastic straws by 2020. Repurpose's line of tableware, including straws, is made of plants such as renewable resource corn, sugar cane, and bamboo.
SeaFare Pacific Against Human Trafficking in Seafood Business
Partners at Oregon Seafood, DBA SeaFare Pacific, are encouraging people to see how irresponsibility produced seafood exploits workers. Go HERE.
Repurpose Joins Hands with LA's Incubator for Clean Tech
Los Angeles' Cleantech Incubator has signed up to help Repurpose with a subsidized workspace and business coaching. Repurpose is one of the 16 environmentally-friendly companies Cleantech supports. Repurpose is the first one that provides a consumer product.
http://labusinessjournal.com/news/2013/may/20/incubator-throws-disposable-products/
Repurpose Stars in Several Popular Shows
Look closely to see Repurpose cups in these popular television shows.
Plant Waters Such as true nopal Recognized as the Next Hot Trend by The Wall Street Journal
Cactus water, such as true nopal, are attracting consumers who increasingly want lower-sugar beverages.
Plant waters such as true nopal cactus water which use natural ingredients that hydrate with no added sugars, no preservatives, no sodium, and no GMO were recognized in a October 2016 article in The Wall Street Journal as one of the next hot trends in food. While the Journal's story leads off talking about water from a cactus, the reporter didn't go into detail about cactus water until about half way through, predicting that consumers will be impressed with cactus water's lower sugar content than that of coconut water.
Lower-Priced Whole Foods Store Coming to Los Angeles in May
In order to appeal to younger shoppers, Whole Food is opening a kind of discount store in Silver Lake on May 25. The name of the new store will be 365 By Whole Foods Market. The 365 name comes from Whole Foods' value brand, which is already found in the company's stores.
Besides cost, the biggest difference will be the variety of products compared with a traditional Whole Foods Market.
The Austin, Texas, company said that the new chain will be geared toward 18-to-34-year-olds who want all-natural foods at more affordable prices. Go here for more information.
Besides cost, the biggest difference will be the variety of products compared with a traditional Whole Foods Market.
The Austin, Texas, company said that the new chain will be geared toward 18-to-34-year-olds who want all-natural foods at more affordable prices. Go here for more information.
Eldorado Springs, CO Water Recognized as Having Best City Water in World
Click on photo for info on Eldorado Artisan Springs, Inc.
This honor is significant for INFB vendor Eldorado Artisan Springs, Inc. which sources from the springs located in Eldorado Springs, Colorado (just outside of Boulder, Colorado). The springs are fed by one of the most unique water sources in the world. This spring water originates as rain and snow just east of the Continental Divide. From there, it enters an aquifer that passes underneath Eldorado Springs at a depth of 8,000 feet.
Award story here.
Award story here.
Repurpose Feels the Love From School Nutrition Magazine
Repurpose is in the January issue of School Nutrition Magazine. Here’s the link to the digital copy: http://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=285753&p=86
KeHE's Food Trade Show In Indianapolis, IN Awarded as Fastest Growing
KeHE’s Holiday & Product Innovation Show was named Trade Show News Networks’ (TSNN) list of, “2015 Top 25 Fastest Growing Trade Shows in Attendance” and its list of, “2015 Fastest Growing For-Profit Show in Attendance”. The show was chosen based on year-over-year attendance growth between 2012 and 2014. This is the first time KeHE has received these two awards. The KeHE Holiday & Product Innovation Show has experienced double-digit attendance growth and doubled sales over the past several years. KeHE is the only food-related trade show to achieve this distinction.
The 2016 Holiday & Product Innovation Show, Monday & Tuesday, is slated for June 13-14, at the Indiana Convention Center, in Indianapolis, IN.
The 2016 Holiday & Product Innovation Show, Monday & Tuesday, is slated for June 13-14, at the Indiana Convention Center, in Indianapolis, IN.
New Seasons Market 2nd Seattle Store Announced/Other New Seasons Markets Coming Soon
Joel J Dahll, New Seasons Markets Group Director of Merchandising-Non Perishables, announced recently a second New Seasons Market store in Seattle will open in the Ballard neighborhood in fall of 2017. The store will open in a re-development on Ballard Way between NW 9th and NW 11th avenues. The 25,000 square foot store will be a unique reflection of the vibe of the Ballard neighborhood; A truly local grocery store with the friendliest service in town.
New Seasons Mercer Island store will open in fall of this year. New Season's 18th store in Portland, University Park, will open on March 23, 2016.
More information here: http://www.seattletimes.com/business/retail/portland-grocer-new-seasons-market-to-take-over-former-mercer-island-albertsons/
New Seasons Mercer Island store will open in fall of this year. New Season's 18th store in Portland, University Park, will open on March 23, 2016.
More information here: http://www.seattletimes.com/business/retail/portland-grocer-new-seasons-market-to-take-over-former-mercer-island-albertsons/
Repurpose Called "Cool and Outrageous" by green Living
green Living, an Arizona eco-conscious lifestyle magazine, listed Repurpose compostable dinnerware under Cool Outrageous Stuff in their November 2015 issue.
Cactus Water and Coconut Water Compared
Perhaps one of the biggest perks about cactus water is the taste. Coconut water is sweet, true, but it has a strange, nutty flavor that takes getting used to for some people. Cactus water tastes an awful lot like berries — both light and refreshing. Most people love cactus water from the first sip, which is not something that can be said about coconut water. Cactus water also has an edge over the coconut because it is packed with antioxidants. Coconut water has antioxidants too, but cactus water has many more. Also, cactus water contains a compound called betalains, which can fight cell damage with anti-inflammatory abilities. In fact, prickly pear cactus is the only fruit on this planet that is known to contain all 24 betalains.
These highly antioxidant compounds revitalize the body and skin to fight premature aging. You might have also noticed that cactus water is being used in some cocktail recipes. Why? It’s because it is well-known throughout Mexico for being able to minimize the effects of hangovers. It isn’t a cure, so to speak, but it is known for fighting the nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth that frequently accompany hangovers. Cactus water also contains fewer calories and natural sugars that coconut water — about half as many, in fact. That alone is a benefit that is hard to beat. Are there any downsides to cactus water? The price. If you are on a tight budget, you might find that the average $35 per 12-pack a bit steep for what it has to offer. Coconut water is about half this price.
These highly antioxidant compounds revitalize the body and skin to fight premature aging. You might have also noticed that cactus water is being used in some cocktail recipes. Why? It’s because it is well-known throughout Mexico for being able to minimize the effects of hangovers. It isn’t a cure, so to speak, but it is known for fighting the nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth that frequently accompany hangovers. Cactus water also contains fewer calories and natural sugars that coconut water — about half as many, in fact. That alone is a benefit that is hard to beat. Are there any downsides to cactus water? The price. If you are on a tight budget, you might find that the average $35 per 12-pack a bit steep for what it has to offer. Coconut water is about half this price.
Repurpose Continues to Gain Positive Attention in Media Outlets
May 18, 2015: Clean Eating Magazine (circulation 240,959): Laura Schober included the full line of Repurpose products in the June print issue within the "Gear and Gadgets" column as an “Editor’s Pick.”
May 22, 2015: All You (circulation 1,506,002): Julia Warren included Repurpose cutlery in her summer entertaining guide for the June issue, out 5/22.
June 1, 2015: Shelby Report of the West (circulation 14,056): Lorrie Griffith was also able to feature Repurpose in the June print issue.
Karen Nozik's Children's book, What's in a Box of Cereal? Available on Amazon
An illustrated book for kids of all ages (including parents!) showing the inter-connectedness of all things. A fun way to demonstrate BIG concepts like sustainability and economics. Uses pictures to show that everyone in the world affects someone else. Induces inquiry as to how every day items are made and what goes into making them.
About the Author: Karen Nozik is President of PageGirlPress.com, an independent firm based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Page Girl Press specializes in writing, editing, and communications for a wide range of clients. She is currently employed full time as the Director of Ally Development and Partnerships at the National Parks Conservation Association in Washington, DC. Until 2005, Ms. Nozik served as Communications Director for Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) in Boulder, Colorado. Prior she served for three years as the Director of Outreach for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy working with communities to preserve and transform unused rail corridors into trails. Nozik’s background and experience cover all aspects of communications with special focus on environmental issues.
Link - What's In A Box Of Cereal?
About the Author: Karen Nozik is President of PageGirlPress.com, an independent firm based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Page Girl Press specializes in writing, editing, and communications for a wide range of clients. She is currently employed full time as the Director of Ally Development and Partnerships at the National Parks Conservation Association in Washington, DC. Until 2005, Ms. Nozik served as Communications Director for Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) in Boulder, Colorado. Prior she served for three years as the Director of Outreach for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy working with communities to preserve and transform unused rail corridors into trails. Nozik’s background and experience cover all aspects of communications with special focus on environmental issues.
Link - What's In A Box Of Cereal?
Brenda Steele, INFB Head, interviewed by Mobile Cuisine
Brenda was interviewed last month by Mobile Cuisine. This online mag is billed as "the complete online destination resource for the mobile food industry." In the story, Challenges and Rewards of Starting a New Food Business, Brenda is quoted about halfway though. Check it out at: http://mobile-cuisine.com/business/challenges-and-rewards-of-starting-a-new-food-business/
INFB Head Brenda Steele interviewed on The Tea with Zhena Show
Inspiration is only a sip away with Zhena, founder of Zhena's Gypsy Tea,
inspirational speaker and personal development coach. Zhena will talk with Brenda in August.
Listen in here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teawithzhena
inspirational speaker and personal development coach. Zhena will talk with Brenda in August.
Listen in here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teawithzhena
NPA sets the record straight with Dateline NBC
Dear NPA members:
"Dateline NBC" plans to air a story about the dietary supplement industry this Sunday, March 18, at 7 p.m. Eastern. Our understanding is that it will focus on the issue of “dry labbing,” which involves laboratories that seem to have all the right equipment to do the proper testing of dietary supplements but do not actually conduct any testing, yet issue fabricated reports on the submitted products. Dry labbing is part of the larger issue of dietary supplement adulteration and label accuracy. The Natural Products Association, as the leading representative of the dietary supplement industry, has taken several proactive steps in response to Dateline NBC’s story.
First, here are key points you can share with any customers who may be concerned about dietary supplements after viewing the program:
· Products that contain undeclared drug ingredients are illegal drugs, not dietary supplements.
· Selling products that contain illegal substances is a crime. Those products have no place in the legitimate marketplace.
· We support government action against any laboratories that use improper testing methods.
· Consumers can trust what they read on the labels of dietary supplements. We strongly support efforts to make sure that products contain what the labels claim and are not contaminated.
· Dietary supplements have an excellent safety record. They help millions of Americans address nutritional deficiencies and maintain and improve their health.
Second, NPA has submitted a statement to Dateline NBC that highlighted these and other important points (below). Dateline NBC has told us they will quote from the statement during the show. NPA was not given the opportunity to view the segment in advance. Finally, NPA will release our full statement to Dateline NBC to the media Monday
morning. We believe it is vitally important that consumers hear loud and clear the message that dietary supplements are both safe and beneficial for the health of millions.
This message will be posted on the NPA website and our social media channels for consumers, and will be distributed to you. Thank you for your support and membership in NPA.
Sincerely,
Jeff Wright
President
"Dateline NBC" plans to air a story about the dietary supplement industry this Sunday, March 18, at 7 p.m. Eastern. Our understanding is that it will focus on the issue of “dry labbing,” which involves laboratories that seem to have all the right equipment to do the proper testing of dietary supplements but do not actually conduct any testing, yet issue fabricated reports on the submitted products. Dry labbing is part of the larger issue of dietary supplement adulteration and label accuracy. The Natural Products Association, as the leading representative of the dietary supplement industry, has taken several proactive steps in response to Dateline NBC’s story.
First, here are key points you can share with any customers who may be concerned about dietary supplements after viewing the program:
· Products that contain undeclared drug ingredients are illegal drugs, not dietary supplements.
· Selling products that contain illegal substances is a crime. Those products have no place in the legitimate marketplace.
· We support government action against any laboratories that use improper testing methods.
· Consumers can trust what they read on the labels of dietary supplements. We strongly support efforts to make sure that products contain what the labels claim and are not contaminated.
· Dietary supplements have an excellent safety record. They help millions of Americans address nutritional deficiencies and maintain and improve their health.
Second, NPA has submitted a statement to Dateline NBC that highlighted these and other important points (below). Dateline NBC has told us they will quote from the statement during the show. NPA was not given the opportunity to view the segment in advance. Finally, NPA will release our full statement to Dateline NBC to the media Monday
morning. We believe it is vitally important that consumers hear loud and clear the message that dietary supplements are both safe and beneficial for the health of millions.
This message will be posted on the NPA website and our social media channels for consumers, and will be distributed to you. Thank you for your support and membership in NPA.
Sincerely,
Jeff Wright
President
The INFB video from EXAMINER.COM has arrived!
Check it out by clicking on the following link: http://www.examiner.com/organic-industry-in-denver/brenda-steele-from-independent-natural-food-broker-video
Nature's Best Warehouse Center Opening!
To Our Valued Suppliers:
We are excited to announce the opening of our distribution center in Flower Mount, TX. On May 13th, we will begin stocking products into our new distribution center approximately 4-6 weeks in advance of our opening, and are asking for your support in this opening with an off-invoice discount of 15%, and extended payment terms of Net 90 days.
--Noi Phansan, Nature's Best