Episodes

  • Chia Seeds & Plant-Based Protein Powders Trends EP 7

    Chia Seeds & Plant-Based Protein Powders Trends EP 7
    Sep 25 2023
    Elisa Louis and Donny Edson are talking with Tom Merrow, the owner of Onset Worldwide. His career in the food industry was kickstarted by an opportunistic meeting during his stint as a freight forwarder in Boston. Tom quickly evolved a curiosity for the import-export dynamics into a thriving business, Onset Worldwide. Alongside his wife Sarah, Tom has managed to establish Onset as a recognizable name in the food industry in just a decade. Today, he focuses on enhancing the brand by pioneering innovative processes, producing premium quality, allergen-free seeds, grains, and flours and pushing the envelope with new products like plant-based proteins and cold milled oil seeds. Donny's introduction to the chia seeds was nothing short of serendipity. It was 2010, and Donny was occupied at a sunflower booth during a trade show in Paris. Out of the blue, a stranger approached him with a bag of chia seeds, asking to trade. Intrigued, Donny decided to take a closer look at this new contender in the market. Over time, he discovered the incredible benefits of chia seeds, not just as a thickening agent but also as a key ingredient in granolas, energy bars, baby foods, pet treats, and even horse feeds. Smirk's, began to import chia seeds from Argentina, leading to an unexpected surge in sales. Today, chia seeds are one of the top selling items at Smirk's, a testament to Donny's innovative approach and keen eye for recognizing potential market trends. Understanding how to pitch to brands effectively is crucial in any industry, especially when it comes to the food industry. A brand partnership can lead to expanded reach, increased credibility, and the potential for lucrative deals. However not all pitches are welcome. It's not uncommon for larger brands to refuse ideas from external sources, choosing to innovate in-house instead. This isn't a death sentence for your idea though, shifting focus on adding value to the customers directly can create a more refined, targeted product that can compete with the big brands, winning over their customers instead. Tom shares his experience pitching to established brands like Puma, but getting turned down as they don't accept outside ideas. Instead of letting that stop him, he channeled his energy into creating products that add more value to their customers offering products at a competitive price without compromising on quality. Tom's approach offers a masterclass on perseverance and how important it is to stay focused on the customer's needs. Like any other commodity, the price of chia seeds fluctuates due to numerous factors. Some of these key factors include changes in growing regions, crop conditions, market demand, and weather patterns. By keeping a close eye on these aspects, businesses can anticipate and respond strategically to potential price changes to ensure efficiency and profitability. Donny made a deep dive into factors impacting chia prices, explaining how they have experienced periods of extreme highs and lows. He emphasized the need to closely monitor crop conditions owing to their direct impact on market prices. He suggested a strategy of purchasing chia in two cycles: November-December and June-July to mitigate risks associated with frost damage.   Chia Seeds: History and Market Garret McBride and Donny Edson talk all things chia seeds. Chia seeds are an increasingly popular health food known for their impressive nutritional profile. Originally used by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, these seeds are packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. The market for chia seeds has been on the rise for the past several years, thanks to their classification as a superfood and their widespread use in various health and wellness products. They can be consumed raw, cooked or added to various dishes for an easy health boost. In the podcast, Garrett and Donny discussed the phenomenal growth witnessed in the chia market. They discussed the historical significance of chia seeds tracing its origin and use by ancient civilizations. They also extensively touched on the upsurge in chia seed consumption, attributing it to their nutritional benefits and the increasing wellness-conscious consumer base proving that chia seeds are more than a fad; they are a market with a lot of growth potential.     The Market Report with Donny Edson ·         Prices in Peru are going  up due to weather conditions. This has affected both quinoa and cacao which is trading at multi-year highs ·         Organic mango show prices 20% higher than last year. The new crop harvests in a few months ·         Amaranth, especially organic amaranth is almost sold out from India and the prices from Peru are expected to be higher ·         Coconut prices are creeping up a bit in Sri Lanka and in the Philippines prices are stable ·         We can book contracts for coconut through June 2023 so locking in now is a good idea ·...
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    49 mins
  • Bulk Ingredients for Soap and Cosmetics with Soap Creek EP: 6

    Bulk Ingredients for Soap and Cosmetics with Soap Creek EP: 6
    Aug 28 2023
    Today’s episode is hosted by Jason Strauch and Garrett McBride. A growing part of Smirk’s business is in the natural and organic soap and cosmetic industry. Just like the with the natural foods business, they supply organic and natural ingredients to this market segment as well.  To highlight the industry, they’ve invited Fred and Roxy Johnson, co-owners of the Soap Creek company based in Utah. They’ve been a customer for several years now and we’re excited to have them with us. What started as a hobby sharing soap with family and friends grew into a local brand selling their projects around their community. When they were accepted into the Natural Products Expo West, it opened the doors to new opportunities. Now they are making products for nearly every big box retailer across the country!           We’re shooting to have more around 100 to 120 employees mark. We feel like that’s a good size company for us and it really has helped a lot to have vendors like Smirk’s helps us along that journey and help us through that growth and support us through that. It’s made a huge difference.” Hear how the Smirk’s and Soap Creek relationship has grown. What started with organic coconut oil has led to many more products. What Soap Creek looks for in a supplier: ·         Certified organic and/or fair trade. ·         Ease in gaining certifications to keep their organic designation. ·         The ability to source a number of products. ·         Pricing and availability. Smirk’s products are food grade which is a great benefit for the soap and cosmetics industry. Hear how Soap Creek uses the ingredients purchased from Smirk’s to make soap. They use more than one process and it’s customized for each customer. Fred reminds us that some of their products have ingredients from the Philippines, France, Mexico and more. Trends in the industry include solid products, saving on costs of packaging and increasing the ability to recycle.   Product Feature Today we are highlighting organic and non-GMO ingredients used in the soap and cosmetic industry. The global natural cosmetics market is expected to reach 48.4 billion dollars by the end of 2023, with 82% accounted for here in the US. The FDA has not defined the term “natural” for cosmetics. Smirk’s defines natural cosmetics as products that contain ingredients that are derived from plants and minerals and are minimally processed. The consumer trend is for products with fewer ingredients, without chemicals and additives. Today’s consumer is also looking for products with less packaging and packages that are easily recyclable. Smirk’s offers a full range of products for use in the natural cosmetic industry: ·         6 oils including avocado and coconut ·         Cocoa butter ·         Pink Himalayan salts ·         Arrowroot powders and starch ·         Vanilla extract Smirk’s contracts these ingredients over time to maintain a consistent supply   Monthly Market Report ·         Ocean freight – overall we have no concerns. ·         Interest rates and the cost of money continue to be a concern for both supplies and clients. ·         Sunflowers – when bombing happened in Ukraine, prices went up for a bit but have fallen back to standard prices. ·         Pumpkin seed demand has been soft, it’s a good time to secure your needs for the fall. ·         Chia is being harvested and we are watching to see how the market responds. ·         Coconut sugar is very tight in the US. It may be October before we have ample product. Overall, things are stable, and we encourage our clients to book for the rest of 2023 and early 2024 to take advantage of good pricing and availability.   For more info on any natural products email us: whatsnew@smirks.com   Check out Soap Creek Products  
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    46 mins
  • The Best Bulk Ingredients for Snacks and Trail Mix Products EP 5

    The Best Bulk Ingredients for Snacks and Trail Mix Products EP 5
    Jul 26 2023
    Many snack brands face a familiar problem: the need to create trail mix products that truly resonate with consumers and offer something different. With so many options out there, it can be challenging to differentiate yourself from the competition and capture the attention of your target audience. Here’s what you’ll learn about the snack market: ·         Navigate through the thriving snack industry with a focus on the prominence of trail mixes. ·         Delve into the intriguing flavor profiles and distinctive attributes that give trail mixes an edge. ·         Learn how to leverage the impact of non-GMO and gluten-free labels to your advantage. ·         Gain insight into the rising popularity of keto and protein references in trail mix branding. ·         Reflect on the careful considerations required in choosing ingredients and packaging for trail mixes. Every brand can position their own trail mix in so many different ways to compete in the marketplace and capture their own following. - Nick Erker Nick and Donny explore the relevance of callouts in trail mixes with a special highlight on keto and protein. With more and more people hopping on the keto bandwagon or looking for protein-rich meals for an active lifestyle, these callouts can be particularly appealing. They also talked about how labels like no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, are increasingly vital for today's informed consumers. Clearly, callouts can add that extra spark to your trail mix!  The world of unique trail mix flavor profiles and trends is wide and worth exploring. With people's taste preferences changing and diversifying, sticking to the basics isn't going to cut it anymore. Offering a wide variety of flavor profiles for your trail mix, from spicy and sweet to umami and savory, can cater to everyone's palate. Donny also discuss the influence of other ethnic snacks on the trail mix market. Nick explains this is a really interesting direction for trail mix brands to consider. Spicy, sweet, tangy, and umami-rich flavor profiles can offer snackers a little culinary adventure through their snack, making it a refreshing departure from predictable flavor combinations. Hear how it can open up avenues for brands to reach out to niche markets and establish a different sort of brand-consumer relationship. Adopting a customer-centric approach and actively engaging with your audience, we can gather valuable insights and feedback to constantly improve and refine our trail mix offerings. Lots of ingredients have been discussed in the snack category. Donny shares specifics on a few that are really popular including: ·         Cashews, macadamia, Brazil nuts, walnuts·         Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds·         Banana chips, mango, pineapple, papaya (dried fruits that may have sugar added)·         Organic cranberries and goldenberries (great alternatives)·         Coconut chips ·         Cocoa gems Smirk’s is here to help with all the ingredients that you want to use in your natural food snacks. Got a question or need help with sourcing Smirk’s is happy to help. Market Report [19:07] Listen for the details for this month’s market report including: ·         The almond crop was better than expected, so prices are expected to remain stable. ·         Chia harvest is expected to be good. Recommendations to secure your chia supply now for the rest of this year and into 2024. ·         White chia supply may be more plentiful. ·         We’re seeing good prices and availability on gluten free oats. ·         Demand is exceeding supply right now for coconut sugar and we expect the market to remain tight so letting your supplier know what you need is our recommendation. ·         If you need quinoa, we recommend getting your coverage for as far out as you can on quinoa and getting your price locked up. ·         Sunflower seeds are plentiful and US growers can be one of the best sources this year.              Email: hello@smirks.com
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    27 mins
  • National Coconut Day: Coconut Origins & Products EP 4

    National Coconut Day: Coconut Origins & Products EP 4
    Jun 26 2023
      Nick starts today’s episode reminding us that June 26 is National Coconut Day which inspired this topic. National Coconut Day started in 2019 thanks to our friends at the Coconut Coalition of the Americas. The recognition is well deserved too. Coconut is an incredibly versatile and diverse crop. We’re going to focus on the origins, and the major product categories. In this episode Nick and Donny will introduce you to the versatile and sustainable crop of coconuts and how it can be used in various industries. With its countless applications, you'll be able to create more versatile and sustainable products that align with your values. With innovation and creativity, the possibilities are endless with coconut. Let's push boundaries and create products that excite and inspire. – Donny Edson Donny has dedicated his career to exploring the endless possibilities of the coconut crop. Having traveled the globe to witness firsthand how coconuts are grown, harvested, and processed, he brings a wealth of information about the versatility and sustainability of this incredible natural resource. With a passion for promoting the development of new and innovative uses for coconut-based products, he’s on a mission to inspire food industry entrepreneurs to consider the immense potential of this wonder fruit. Donny shares how he became just an advocate for coconut products and their manufacturers. Hear how he and Nick embarked on an unexpected journey into the world of coconuts when they attended a trip organized by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Visiting suppliers in the Philippines, they found themselves captivated by the industry and its numerous applications. The humble coconut, often thought of as just a tropical fruit, revealed itself to be an incredibly versatile crop, utilized in a myriad of products and industries. Smirk’s began importing coconuts and exploring the vast potential of this natural wonder. From beverages to bakery applications, coconuts continue to play a significant role in Smirk’s business ventures, proving that the possibilities for this tropical treasure are as diverse as the fruit itself. Key topics covered in this episode: ·         Keep up with the current market trends encompassing coconut, pumpkin seed, and more nutritious superfoods. ·         Unravel the countless applications of coconut as an agricultural wonder crop. ·         Find out about desiccated coconut's production process and how it enhances bakery and confectionery items. ·         See why relying on multiple origins when importing coconuts contributes to supply chain resilience. Coconut Product Trends and Innovation As research and development continue to uncover new coconut applications, food industry entrepreneurs have an opportunity to ride this wave of innovation by incorporating coconut into their product offerings. The emergence of coconut-derived products like coconut water, coconut sugar, and coconut aminos has led to an increased demand for this versatile, sustainable ingredient across various markets. In their discussion, Donny and Nick explore the growing popularity of coconut and how businesses can capitalize on this trend. They mention how coconut cream and milk are being used in ice creams and yogurts, while coconut milk powder has seen a significant increase in demand for coffee creamers, oatmeal cups, protein drinks, and shakes. A surprising and growing use is in the cosmetics and skin care industry. There is a growing demand for coconut products in this industry. With the steady rise of coconut's popularity, entrepreneurs should not miss the chance to incorporate this versatile ingredient into their product line. June Market Report  [19:47] -       Ocean freight and ports are smooth sailing. -       Warehousing is trending to more just in time. Older stocks are catching up and there’s warehouse space available, but prices are up for warehouse space. -       Due to carrying and storage costs, suppliers are keeping inventory levels low so planning ahead for your product requirements is recommended. -       Overall it’s a buyers’ market. Hear details on the specifics for almonds, cashews, sunflower and coconut. -       One are of concern is coconut sugar. Supplies are a bit behind and inventories in the US are going to be tight for a bit. -       We’ve been watching the chia crop. Early concerns have been mitigated by a bit by an earlier than expected harvest. Supplies are tight and won’t likely change until October here in the US. -       Pumpkin seeds carryover is strong, and we may see some price relief with the new crop. Demand is lower in the US and Europe. -       Macadamia nuts are lower than we’ve seen. There’s never been a better time to use this great quality product. -        Brazil nuts are firming up. -       Bananas and mangos are going up and we’...
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    30 mins
  • Trends from Expo West, Product Focus: Coconut and Smirk’s Market Report EP 3

    Trends from Expo West, Product Focus: Coconut and Smirk’s Market Report EP 3
    May 16 2023
    Nick is starting the show today talking about Expo West. It’s the largest natural products expo and this year it was in Anaheim in March. Over 65,000 people attended, and 3000 companies were there to see what’s new in natural foods. Donny shares his insights and felt like it was a perfect size. It was well attended but not so large you couldn’t meet people and see the exhibits. The vibe was encouraging, and he also felt like there was more innovation which is great to see. Jessica felt like the energy was good, and people were genuinely ready to engage. Nothing is better than the chance to meet customers in real life to rekindle relationships. Trends they mention: ·         Functional foods and beverages – they share a few great examples of things happening in this area. ·         A bit of nostalgia with a twist. Think peanut-butter crackers with unique ingredients. ·         Coconut products in better use packaging. Donny shares a few great examples. ·         Plant-based proteins aren’t new but are still very popular. ·         Fruit-based foods, great innovations here which are great to see. ·         Sustainability is a thread that all categories mention and are making a priority. The Unexpected: ·         Water and assorted powders, flavors and options. There were so many options and new ideas shared here. ·         Probiotics as add-ins. This was showing up in the snack category and others. Product Focus: Coconut A prevalent ingredient at the show so Donny is sharing a deep dive on coconut. Did you know that Smirk’s sold over 20 million pounds of coconut products? Coconut is known as the tree of life, and you can use every part of the tree. The key products that Smirk’s sells are: ·         Coconut sugar ·         Coconut milk powder ·         Coconut cream ·         Coconut Oil Coconut milk and cream are growth products and are trending now. It’s plant based, non-dairy and very versatile. One of the benefits is that you don’t have to do any major processing. It’s a natural part of the coconut. It’s fun to cook with and can be packaged in a variety of ways which benefits manufacturers and home cooks in our kitchens. Coconut oil is used in lots of products and when it’s processed it removes the coconut allergen. It’s also used in lots of baking applications. Hear how the process to create the oil, the by product is coconut flour. Did you know MCT oil comes from the coconut? This oil has become popular in the keto diet space. Coconut sugar is delicious and very sustainable. It has a caramel flavor to it and can be used in place of brown sugar. It’s also low-glycemic which is a big health benefit for those of us who want to have our cake and eat it too! Coconut is one of our favorite products, in large part because we get to check out the cool places where they grow them. The applications are endless, and it continues to be a growth industry.  Smirk’s Market Report – Coconut [31:32] Smirk’s tracks coconut production from 4 main countries; the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Pricing varies based on demand from other countries and harvest time. The big question today; has coconut hit bottom? Summary: There is older inventory on the market so you may see prices vary. Smirk’s  doesn’t expect prices to go lower so it’s a good time to plan for what you’re going to need in the future. If coconut sugar, coconut milk or coconut cream are on your list, get the details about securing the best product and savings on the shipping side. To get regular updates between shows or to request a product sample contact us at Smirks.com You can also email us at whatsnew@smirks.com
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    36 mins
  • : A Smirk’s Partnership Story, The Revdried Process for Delicious Tasting Fruit and the Market Report EP 2

    : A Smirk’s Partnership Story, The Revdried Process for Delicious Tasting Fruit and the Market Report EP 2
    May 16 2023

    Today Elisa Louis is hosting the podcast. She’s the VP of marketing and the Dried Fruit Specialist at Smirk’s. She is joined by Jaime Modonese from NXTDRIED based in Peru and Colin Garner, the VP of Global Accounts.

    Hear how the Smirk’s team got to know the NXTDRIED team. Being a dried fruit fanatic made her interested in the products and that’s when she knew it was time to learn more about this amazing company.

    Jaime shares the NXTDRIED story. It was a journey to find ways to support growers in Peru, giving a longer life to the fruit grown in the area. One of the unique value propositions is the opportunity to work with smaller farmer groups. The company is proud to support them while also bringing quality products to the market.

    Jaime explains their certifications they have in the industry, and why it’s important to the NXTDRIED story. They are proud to be socially responsible.  As part of their organic and BRC certifications NXTDRIED offers complete traceability from farm to packet.

    NXTDRIED may be competing with freeze-dried products but there is really no comparison. The carbon footprint is just one factor that makes the NXTDRIED process preferable. Freshness and taste are the real advantages here. The company is always looking for ways to be even more sustainable.

    Jaime is a consumer of natural foods too and shares how they support him in his endurance sports. He participates in Ironman competitions and plans to run in the NYC marathon later this year!

    What you need to know about Revdried Technology

    Colin shares how NXTDRIED takes the produce from raw to real in their unique process. He explains that processing isn’t a bad thing, it’s changing the product to often provide more value, longer shelf life and better taste. Everything that the Smirk’s clients are looking for.

    There’s a bright future for collaboration between NXTDRIED and Smirk’s. If you’re listening and want to know more you can email us at:  whatsnew@smirks.com. We’d love to hear from you.

    NXTDRIED Products Uses and Applications

    There is a range available for fruits that are revdried. They can be purchased as whole fruits, in pieces. flakes or powders. No matter the application, it’s important that the fruit color and flavor is consistent.

    Smirk’s can help you find the best option for you. If you’d like a sample or detailed information, you can visit Smirks.com and request a sample. 

    Smirk’s Market Report - Tree Nuts [47:10]

    Today’s report covers:

    ●       Almonds – Buy what you need, and check with Smirk’s for an update to see if unusual weather is going to affect the costs later this year. 

    ●       Cashews – The market is stable, with regular growth. Spot purchases may be a challenge so plan ahead.

    ●       Macadamia Nuts – The supply is plentiful, and it’s a good time to work with macadamias. Prices are nearly half of what they were, and they have a high perceived consumer value.

    ●       Walnuts –. The supply is great right now and prices are good too. You may see prices vary on lighter colored walnuts out of California but overall good prices and supply.

    ●       Pecans – The price gap for pieces vs halves is closer than it’s ever been due to the growing demand for pieces.

    Summary: There’s never been a better time than now to use these products. Prices are good, the quality is high and availability is great.

    To get regular updates between shows or to request a product sample contact us at Smirks.com

    You can also email us at whatsnew@smirks.com

     
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    56 mins
  • The Smirk’s Company Story and Values, Featured Product: Sunflower Seeds & the Smirk’s Market Report EP 1

    The Smirk’s Company Story and Values, Featured Product: Sunflower Seeds & the Smirk’s Market Report EP 1
    May 16 2023

    Welcome to Get the Scoop with Smirk’s! We’re glad you’re here.

    Today’s episode covers some fun history about Smirk’s. You’ll hear everything from one of their first products (chocolate covered sunflower seeds!) how they moved from putting retail products into mini marts to the bulk ingredient company they are today.

    As you might expect there’s lots of talk about food, and not just the bulk ingredients! Nick shares why food and the joy around food is so important to the team.

    They explain from humble beginnings (working from a server closet – really!) how friends have worked together and consider their customers and their vendors as friends as well. They are invested in their success and it’s a big part of their focus every day.

     

    What Makes Smirks Unique?

    One of the things that makes Smirk’s unique comes from their manufacturing background. They have invested in their quality department to make sure that the quality is consistent.

    Food safety issues are important to everyone from the supplier, the distributor and the manufacturers who buy their products. Hear how Smirk’s uses a documented process to evaluate every new product and new supplier before adding it to their offers. The story and history of each product is key.

    Donnie also shares how they source back up suppliers. This ended up being a big help when COVID restrictions hit, and shipping prices were impacted. 

    Product Review: Sunflower Seeds and Kernels

    Donny and Nick explain everything you want to know about sunflowers in the food industry. You’ll hear about how they are grown and harvested, as well as how they are used after they’ve been processed.

    They also explain how oil pricing impacts the price for kernels. Did you know Ukraine was the largest grower of oil sunflowers in the world? Hear how the conflict has affected the supply and how Smirk’s handled things so they could make sure their clients had what they needed.

    Hear what one of the biggest markets for sunflower kernels is. It’s not going to be what you expect. They cover this and lots of other ways that sunflower kernels are used in a variety of products. 

    Smirk’s Market Report – Sunflower Seeds [42:12]

    Prices for sunflower seeds peaked in March of 2022 and have been dropping since then. Demand is down for a few reasons. Suppliers purchased excess inventory due to the concern of the crop in Ukraine and the instability of the supply chain during COVID.

    We see pricing in the US down about 20% from last year, with fewer acres going in. Wet weather has been a factor so that may still change in the next few weeks.

    Summary: It’s a buyers’ market especially if you can plan ahead. 

    To get regular updates between shows or to request a product sample contact us at Smirks.com

    You can also email us at whatsnew@smirks.com

     
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    48 mins
  • Get The Scoop with Smirk's The Natural Foods Industry Experts

    Get The Scoop with Smirk's The Natural Foods Industry Experts
    Mar 1 2023

    https://smirks.com/podcast/ 

    It’s our mission to help you navigate the world of high-quality bulk food ingredients, so you can produce and market products you are passionate about.  

    This podcast is where we share everything we know about bulk ingredients. You’ll hear a wide range of industry feature stories, commodity market news, and expert insights into bulk nuts, seeds & grains, coconut products, dried fruits and much more.   

    Each episode will include Smirk’s own Industry Market Report one of the resources our current clients depend on. It's the latest natural foods industry news compiled by Smirk’s commodity buying experts. You will know the key takeaways for the bulk items your company relies on. 

    We’ll also will go deep into specific ingredients with our product category experts sharing origin info, applications, specs, and new product innovation ideas. We’ll even touch on cosmetic and pet food industry ingredients.  

    You’ll hear the natural products industry stories of our growers direct from their locales around the world. There are amazing people in these communities and our relationships make it possible to source the best ingredients for you. You can count on us to provide boots on the ground information from our grower and processor relationships that you won’t find anywhere else in the industry. 

     So hit the button where you listen to your favorite podcasts and subscribe to the show.
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    3 mins