2025 Trends in Natural Foods with SPINS and KeHE

If you are a retailer, CPG company, entrepreneur, investor, or just interested in the natural food space, we have a sugar-free, plant-based, adaptogen-rich, protein-packed treat for you. For our final episode of the season, we're excited to bring you a panel discussion from a webinar put on by Naturally Chicago, an organization doing amazing work to bring together the natural products sector through events, resources, and industry insights. The conversation featured panelists from SPINS, a company that helps brands, retailers, and their partners understand product data and shopper values to improve product innovation, and KeHE, a national food distributor focusing on organic, natural, fresh, and specialty products. The discussion was a very data-driven analysis of the natural products industry, which, as panelists pointed out, is seeing growth across metrics. The sector is expected to hit almost $320 billion this year and to grow at a rate of 5 percent annually over the next few years. The panel explored some of the most exciting growth areas in the sector and how CPG companies and retailers can capitalize on this momentum. We also hear from Chuck Templeton about some of his reflections on the natural food space and where he sees these trends going.

Key Topics: 

1. The Growth of the Natural Food Industry: The panelists discuss how demand for natural food products continues to grow. Consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are more knowledgeable about how food choices impact wellness and want to take ownership of their health and incorporate functional foods into their diets. 
2. Aging Well: As we take a more proactive approach to health, there is a particular focus on how we age. The panelists point to the trend of preventative care and wellness becoming part of consumers’ personal brands.  
3. The Impact of GLP-1 on Natural Foods: The rise of GLP-1 is demonstrating how interconnected medicine and the food industry can be. The panelists discuss that as GLP-1s become increasingly prevalent, food companies will have to adapt to shifting dietary demands and needs as a result of these drugs. 
4. The Role of Sustainability in Product Development: The panelists discuss how incorporating sustainability aspects can set natural food brands apart. Chuck shares how he sees sustainability as an even bigger driver for CPGs and retailers than consumers.
5. Media of the Moment: The panelists and Chuck talk about the rapidly evolving landscape of media marketing and customer engagement. With the rise of social media, food companies must completely rethink how they reach customers and capitalize on these new opportunities. 

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. S2G holds positions in the companies referenced, but this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended to promote any such company. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. Chuck Templeton is a Managing Partner at S2G Investments. All Chuck's views, and the views of the guests on this podcast, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of S2G. The views expressed herein are opinions based on certain assumptions and subject to change.

For more important information, please see s2ginvestments.com/disclosures.