Future of Grocery & Natural Retail: How Community and Sustainability Drive Indie Success — Jeremiah Bogenhagen | Naturally Independent Expo 2025| George Goodwin x Jeremiah Bogenhagen

<p>Independent grocers and emerging CPGs are rethinking which trade shows <em>actually</em> move the needle. In this GroceryPulse Podcast, host <strong>George Goodwin</strong> talks with <strong>Jeremiah Bogenhagen</strong> (President, <strong>Positively Natural Network</strong> and CEO of <strong>Health Essentials</strong>) about the <strong>Naturally Independent Expo</strong> in Palm Springs—why it’s intentionally small, how it maximizes <strong>retailer–supplier face time</strong>, and the education tracks built <em>for</em> indie retailers (not just brand booths). We cover ROI vs. mega expos, grassroots distribution for new CPGs, and why <strong>relationships + education</strong> beat slotting fees.</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 – Cold open: why smaller shows win for ROI<br>01:18 – Welcome &amp; guest intro (Jeremiah Bogenhagen)<br>02:22 – Jeremiah’s path from grocery → wellness center operator<br>06:32 – Leading <strong>Positively Natural Network</strong> &amp; mission<br>08:18 – Building supplier–retailer relationships that last<br>12:42 – What makes the <strong>Naturally Independent Expo</strong> different<br>15:37 – Education tracks for indie retailers (beyond product 101)<br>18:46 – Real talk: connections, ROI, and success stories<br>22:13 – Community, differentiation, and staff education<br>25:46 – First-time attendee tips (note-taking + AI, relationship focus)<br>31:45 – Post-COVID shift: whole-health mindset &amp; community events<br>34:37 – Biggest threats to independents (online + big-box pricing)<br>36:58 – Advice to first-time CPG founders (start indie, go grassroots)<br>39:37 – Panel goals &amp; why regional differences matter<br>42:58 – Who exhibits? (supplements, better-for-you foods, beverages)<br>50:42 – Live podcast from the show? Logistics &amp; ideas<br>52:38 – How to get involved + final takeaways</p><p><strong>GroceryPulse Podcast</strong><br>Podcast Home: <a href="https://grocerypulse.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://grocerypulse.com</a><br>More Episodes: <a href="https://grocerypulse.com/podcast" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://grocerypulse.com/podcast</a><br>Blog: <a href="https://grocerypulse.com/blog" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://grocerypulse.com/blog</a><br>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulse" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulse</a><br>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.c