Sales Brokers specializing in Natural and Organic retail and food service formats in the U.S. play a crucial role in helping brands navigate one of the fastest-growing sectors in the food and beverage industry. These brokers operate at local, regional, and national levels, ensuring brands gain placement in supermarkets, specialty health food stores, food cooperatives, and organic-focused retailers. Unlike conventional grocery retail, natural and organic markets prioritize clean-label ingredients, sustainability, and certifications such as USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. Many brokers in this sector extend their expertise to related formats, including supermarkets, farm-to-table food service, and wellness-focused retail outlets, helping brands reach a highly engaged consumer base. Platforms like RetailFormats.com provide insights into cross-channel expansion, assisting brands in optimizing their distribution strategies for natural, organic, and sustainability-driven retail.
Natural and Organic Sales Brokers help brands secure placements in various retail and food service sub-formats, including natural supermarkets (Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Fresh Thyme Market), organic-only supermarkets (Erewhon, Natural Grocers), and natural food cooperatives (Co+op, National Co+op Grocers - NCG). Additionally, brokers facilitate distribution into natural bakeries, organic cafes, and farm-to-table restaurants, ensuring brands align with health-conscious and eco-friendly food service establishments. These brokers collaborate with specialized natural and organic distributors, such as KeHE, UNFI (United Natural Foods, Inc.), DPI Specialty Foods, and Albert’s Organics, which supply thousands of independent natural and organic retailers nationwide. Their expertise in navigating category trends, managing retail relationships, and ensuring compliance with organic certification requirements makes them essential partners for brands in the natural and organic sector.
The Importance of Sales Brokers in Natural and Organic Formats
Sales Brokers are critical for brands looking to expand into natural and organic retail and food service markets, where clean-label standards, ethical sourcing, and sustainability play a significant role in consumer purchasing decisions. Unlike conventional retail, natural and organic markets require specialized knowledge of product certifications, ingredient sourcing, and retail merchandising tailored to health-conscious shoppers. Brokers assist brands in securing shelf space, optimizing category management, and building relationships with key natural food buyers, ensuring successful entry and sustained growth in this competitive and values-driven sector. Their ability to navigate distribution networks, align with sustainability-focused initiatives, and coordinate retail promotions makes them invaluable partners for brands aiming to thrive in natural and organic markets.
Organic Trade Association (OTA)
444 N. Capitol St. NW, Suite 445A, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 403-8510
www.ota.com
Specialty Food Association (SFA)
136 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10016
(212) 482-6440
www.specialtyfood.com
Natural Products Association (NPA)
440 1st Street NW, Suite 520, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 223-0101
www.npanational.org
National Co+op Grocers (NCG)
2610 University Avenue West, #150,
Saint Paul, MN 55114
(866) 709-COOP (2667)
www.ncg.coop
Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA)
2356 University Avenue West, Suite 200, Saint Paul, MN 55114
(651) 888-4700
www.naturalfoodretailers.com
National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA)
1775 Eye Street NW, 8th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 638-6222
www.ncba.coop
Hawaii Organic Farming Association (HOFA)
Address: P.O. Box 686, Kurtistown, HI 96760
Phone: (808) 969-7789
Website: www.hawaiiorganic.org