Category Close-up: Allergen-Friendly Food and Beverages

In this episode of Category Closeup, NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg sits down with a panel of CPG founders, executives and experts to take a look at food and beverage trends in the allergen-friendly (or free-from) category. 

Once relegated to a small section of the grocery store, allergen-friendly options now appear across almost every category. In this episode panelists will discuss this evolution and how it has led to more options for shoppers, but also more risks for true allergy sufferers. The panel will also discuss how brands can connect with shoppers looking for allergen-friendly products -- from working with influencers and registered dieticians to content creation -- as well as how past supply chain and retail changes have impacted the category. 

Panelists in this episode include:

Steven Singer, Founder & CEO, Fody Food: Formerly the Co-founder and CEO of gluten-free brand Glutino, which was acquired by Boulder Brands in a $66 million deal in 2011, Steven is now leading Fody Food, a new brand of condiments, sauces and snacks catering to consumers looking for low-FODMAP products or items that are easier to digest. 

Jenna Gorham, Founder, The RD Link: A registered dietitian, Jenna’s latest venture is The RD Link, a platform to connect registered dietitians with health and wellness brands. Jenna and The RD Link have worked with household brands including Catalina Crunch, Simple Mills, Egglife Foods, Forager Project, Vital Proteins, Seven Sundays and more.

Allie Oliver, Retail Sales Manager, RodeoCPG: A 14-year veteran of the Natural Foods Industry, Allie is now the retail channel sales manager for RodeoCPG where she works to help brands land new retailer placements. Prior to joining Rodeo, Allie was an account manager for UNFI, focusing on co-ops and specialty stores in the Northeast. She also spent nine years at Whole Foods Market, including time on the North Atlantic regional Grocery team.