Whole Foods Market has long served as a launching pad for food and beverage brands, but many founders don’t know how to get a foot in the door. What do executives and merchants seek from potential suppliers? And what is required to expand into additional regions?

Attendees at Nosh Live Winter 2024 in Marina del Rey, Calif., will learn how to get in, stay in and grow at the natural grocery retailer.

Casey Gaston, executive leader of Local and Emerging Brands at Whole Foods, will share how brands can prepare strong pitches, properly calibrate growth ambitions, and forge the best path for success within the company.

She will also shed light on the retailer’s process for tracking top trends and how its annual compilation informs its sourcing strategy. Additionally, her talk will touch on how Whole Foods collaborates with brands on exclusive innovation.

Gaston began her career with Whole Foods as a store team member two decades ago and has advanced to various department, store and regional leadership positions. She joined the Center Store Merchandising team in 2017, playing a key role in fostering supplier relationships and sourcing products.

Currently, she is responsible for leading the strategy and execution of sourcing local and emerging brands in center aisles and works closely with a team of Foragers to identify and support unique brands that align with Whole Foods’ values and shopper interests. In addition to scouting new products, she guides brands through the process of becoming Whole Foods suppliers.

In addition to speaking at the event, representatives from Whole Foods Market will participate in one-to-one meetings with registered attendees. Spots are limited.

Early registration pricing goes through Friday, October 25. Save $100 when you register for Nosh Live Winter 2024 >>

About Nosh Live

Nosh Live is the premiere event for packaged food brands, distributors, service providers, retailers, and investors to connect and discuss what’s next for the industry. With top-notch speakers and the Nosh Live Pitch Slam, the event attracts hundreds of attendees.