What Natural and Organic Buyers Want at Newtopia Now
Retailers look to New Hope Network's new natural products program and trade show to guide conscious CPG innovation and growth. Find out more.
This article originally appeared on the New Hope Network website on June 26, 2024
By Steven Hoffman
As the natural, organic, regenerative and “conscious CPG” industry prepares to gather in Denver, Colorado, on August 25-28 for the inaugural Newtopia Now, a number of retailers attending and participating in the event shared their thoughts on what drives their purchasing and foraging decisions today.
They also shared perspectives on how they best like to work with partner brands to achieve their goals and serve their customers—and how Newtopia Now can provide value in helping match them with companies and brands in a more intimate, innovative and curated trade show and conference setting.
Numerous retail buyers, foragers and business owners across the country participated in this story, ranging from large chains such as Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market; smaller chains such as Earth Fare and Bristol Farms; online retailer Thrive Market; and independent grocers St. Vrain Market and Mustard Seed Market & Café.
Here’s what these retailers shared about today’s marketplace, what drives their purchasing decisions and how they are turning to the upcoming Newtopia Now as a key new resource to help them in their work.
Casey Gaston, Executive Leader, Local and Emerging Brands, Center Store, Whole Foods Market
Founded in 1980 and based in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market operates more than 530 stores in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Casey Gaston is a featured presenter at Newtopia Now as part of a panel discussion, How to Get Your Product into Whole Foods Market, at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, August 27.
Casey Gaston
Things are always changing in business and we have to remain nimble. Today, Whole Foods Market is connecting with suppliers in a lot more ways than ever before. Getting the attention of our merchants and foragers hasn’t changed as much, however. Start by doing your homework: utilize the Whole Foods Market Supplier Portal and review our quality and product standards. New and emerging brands can connect through our keystone incubation program, LEAP (Local and Emerging Accelerator Program). The LEAP Early Growth cohort, which works with early growth brands, is now in its third year and applications have tripled. While a limited number of brands are selected for a given cohort, others still get on to our radar as a result of the application process. Our Local Producer Loan Program also remains a strong pillar for Whole Foods Market.
As a forager team, we’re excited that the format of Newtopia Now is different. While large brands can get much of the visibility at a show like Expo West, Newtopia Now allows emerging brands to be the stars. We can’t wait to experience a show dedicated to new and emerging brands. We are looking for innovation and trends, and are excited to see brands that have something to show us. We like the concept of matchmaking, and we’ll be hosting some of our own meetings at the event. We’re going to lean in on all the tools and programs New Hope is providing at Newtopia Now.
Darren Viscount, Senior Natural Living Category Manager, Bristol Farms
Founded in 1982, Bristol Farms operates 13 stores in Southern California. With 27 years’ experience in retail, Darren Viscount is a featured presenter as part of a panel discussion, Leading Natural Living Buyers Tell All: Thrive, PCC and Bristol Farms, at 1:30 p.m. Monday, August 26.
Darren Viscount
Shopping for natural foods is less of a destination now than when I first started in the industry. Today, natural products can also be found online, in mass market, in conventional— there is a lot more opportunity for people to purchase these products. In addition, when there is disruption in the economy like we’ve seen over the past few years, people want value.
That said, while ingredients and quality are certainly a factor, our customers are looking for value. So, when I work with brands, I make sure we have promotions, including long-term promotional agreements and/or quarterly promotions. We also put an emphasis on staff training, whether it’s in-store, online or team training sessions. We want to help our customers so that when they get home, they know they’ve made the right decision on product selection.
Today, social media drives a lot of our purchasing decisions. We monitor TikTok and Instagram to see what’s trending. Right now, for example, trends in supplements include magnesium, creatine, high protein products, electrolytes, gut biome and health, probiotics and more. There are a lot of influencers on social media that drive people to our stores, too.
Our goal at Newtopia Now is to foster closer relationships with brands we meet at the event. I like to attend events such as Newtopia Now because I get to talk directly with founders, CEOs, product developers and other brand leaders and speak with them about how they will support our stores, our teams and our customers. It is valuable to me in building community on a business and personal level. With Newtopia Now structured as a more intimate event, we hope to get more one-on-one time with the vendors and find brands to cultivate and nourish from the ground up.
Phillip Nabors, Co-Founder, Mustard Seed Market & Café
With two full service stores and a restaurant serving the Akron, Ohio, market, Mustard Seed Market & Café, established in 1981, is one of Ohio’s largest independently owned retailers of natural and organic products. Cofounded by Margaret and Phillip Nabors, their sons Gabe and Abraham now lead operations for the stores. Phillip served as president of the Retailer Division of the NPA (formerly NNFA) in 1993 and served for 10 years on the Natural Foods Committee of FMI—the Food Marketing Institute.
Phillip Nabors
From the early days, we were unique from the more “pill-driven” health food stores of the time. We made a conscious effort to bring in locally sourced food, whatever we could get from producers and distributors. By having as much food as possible, we enjoyed a large trade area—a 50-mile-plus radius.
Now, the trade area is much smaller and we have to compete with everyone. We have to really sharpen our pencil on price to be competitive. The early days were about education; the customers went on a learning journey with us. Now that you can find natural foods just about everywhere, it’s “What’s the price?”
However, there remains the mission, along with the opportunity to educate, and we’ve always been the trustworthy source of information. We’re actually sincere about the mission of propagating wellness. Some people get that and are willing to drive or pay a bit more to support us. For Newtopia Now, I’m the test pilot for our company. I’m intrigued about the Matchmaking program and have signed up for it.
If I look back at all the best times I’ve had at shows, it’s the deeper conversations. Not just about the attributes of the product, but also alignment on values. I’ve always learned a lot from interacting with suppliers and brands, and I enjoy meeting new people and running into peers and colleagues I’ve known for decades. Plus, I learn a lot from other retailers. I’m looking forward to interacting with all these constituents on a deeper level at Newtopia Now.
I’d like to add that I appreciate all that New Hope Network has done over the decades and what a critical role it has played in growing the natural products industry. Their trade shows in large part enabled the industry’s growth. They have delivered an amazing product over the years. The fact that the company is trying something new makes me want to support them all the more.
Scott Romano, Vice President, Forager, Sprouts Farmers Market
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Sprouts Farmers Market operates more than 400 stores in 23 states. Scott Romano is a featured presenter as part of the panel discussion, How to Get Noticed by the Sprouts Forager Team, at 12:30 p.m. Monday, August 26.
Scott Romano
Sprouts Farmers Market operates more than 400 stores in 23 states, and is looking to grow the store base at 10% per year going forward. Innovation is our key, and differentiation is what Sprouts is seeking.
When you think of today’s retail landscape, anyone can carry these products. So, for us in making buying decisions, differentiation and innovation lead the first round, and then we look for taste, number one. We scorecard every brand we bring in—we look at attributes such as diversity/minority owned, sustainability, is the product on trend, for example, regenerative agriculture, mushroom adaptogens, probiotics, etc. Then, based on a point system, we will place products in one of three buckets: yes, we want to pursue further; hold and let’s keep it in the pipeline; or decline and thank you, we’ll pass.
While we are being a little more selective, we do have a foraging program for new brands that can help take some of the costs out of the system. The foraging program is a 90-day test period where select brands can receive sales data and general engagement insight. We’re also able to learn from that to prepare the brand for next steps, be it regional or national, and also continue to evolve the program to have a higher success rate with brands we launch. Currently, we are finding success with brands that have built some kind of online B2C presence before expanding into brick and mortar.
Sprouts is looking forward to going to Newtopia Now. There will be a team of folks foraging on the floor, and I will be participating in a Buyer Side Chat to help vendors learn how to get in front of the buyers at Sprouts. The first year is more exploratory for us, however, we’re excited to see the different neighborhoods Newtopia Now has planned, and experience a show in a different way. As a more intimate and focused event, it is a welcome bookend to Natural Products Expo West.
Mitch Orland, Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing, Earth Fare
Earth Fare, founded in 1975 and based in Asheville, North Carolina, is a leading chain of natural and organic food supermarkets with 18 locations in seven states throughout the southeastern U.S. A new ownership group, comprising some of Earth Fare’s original founders, purchased Earth Fare out of bankruptcy in 2020 and has been re-establishing the company as a natural foods retail leader across the Southeast.
Mitch Orland
We opened four years ago during the COVID pandemic when new owners bought Earth Fare out bankruptcy. The group comprises some of the original founders. Since then, we learned we have to reinvent ourselves. We have to be first to market, customer service is key, our people are important, and value perception is super important. Our industry is known for prices higher than conventional, but Earth Fare has combatted this price perception by offering discounts, promotions, every day deals and a Healthy Rewards in-store loyalty program.
Also, we like to stay on top of the trends and are getting out in front on regenerative food and farming. We are closely aligned with the Plant Based Foods Association, the regenerative Land to Market program, Regenified and others. We continue to cultivate these relationships and often they’ll tell us about brands that we can explore.
In addition, one of the top trends we’re working on is ‘craft vegan.’ It’s a trend that was reported on in 2023 by New Hope Network, and in fact, I coined the term to describe the next generation of artisan-made vegan foods, including plant-based aged cheeses, dairy-free butters, deli meats made from mycelium-based Koji, and more. We are getting a handle on food waste, and our program Save & Stop Waste has diverted over half a million pounds of food from landfills over four years.
Personally, I like to forage at local farmers markets within driving distance of our stores. It’s a great way to find local producers and supports the communities. We can bring product to market faster than anyone else—from farmers market to shelf in as little as three weeks. I’m also a chef, so what lights me up about my job is supporting small emerging brands and see what they’re going to do next.
Earth Fare is bringing a full team to Newtopia Now, and we are planning to do something fun—however, it’s a secret for now! For us, it’s about connection, learning, team building and what’s on the horizon. I’m glad New Hope is doing more to directly link the buyers and brands with this first-time event.
Neil Sullivan, Co-Owner, St. Vrain Market
Located in Lyons, Colorado, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, in a historic building that once served as a creamery in the 1800s, family owned and operated St. Vrain Market is well known in the area for its selection of natural, organic and specialty products, premium meats and fresh baked goods. Co-owner Neil Sullivan’s experience includes working at the former upscale Sutton Place Gourmet in Washington, DC.
Neil Sullivan
My wife and I have owned St. Vrain Market for 16 years. It had been a grocery store for many years and has a 100-plus year history. The store was run down when we bought it, so we traveled around to visit independently owned, single-store retailers in northern California. We modeled a lot of what we do today on some of the things we saw coming out of these stores, including local sourcing. We also modeled the store as a European style market—you can shop here for the day’s or a few days’ needs.
We created a tagline when we launched St. Vrain Market: ‘Local and Fresh.’ We asked ourselves, how do you meet the needs of a local community by also supporting that local community? We source many products from fresh and local producers. We give the town something they can be proud of and the community has responded.
People know us best for our bakery—it comprises 20% of our revenue and we employ five full-time bakers—plus an all-natural deli and a very nice meat case. The produce we offer is almost all organic; we have a great dairy selection and we feature local and national brands.
We are far from a commodity player. When we look for supplier partners, we have a specific set of criteria. We’re looking for brands that share both beliefs and practices and can be a great partner for us. Clean ingredients, sustainable-focused packaging, conscious, mission-based businesses—we and other independent retailers are prioritizing these attributes over commodity pricing.
But, we also need entities such as New Hope Network to help us find those partners and sift through all that is out there in the broader industry. For us, Newtopia Now is helping to find the best ways to bring meaningful partnerships together and identify the brands that best align with our criteria. It will help cut through a lot of time and noise and not spin our wheels.
One of the trends we’re moving with is sustainable packaging in our foodservice and food preparation. We use compostable supplies almost exclusively. That’s the criteria I’m including in my Newtopia Now ‘dating profile.’ With Newtopia Now in the matchmaking business, it’s going to help me find suppliers that meet my dating profile.
Also, the event offers me an opportunity to get away from my business long enough as an owner-operator to get information outside of my store walls that I may not get otherwise. I’m also excited to engage at Newtopia Now with suppliers and partners that support minority owned businesses. Our mission statement at St. Vrain Market has nothing about food in it—it’s simply to build community. Our mission is to do well by doing good.
Kirstin Ratcliffe, Senior Category Manager, Beauty and Personal Care, Thrive Market
Thrive Market, based in Los Angeles, California, and founded in 2014, is the leading member-based online retailer offering natural, organic and regenerative products to healthy lifestyle consumers. Kirstin Ratcliffe is a featured presenter at Newtopia Now as part of a panel discussion, Leading Natural Living Buyers Tell All: Thrive, PCC and Bristol Farms, at 1:30 p.m. Monday, August 26.
Kirstin Ratcliffe
Our mission at Thrive Market is to make healthy and sustainable living easy and affordable and for everyone. We work with the biggest companies in the natural space to up and coming independent brands. Providing our members value is true to the core of our mission—we want to give people access everywhere. So, when we are looking for brand partners, value and price are a part of it; it’s one of the first conversations we have.
Being a fully online business, a huge focus for us is to meet our members where they are and to provide convenience. Convenience is a big factor, and we keep that in mind when we are curating. We have a tight pulse on what our members are looking for, and always strive to bring the products they know and love directly to them via Thrive Market. We take the guesswork out of finding healthy products for their entire home, and aim to be that healthy and sustainable destination where they can buy their groceries, as well as their shampoo, body wash, vitamins, toothpaste, cleaning products, etc.
Another key area we hone in on is our standards. We restrict 1,000+ ingredients, including phthalates, parabens, petroleum-derived ingredients and others, which you can learn more about on our website. Certified organic is a first choice when we can; non-GMO is nonnegotiable. We are always seeking more sustainable alternatives, including packaging. With beauty and personal care products, we closely follow standards put forward by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and we require testing (i.e. for heavy metals) for certain ingredients of concern. We will require certain testing, if needed. We also carry cruelty free brands and prioritize Fair Trade Certified, as well as those brands that support regenerative sourcing and farming.
We’ve always had a strong relationship with New Hope Network. We view its shows as a great way to connect with existing partners, discover new brands, create relationships with private label and third-party partners, and learn about what’s new and trending. We’re excited about the new experience that Newtopia Now offers, coming on the back of participant surveys to understand what they wanted from a show. The marketplaces, or neighborhoods, they’ve teased out is interesting and will provide an opportunity to see how products stand out against each other on the shelf. It’s also particularly important for us that a brand can stand out in an online environment. That’s what we’ll be looking for, as well as partners whose mission(s) aligns with our own.
Newtopia Now, New Hope Network's new trade show, is set for Aug. 25-28 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. For more information and to register, click here.
Macalat® Earns NEXTY Award for Revolutionizing the Chocolate Industry With Innovative Mushroom Mycelium Technology
The certified organic brand of chocolate has introduced a groundbreaking new category in chocolate bars: Organic Sweet Dark Chocolate
DURHAM, N.C. (April 10, 2024) – Macalat has won the 2024 NEXTY Award for the creation of a new category of chocolate: Organic Sweet Dark Chocolate. The NEXTY Awards, presented by New Hope Network’s Natural Products Expo, celebrate the most innovative, inspiring and trustworthy products in the natural products industry. Macalat was among 154 finalists – out of 1,500 companies nominated – for the Expo West 2024 edition of the awards.
Transforming the dark chocolate experience
Macalat, a visionary, certified organic brand of chocolate, has introduced a groundbreaking new category in chocolate bars: Organic Sweet Dark Chocolate. This first-ever cacao product addresses the long-standing issue of dark chocolate’s bitterness and astringency, making nutrient-dense, 70% dark chocolate more appealing to a wider range of consumers. By harnessing the magical power of a mushroom mycelium-derived flavor modulator, Macalat has transformed the dark chocolate experience, offering an authentic, sugar-free sweet dark chocolate that reveals the natural deep flavors of cacao while eliminating any bitter notes and unpleasant mouthfeel.
The Bitter Dilemma
Seventy percent dark chocolate has gained popularity due to its numerous health benefits, but many people don’t like its bitter taste and astringent mouthfeel. Currently, only a small percentage of chocolate is consumed as dark chocolate. This poses a challenge for organic chocolate producers seeking to create dark chocolate that is both nutritious and enjoyable. Traditional methods of masking bitterness with excessive sugar and/or by adding milk are not in keeping with a healthy lifestyle. Likewise, artificial sweeteners are falling out of favor with today’s health-conscious consumers. (There are no organic artificial sweeteners.)
The Role of Mushroom Mycelium
Macalat’s breakthrough lies in its integration of MycoTechnology’s ClearIQ™ mushroom mycelium-derived flavor modulator, an incredible natural solution for overcoming the bitterness and astringency commonly associated with dark chocolate. Produced using organic mushroom mycelial fermentation, this natural flavor modulator effectively blocks the perception of astringent and bitter flavors. This binding process allows the full flavor spectrum of cacao to emerge, unveiling the sweet, complex and nuanced tastes that until now lay hidden beneath the bitterness.
Unveiling the True Flavor of Cacao
Bitterness, astringency and other off-notes can mask the delicate and delicious flavors within high-quality chocolate. By using mushroom mycelium flavor modulation, Macalat reduces these overpowering sensations, resulting in a brighter, cleaner and clarified flavor. This technique not only enhances the taste experience but also preserves the integrity of other superfood functional ingredients frequently looked for in today’s chocolate. The use of mushroom mycelium-flavor modulator as a natural, bitter blocker and flavor clarifier sets Macalat apart as a pioneer in the cacao industry.
Health and Taste Harmony
Today’s consumers increasingly seek nutrient-dense foods that don’t compromise on taste. Macalat’s use of mushroom mycelium flavor modulator addresses this demand by neutralizing the bitterness associated with fermented cacao, eliminating bitter notes from the tongue and the mouth in general. This remarkable mycelium flavor modulator enables Macalat to create sugar-free dark chocolate that delivers a richer, smoother and more vibrant cacao flavor. By harmonizing healthfulness and taste, Macalat appeals to the modern chocolate connoisseur and the emerging health-conscious superfoodie.
The Consumer Perspective
According to the IFI Food and Health Study 2020, a staggering 88% of consumers prioritize taste when making purchasing decisions, surpassing factors such as price, healthfulness, convenience and environmental impact. Macalat recognizes this priority and has successfully developed a chocolate that caters to the discerning taste buds of consumers while offering a healthier alternative. With Macalat Organic Sweet Dark Chocolate, the need for excessive sugar and milk to counteract bitterness is eliminated, aligning with the evolving consumer trend of reducing sugar and dairy intake.
Embracing Culinary Science and Innovation
Macalat’s approach to creating a new category in the chocolate world is rooted in culinary science and bears a touch of mushroom magic. The brand’s commitment to culinary innovation, combined with a deep understanding of the science behind flavor, has paved the way for this groundbreaking cacao product. By leveraging transformative superfood ingredients, Macalat assures great taste and great nutrition, fulfilling its mission of providing food that is both delicious and beneficial.
Collaboration With MycoTechnology
To achieve this remarkable breakthrough, Macalat partnered with MycoTechnology, an industry leader specializing in mycelia-based solutions. The collaboration between Macalat and MycoTechnology has enabled a revolutionary dark chocolate experience. By incorporating the magic of mycelium, Macalat demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary cooperation and innovation in the pursuit of an exceptional new chocolate category.
Conclusion
Macalat Organic Sweet Dark Chocolate represents a significant innovation in the $140 billion global chocolate trade, of which dark chocolate accounts for $50 billion. Macalat is in the vanguard of a new chocolate category. By leveraging the unique properties of mushroom mycelium, Macalat has eliminated the bitterness and astringency that often deter consumers from enjoying wholesome dark chocolate. This breakthrough not only enhances the flavor experience but also aligns with the growing demand for healthier, tastier alternatives. Macalat’s dedication to culinary science and its collaboration with MycoTechnology exemplifies the brand’s commitment to delivering a sweet, innovative, great-tasting and nutrient-dense 70% dark chocolate that is sugar-free. With Macalat, the future of chocolate is not only sweeter but also brighter, cleaner and more satisfying without sugar or the bitterness and astringency that sugar seeks to hide.
About Macalat
Developed by organic taste guru John Troy, known as the Organic Taste Wizard in the organic food trade, Macalat represents years of meticulous research and development, with novel production protocols. Seeing how valuable this delicious innovation is for helping consumers solve the problem of eliminating sugar from their diet while also enjoying a healthy, sweet treat, Lisa Ellis assumed the role of president of The Macalat Company in 2022 to help make Macalat more accessible to ingredient-conscious consumers. Macalat is available online and on Amazon and in stores including Earth Fare, Weaver Street Market, Bulldega Urban Market and Green Sage Café. Learn more here or visit us on Facebook.
Media Contacts
Lisa Ellis, The Macalat Company, lisa@macalat.com, tel: 919.606.1754
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
JAMBAR Making Waves With New Tropical Trio Flavor and Signing of Pro Surfer Tia Blanco
Organic Energy Bar Maker Also Announces Three-Flavor Vegan Box
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (March 6, 2024) – Organic energy bar maker JAMBAR today announced the launch of Tropical Trio – a new vegan flavor featuring a bright and breezy blend of banana, pineapple and coconut. In addition to this ensemble of island fruits, the new bar contains gluten-free ancient grains, walnut butter and 10 grams of plant-based protein. JAMBAR also revealed the signing of pro surfer, mother and plant-based athlete Tia Blanco, as well as the launch of a 12-bar vegan box that will include Tropical Trio, Jammin’ Jazzleberry and Musical Mango.
The new flavor was formulated by JAMBAR founder Jennifer Maxwell, a food scientist and co-founder of the original PowerBar®. Designed to take taste buds on an island escape, Tropical Trio features comforting notes of banana that meet the exotic with hints of coconut and pineapple.
Professional surfer Tia Blanco.
Attendees at next week’s Natural Products Expo West (March 13-15) in Anaheim, California, will be the first to sample Tropical Trio at the JAMBAR booth (N2140). New JAMBAR ambassador Tia Blanco will be at the booth on Wednesday, March 13, from 1-4 p.m. for a meet and greet and to sign autographs.“Finally! A bar that not only tastes delicious, but one I can trust to deliver clean, plant-based energy. JAMBAR is the perfect fuel to power my active lifestyle and motherhood,” said Blanco.
A professional surfer from Southern California, Blanco was the gold medalist at the International Surfing Association Women’s World Surfing Championship in 2015 and 2016. She also won ABC’s The Ultimate Surfer competition in 2021 and is an accomplished yogi, painter and entrepreneur.
The newest member of Team JAMBAR, Blanco joins top-tier athletes including Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley, professional running power couple Joe Klecker and Sage Hurta-Klecker, Stroller Mile World Record Holder Neely Spence Gracey, pro cyclist and Gravel Hall of Famer Ali Tetrick, and professional skier and biker Ryan McElmon.
Tropical Trio is JAMBAR’s fifth flavor, and its first new flavor since the company launched in late 2021. In addition to the three vegan fruit flavors, JAMBAR also offers two bars that contain whey protein – Chocolate Cha Cha and Malt Nut Melody. All five flavors are crafted in a dedicated, state-of-the-art production facility in San Rafael, California.
JAMBAR Vegan Box Now Available
The company also announced the availability of a new 12-bar box featuring four bars each of JAMBAR’s three vegan options – Tropical Trio, Jammin’ Jazzleberry and Musical Mango. Every vegan bar contains 10 grams of high-quality sunflower protein and is sweetened using only organic maple syrup and natural sugars found in fruit.
The new vegan box can be purchased online at www.jambar.com and via Amazon Prime, and will be rolling out to retail locations this spring.
“Our vegan flavors pack a serious nutritional punch without sacrificing taste,” said Maxwell. “With the new vegan box, people who are focused on a plant-based diet can enjoy variety while staying true to their clean eating lifestyle.”
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and about the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, the bars feature ancient grains, authentic natural sweeteners and high-quality proteins.The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support the transformative pursuits of music and sports. JAMBARs are available at jambar.com, via Amazon Prime, and at select grocery and sports specialty stores including Erewhon, Safeway (NorCal Division), Raley’s Supermarkets, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Gelson’s Markets, Earth Fare, The Fresh Market, Good Earth Natural Foods, Mollie Stone’s Markets, Nugget Market and select Fleet Feet and other running store locations. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow JAMBAR on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel: 206.669.3580
Woman-Owned JAMBAR®, Maker of Organic Whole Food Energy Bars, Expands Retail Presence with Erewhon
Founded by Jennifer Maxwell, creator of the original PowerBar®, JAMBAR certified organic energy bars are now available in all 10 locations of leading natural products retailer Erewhon. Rapidly growing its retail and distribution base, JAMBAR also recently appointed natural products industry sales veteran Darren Wagoner as national sales manager.
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2024) – Independent, woman-owned JAMBAR, the artisan-made, organic energy bar company founded in 2021 by Jennifer Maxwell, is pleased to announce significant expansion of its line of certified organic, whole food energy bars. Maxwell, a food scientist, athlete and musician, together with her late husband, Brian Maxwell, essentially created the entire energy bar category when they launched the original PowerBar® in the mid-1980s.
Consumers can now find JAMBAR organic energy bars in all 10 Erewhon locations. Based in Los Angeles, Erewhon is renowned as one of the most innovative natural products retailers in the U.S. Erewhon will offer three JAMBAR flavors – Malt Nut Melody, Chocolate Cha Cha and Jammin’ Jazzleberry. By supporting local producers, ethical brands and sustainable farming practices, offering exceptional customer service and education, and fostering community, Erewhon has built a reputation that attracts healthy lifestyle consumers, athletes, entertainers and celebrities alike.
“With its commitment to quality, selection and service, Erewhon has become a ‘gold standard’ among grocers who sell natural products. As a mission-based brand committed to providing customers with premium quality organic products at an affordable price, we’re excited to partner with Erewhon,” said Maxwell, JAMBAR’s CEO and founder.
“We are pleased to offer JAMBARs to our customers,” said Vito Antoci, executive vice president of Erewhon. “First, they are simply delicious and nutritious whole food, certified organic energy bars that meet our high standards. Second, we support mission-based brands such as JAMBAR, which donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that promote music and active living.”
JAMBAR Featured in Leading Groceries, Specialty Retailers
In addition to Erewhon, JAMBAR is expanding its retail presence across the U.S. – the company’s artisan-made, organic energy bars are now available in leading grocers and specialty and athletic stores, including Safeway (NorCal Division), Raley’s Supermarkets, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Lazy Acres, Gelson’s Markets, Earth Fare, The Fresh Market, Good Earth Natural Foods, Mollie Stone’s Markets, Nugget Market, Cambridge Naturals, United Market, Scotty’s Market, Lucky’s Market, Bon Appetit, Fleet Feet and more.
Using only certified organic, whole food ingredients, JAMBARs are crafted in small batches in the company’s own state-of-the-art facility. Made of 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. All four flavors of JAMBAR — Malt Nut Melody, Musical Mango, Chocolate Cha Cha and Jammin’ Jazzleberry — are also available online at JAMBAR.com and via Amazon Prime.
For wholesale accounts, JAMBAR is distributed by leading natural and specialty foods distributors including UNFI, KeHE and Chex Distributing. For wholesale inquiries, contact jammin@jambar.com, tel 877-JAMBARZ.
JAMBAR Appoints National Sales Manager
In related news, JAMBAR recently appointed natural products industry sales veteran Darren Wagoner as national sales manager. Wagoner’s experience includes serving as national account manager and key account manager for such leading brands as Activate Drinks, Purity Organic, High Brew and CB Gourmet Foods. The appointment reflects the company’s focus on building sales in key natural products markets as it expands manufacturing and distribution.
Visit JAMBAR at Natural Products Expo West, Booth N2140
Visit JAMBAR at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade exhibition, March 13-15, 2024, Booth N2140 in the North Hall’s Hot Products Pavilion at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. In addition, JAMBAR will be sampling its products at all Erewhon Southern California locations the week before Expo West.
About JAMBAR
In 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and about the positive impact they can have on their local communities. A mission-based brand, JAMBAR donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support music and active living. Runner’s World named JAMBAR the Best Protein Bar for runners in 2022 and also recognized JAMBAR with its 2023 Fitness Nutrition Award. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow JAMBAR on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel: 206.669.3580
JAMBAR Sponsoring Pro Soccer Team Conrad & Beasley United Vying for $1M Prize at The Soccer Tournament
Organic energy bar brand sponsors Conrad & Beasley United, featuring retired U.S. Men’s National Team players Jimmy Conrad & DaMarcus Beasley, and provides nutrition for all 600 players
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (June 1, 2023) – As part of its ongoing support of athletes, organic energy bar maker JAMBAR is sponsoring one of the 32 teams competing for the $1 million prize in The Soccer Tournament (TST). This first-of-its-kind soccer competition brings together talented players from around the world in a series of 7v7 games that will take place June 1-4, 2023. JAMBAR’s team, Conrad & Beasley United, led by superstar players Jimmy Conrad and DaMarcus Beasley, is poised to be a top contender. Conrad played in MLS for 13 years and had 27 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team, including a World Cup appearance. Beasley played for 16 years with MLS and the Premier League and had 126 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Beasley is the only American man to play in four World Cups.
Photo: Conrad & Beasley United players training before the tournament begins.
“Anyone who likes soccer will have a blast watching this high-stakes, winner-take-all tournament full of soccer legends and celebrities,” said Conrad. “Our team, Conrad & Beasley United, is psyched to be fueled by JAMBAR.” JAMBAR is also providing energy bars at the tournament’s nutrition center for all 600 TST players for training and games.
JAMBAR organic energy bars are crafted with high-quality protein and fiber and are naturally sweetened for a healthier alternative to traditional energy bars. The great-tasting, highly digestible bars have a texture and nutritional profile that makes them perfect for training and in-game. This inaugural open-application tournament is being held in Cary, North Carolina, and will stream live on Peacock and CNBC on Sunday, June 4, at 5 p.m. ET. Thirty-two teams from eight countries will compete, with 16 advancing to the knockout round, where they will play single elimination games for the $1M grand prize.
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, JAMBARs feature ancient grains, authentic sweeteners from nature and high-quality proteins. The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support the transformative pursuits of music and sports. JAMBARs are available at JAMBAR.com, on Amazon.com and also at leading grocery stores, including Earth Fare, Good Earth, Jimbo’s, Mollie Stone’s Markets, Nugget Markets, United Markets, Berkeley Bowl, select Safeway stores and more. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
About The Soccer Tournament (TST)
Launching in June 2023, The Soccer Tournament (TST) is the newest creation from The Basketball Tournament TBT Enterprises. TST is an open-application, million-dollar, winner-take-all competition. Teams will face off in a 32-team, World Cup model. It will feature a 7v7 format and host teams from all across the world. For more information on TST, visit TheTournament.com.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel: 206.669.3580
JAMBAR Poised to JAM Through the Summer by Sponsoring Array of Top Music Festivals and Events
Organic artisan energy bar company JAMBAR donates 50% of profits to organizations that support music and active living
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (May 24, 2023) – As part of its commitment to make the planet a better place through music, the organic artisan energy bar company JAMBAR is partnering with more than 30 live music festivals and events in northern California this summer, including Mill Valley Music Festival, BOTTLEROCK Napa Valley, The Fairfax Festival & Ecofest, Sound Summit and KC Turner Presents Cookout Series at HopMonk.
JAMBAR was launched in 2021 by Jennifer Maxwell, a musician, runner, nutritionist and mom. Jenny was also the co-founder of the original PowerBar. Maxwell’s mission with JAMBAR is to fuel healthy bodies and healthy communities. Not only are JAMBAR’s energy bars made with premium organic ingredients—including ancient grains, natural sweeteners and high-quality proteins—but the company also donates 50% of its profits to organizations that support music and active living.
“Bringing music into more people’s lives has always been a central part of JAMBAR,” said Maxwell, who, in addition to serving as CEO of JAMBAR, is a drummer in two Bay Area bands. “The lineup of talent coming to the Bay Area this summer is incredible, and we’re going to do our best to keep the energy high by fueling festivalgoers and musicians alike.”
JAMBAR hosted a booth offering samples of JAMBARs to hungry Mill Valley festivalgoers. JAMBARs were also placed in musician green rooms, providing performers with clean, organic energy. Festivalgoers who chose to travel by bike received a complimentary JAMBAR at the Marin County Bike Coalition’s parking area.
Following the Mill Valley festival, JAMBAR will journey to Napa Valley for the BOTTLEROCK festival of music, food, wine and brews on May 26-28. Billed as “the first taste of summer,” the festival boasts a powerhouse lineup of more than 70 performers, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Post Malone, Lizzo, Duran Duran, Lil Nas X and the Smashing Pumpkins. JAMBARs will be featured in BOTTLEROCK musician green rooms, culinary suites, VIP suites and staff rooms. JAMBAR athlete, Olympic gold medalist skier and music fan Jonny Moseley will be at BOTTLEROCK on Friday, May 26, introducing culinary guests as part of this growing partnership.
On May 29, JAMBAR will kick off the KC Turner Presents 10th Annual Cookout Concert Series at the HopMonk Tavern in Novato, California. This summer concert series features over 25 shows from late May through October. Headliners include crowd favorites Toad the Wet Sprocket, Cracker, Maria Muldaur, Anders Osborne, Bob Schneider, Brett Dennen, Shawn Mullins and G. Love. Every concert attendee will receive a free JAMBAR as they exit each show. Perfect fuel after a long night of dancing! This is the second year for JAMBAR as the headline sponsor.
“KC Turner Presents and HopMonk are thrilled to be teaming up again with JAMBAR. Their support and love of live music make this a win-win sponsorship! We can't wait to Get Our Jam On at this year's Cookout Concert Series!” said founder KC Turner.
On June 10-11, JAMBAR will be an official partner at The Fairfax Festival & Ecofest in Fairfax, California. This funky, eclectic celebration of music and the arts features musicians, a parade, artist and artisan booths, a flea market and a family film night. JAMBAR will welcome festival attendees who ride their bikes with complimentary JAMBARs at the JAMBAR Parking Area with the Marin County Bike Coalition.
JAMBAR will close out the summer concert season with a booth and sampling at Sound Summit 2023 on September 9. This is the second year that JAMBAR will partner with this outdoor concert on Mount Tamalpais, which raises funds for the Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, a popular hiking, running and biking destination. The lineup for this festival includes artists such as Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, Kevin Morby, Brokedown in Bakersfield and Vinyl.
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies, and the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, JAMBARs feature ancient grains, authentic sweeteners from nature and high-quality proteins. The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support the transformative pursuits of music and sports. JAMBARs are available at JAMBAR.com, on Amazon.com and also at leading grocery stores, including Mollie Stone’s Markets, Earth Fare, Good Earth, Nugget Markets, United Markets, Berkeley Bowl, select Safeway stores and more. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel: 206.669.3580
JAMBAR Partners With UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business MBA Program to Create a Long-Term Sustainability Plan
JAMBAR, the organic artisan energy bar that donates 50% of profits to communities, furthers its commitment to minimizing environmental impact
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (April 18, 2023) – Organic energy bar maker JAMBAR® today announced it is working with The Walter A. Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley Haas), to create an actionable, long-term sustainability plan. JAMBAR was selected by the Berkeley Haas Center for Responsible Business as a semester-long consulting project for a team of MBA students.
“I created JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about what they eat, as well as the impact they can have on their local community, which includes being as Earth-friendly a company as possible,” said Jennifer Maxwell, founder and CEO of JAMBAR. “We’ve been hugely impressed by the innovation, professionalism and creativity our Haas MBA team brings and feel confident their work will result in a top-tier sustainability roadmap for us to follow.”
The Haas MBA team began its work by conducting an analysis of sustainability initiatives and best practices in the energy bar category. At the end of the partnership, the Haas students will present a comprehensive strategic plan with recommendations to help JAMBAR do business in environmentally responsible ways.
“It’s clear that since its inception, JAMBAR has kept sustainability top-of-mind when it comes to business practices, including sourcing, processing and shipping,” said Matt Rittenhouse, a project team member who will graduate from Berkeley Haas with an MBA in 2023. “Our objective is to provide recommendations and create a long-term plan with goals and success metrics, and to help JAMBAR communicate its initiatives to consumers and partners.”
This partnership marks the continuation of a long relationship between JAMBAR’s founder, Jennifer Maxwell, and UC Berkeley. Jennifer and her late husband, Brian, both ran track at Cal and together in 1985 created PowerBar®, the original energy bar. For many years, PowerBar’s headquarters were in downtown Berkeley, overlooking the Cal campus. After Brian’s death, Jennifer created the Brian Maxwell Fellows program at Berkeley Haas with the goal of helping entrepreneurs “to create opportunities, to innovate and bring real value and change to the world.”
About JAMBAR
In late 2021, Jennifer Maxwell founded JAMBAR with the goal of helping people feel good about the ingredients they put in their bodies and the positive impact they can have on their local communities. Made from only premium organic ingredients, JAMBARs feature ancient grains, authentic sweeteners from nature and high-quality proteins. The company donates 50% of after-tax profits to organizations that support the transformative pursuits of music and sports. JAMBARs are available at JAMBAR.com, on Amazon.com and also at leading grocery stores, including Mollie Stone’s Markets, Earth Fare, Good Earth, Nugget Markets, United Markets, Berkeley Bowl, select Safeway stores and more. Learn more at www.jambar.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, debbie@jambar.com, tel 206.669.3580
JAMBAR® Takes Off: Artisan-Crafted Organic Energy Bar Created by Jennifer Maxwell, Inventor of the Original PowerBar®, Expands in Natural, Organic and Specialty Retail Stores
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JAMBARs are now available in four San Francisco International Airport retail locations and a growing number of natural and specialty food stores and grocers. Visit JAMBAR® at Natural Products Expo West, Booth #151 in the Arena, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, March 9-11, 2023
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (February 21, 2023) — JAMBAR® – the artisan-crafted, certified organic energy bar created by Jennifer Maxwell, inventor of the original PowerBar® – is taking off. The whole food bar, available in four flavors and with 10g of protein per bar, is now available in four retail locations in the San Francisco International Airport and in a growing number of leading natural, organic and specialty retail stores across the country.
MIssion-based, the brand is committed to donating 50% of profits to philanthropic causes supporting sports and fitness, music, community and active living. Today, JAMBAR sponsors more than 200 sports and music events throughout the year. In January 2023, Bicycling and Runner’s World magazines both named JAMBAR as a 2023 Fitness Nutrition Award Winner.
In addition, the brand is getting ready to exhibit for the first time at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade show, held each year at the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) in Anaheim, California. Buyers from the world over attend this highly anticipated industry event. There, the JAMBAR team will share samples of its organic energy bars and interact with wholesale buyers and industry professionals in exhibit booth #151 in the ACC Arena, March 9-11, 2023.
Growing Retail Presence From East to West
In just two years since the company launched, JAMBARs are now available in such leading retail locations as Berkeley Bowl in Berkeley, California; 16 of 21 Earth Fare locations in the southeastern U.S.; all four Jimbo’s stores in San Diego; Good Earth Natural Foods in Fairfax and Mill Valley, California; all Mollie Stone’s locations in the San Francisco Bay Area; select Safeway stores in Northern California; Nugget Markets, Scotty’s Market, United Markets and Woodland Market in the Bay Area; and more.
"We first spoke with JAMBAR because they were a local company but soon discovered they are so much more! Besides creating a delicious, all-organic snack bar, they also donate 50% of their profits to support music programs and activities. They truly stand for health and taking care of people. A mission and a product that resonates with our customers as well as all of us at United Markets!" said Kelly Smith, president of United Markets.
For travelers in the San Francisco International Airport, JAMBARs – the perfect organic whole food energy bar for people on the go – are available in two Klein’s Deli locations and two Napa Farms locations.
“We are excited and motivated by such a positive response from natural, organic and specialty grocers across the country. They help support and expand our philanthropic mission,” said JAMBAR founder and CEO Jennifer Maxwell. “Also, I believe health-conscious consumers will embrace JAMBAR’s commitment to flavor, nutrition and sourcing the highest-quality organic ingredients in crafting JAMBARs. We offer premium, healthful, on-the-go nutrition at a reasonable price."
Small-Batch Crafted in the U.S.A. in JAMBAR’s Own Production Facility
With its own manufacturing facilities in San Rafael, California, JAMBAR is an independent, woman-owned business founded in 2021 by lifelong athlete, musician and food science and nutrition expert Jennifer Maxwell.
Natural products industry veterans and energy bar aficionados may remember Jennifer, who, along with her late husband, Brian, created the original PowerBar®, which, when it was introduced in 1985, effectively launched the entire energy bar category.
Today, inspired by organic food and agriculture and a desire to give back to and support healthy communities and the environment, Maxwell developed certified organic JAMBARs in four delicious whole food flavors that provide a good source of protein, nutrients and fiber. 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 Musical Organic Flavors:
Chocolate Cha Cha — A blend of premium Guittard chocolate, real food ingredients and ancient grains. Fair trade certified, non-GMO and gluten free with 10g of protein per serving.
Malt Nut Melody — Peanut and maple malted magic 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 — Vegan and gluten free, a jazzy combo of organic strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, with 10g of plant-based protein per serving.
Musical Mango — Energy goes exotic with delicious mango and 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 also at leading natural food and specialty stores. For wholesale inquiries, contact jammin@jambar.com, tel 877-JAMBARZ. For more information, visit www.JAMBAR.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Visit JAMBAR at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade exhibition, Booth #151 in the Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, March 9-11, 2023.
Media Contacts
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042
Debbie Pfeifer, JAMBAR, pfeiferworks@gmail.com
