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.Chapters00:00 – Cold open: why smaller shows win for ROI01:18 – Welcome & guest intro (Jeremiah Bogenhagen)02:22 – Jeremiah’s path from grocery → wellness center operator06:32 – Leading Positively Natural Network & mission08:18 – Building supplier–retailer relationships that last12:42 – What makes the Naturally Independent Expo different15:37 – Education tracks for indie retailers (beyond product 101)18:46 – Real talk: connections, ROI, and success stories22:13 – Community, differentiation, and staff education25:46 – First-time attendee tips (note-taking + AI, relationship focus)31:45 – Post-COVID shift: whole-health mindset & community events34:37 – 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 matter42:58 – Who exhibits? (supplements, better-for-you foods, beverages)50:42 – Live podcast from the show? Logistics & ideas52:38 – How to get involved + final takeawaysGroceryPulse PodcastPodcast Home: https://grocerypulse.comMore Episodes: https://grocerypulse.com/podcastBlog: https://grocerypulse.com/blogYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/grocerypulseInnovar Marketing AgencyWebsite: https://www.innovaragency.comBlog (Grocery/CPG Marketing): https://www.enjoykobu.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovaragencyPositively Natural Network / Naturally Independent ExpoWebsite: https://www.positivelynatural.org Positively NaturalExpo Info (Palm Springs • Nov 14–15, 2025): https://www.positivelynatural.org/npp Positively NaturalTrade Show details (hours, setup, contacts): https://www.positivelynatural.org/trade-show Positively NaturalAbout PNN (“Support • Educate • Advocate”): https://www.positivelynatural.org/our-story Positively NaturalContact: [email protected] • 360-379-2805 Positively NaturalVRM Media / Vitamin Retailer (Media Partner)Vitamin Retailer Magazine (VRM Media): https://vitaminretailer.com Vitamin Retailer MagazinePartnership announcement (PNN × VRM Media): Vitamin Retailer MagazineAbout Jeremiah BogenhagenPNN Board page (President bio): https://www.positivelynatural.org/membership Positively NaturalHealth Essentials (CO) listing: https://www.burlingtoncochamber.com/business-directory/ (search Health Essentials Inc.) Burlington Chamber of Commerce