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

Independent grocers and emerging CPGs are rethinking which trade shows actually move the needle. In this GroceryPulse Podcast, host George Goodwin talks with Jeremiah Bogenhagen (President, Positively Natural Network and CEO of Health Essentials) about the Naturally Independent Expo in Palm Springs—why it’s intentionally small, how it maximizes retailer–supplier face time, and the education tracks built for indie retailers (not just brand booths). We cover ROI vs. mega expos, grassroots distribution for new CPGs, and why relationships + education beat slotting fees. Chapters 00:00 – Cold open: why smaller shows win for ROI 01:18 – Welcome & guest intro (Jeremiah Bogenhagen) 02:22 – Jeremiah’s path from grocery → wellness center operator 06:32 – Leading Positively Natural Network & mission 08:18 – Building supplier–retailer relationships that last 12:42 – What makes the Naturally Independent Expo different 15:37 – Education tracks for indie retailers (beyond product 101) 18:46 – Real talk: connections, ROI, and success stories 22:13 – Community, differentiation, and staff education 25:46 – First-time attendee tips (note-taking + AI, relationship focus) 31:45 – Post-COVID shift: whole-health mindset & community events 34:37 – Biggest threats to independents (online + big-box pricing) 36:58 – Advice to first-time CPG founders (start indie, go grassroots) 39:37 – Panel goals & why regional differences matter 42:58 – Who exhibits? (supplements, better-for-you foods, beverages) 50:42 – Live podcast from the show? Logistics & ideas 52:38 – How to get involved + final takeaways GroceryPulse Podcast Podcast Home: https://grocerypulse.com More Episodes: https://grocerypulse.com/podcast Blog: https://grocerypulse.com/blog YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grocerypulse Innovar Marketing Agency Website: https://www.innovaragency.com Blog (Grocery/CPG Marketing): https://www.enjoykobu.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovaragency Positively Natural Network / Naturally Independent Expo Website: https://www.positivelynatural.org Positively Natural Expo Info (Palm Springs • Nov 14–15, 2025): https://www.positivelynatural.org/npp Positively Natural Trade Show details (hours, setup, contacts): https://www.positivelynatural.org/trade-show Positively Natural About PNN (“Support • Educate • Advocate”): https://www.positivelynatural.org/our-story Positively Natural Contact: [email protected] • 360-379-2805 Positively Natural VRM Media / Vitamin Retailer (Media Partner) Vitamin Retailer Magazine (VRM Media): https://vitaminretailer.com Vitamin Retailer Magazine Partnership announcement (PNN × VRM Media): Vitamin Retailer Magazine About Jeremiah Bogenhagen PNN Board page (President bio): https://www.positivelynatural.org/membership Positively Natural Health Essentials (CO) listing: https://www.burlingtoncochamber.com/business-directory/ (search Health Essentials Inc.) Burlington Chamber of Commerce