Naturally NorCal

In our annual survey of members we heard over and over that our members want to know more about using AI for their CPG business. You asked, we deliver! Join next Tuesday, March 18, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. for the first in a three-part series on utilizing AI in CPG businesses. Register now: https://lnkd.in/ggfusdyS Next week we'll dive in Innovation and Product Development. Alexandra Crane, Senior Brand Director of Grove Collaborative will lead the discussion with: ? Peter Grant Barrick, CEO of Rivalz? Snacks ? Steve Gundrum, Chief AI Officer at Mattson: Innovation for the Food & Beverage Industry ? Ashley S., CEO of EmpathixAI We’ll cover: ?? The most prominent and impactful ways AI is influencing CPG ?? How AI is reshaping product concepting and development ?? Balancing AI efficiency with human creativity—where AI excels and where human insight is irreplaceable ?? Practical AI strategies for brands of all sizes, including free and low-cost tools ?? Common pitfalls to avoid when integrating AI into the innovation pipeline Register to join the discussion: https://lnkd.in/ggfusdyS Up next in the series: Using AI in your Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service efforts. #NaturallyNorCal #CPGInnovation #AIinCPG #ProductDevelopment

NorCal Entrepreneurs, are you fundraising? Add yourself to you the Nutrition Capital Network Expo West directory ??

?? Exciting News for Northern California’s Natural Products Community!???? We are thrilled to announce the merger of Naturally North Bay and Naturally Bay Area into?Naturally NorCal—a unified, powerhouse nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the natural and organic products industry across the region. By joining forces, we’re creating?an even?stronger, more connected ecosystem?that fosters?innovation, collaboration, and impact?for purpose-driven businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. From?expanded mentorship and education programs?to?broader networking and advocacy initiatives, Naturally NorCal is here to?elevate and empower?our growing community. We’re also proud to introduce our?highly experienced Board of Directors, led by Board Chair?Jim Taschetta, and to welcome our incredible?Founder’s Circle supporters, including: ???3P Partners · Amy’s Kitchen · Aspect Consumer Partners · Bank of America · Baker Botts · BPM · Clover Sonoma · CMPR Attorneys · Cowgirl Creamery · Grounded Capital · Guayaki · Heffernan Insurance Brokers · JP Morgan · Manzana Products · Moss Adams · Once Upon a Farm · Parabolic · Straus Family Creamery · Traditional Medicinals ???What’s next? ???Follow us on?LinkedIn?(Naturally NorCal)?and Instagram?(@Naturally_NorCal) ???Visit our new website:?Naturally NorCal ???Join us at upcoming events and be part of this exciting journey! As?Jim Taschetta?puts it:?“By uniting as Naturally NorCal, we're unlocking new resources and strengthening our region's position as a leader in natural products innovation.” We can’t wait to shape the future—together!????#NaturallyNorCal #NaturalProducts #BetterForYou #Community #Collaboration #Innovation #NaturallyNetwork https://lnkd.in/gab5C2bY

?? AI is transforming CPG innovation—are you keeping up? Join Naturally NorCal for the first in a series of events addressing AI applications for CPG companies on Tuesday, March 18: https://lnkd.in/ggfusdyS Our expert panel will break down: ? How AI is transforming the innovation process from ideation to launch ? Real-world applications for market intelligence and trend forecasting ? Using AI-driven consumer insights to refine product concepts and formulations Don’t miss this chance to gain cutting-edge insights and learn to optimize your resources. See you there! https://lnkd.in/ggfusdyS #NaturallyNorCal #CPGInnovation #AIinCPG #ProductDevelopment

Are you heading to Expo West? Let's support our local members — Guilherme Maia Silva of For?a Foods LLC and Charbel Mawad of Projo* — and all of the Naturally Network M/O Fellows! More info below ??

?? Drumroll, please ... meet the all-star judges of Naturally Rising NorCal! (Psst ... It's not too late to apply —?DEADLINE EXTENDED to Monday, February 17, by 11:59 p.m.!) Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv Naturally NorCal is thrilled to introduce five powerhouse leaders who will participate as judges at Naturally Rising NorCal (formerly Pitch Slam) on May 8, 2025 at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Introducing: ? Alisa Carmichael, Investment Partner at VMG Partners ? Ahmed Chehade, Chief Operating Officer at Good Stuff Distributor, Inc. ? Susan Griffin-Black,?Co-Founder & Co-CEO of EO Products ? Rusty Schwartz,?Founder and CEO of KITCHENTOWN ? Miriam Welch,?National Category Director at Albertsons Companies Our judges have?founded, advised, invested in, and championed countless companies in our industry — they know what it takes to be the next breakthrough brand. Want an audience with these judges to pitch your product? It's not too late to apply. Submit your application by Monday Feb 17 by 11:59 p.m.: https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv #naturallyrisingnorcal #naturallyrising #naturalynorcal #pitchcompetition #foodandbeverage #cpgindustry Past winners: Tim Richards, Azul Couzens, Pauline Ang, Paul Voge, Ibraheem Basir, Elizabeth Giannuzzi

Naturally NorCal members, this is an opportunity to work with NielsenIQ and meet the Whole Foods Market team. Don't miss out!

One ?? More Week to Apply! Naturally Rising Applications Due Next Friday, Feb 14. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE STAGE? Naturally Rising NorCal (previously Pitch Slam)?is an unmatched opportunity for Northern California's emerging brands. It's a chance to gain?exposure to industry tastemakers and build a network of new supporters. Plus,?one Grand Prize winner will walk away with a?prize package valued at over $50K+, including?a $5,000 cash prize! Finalists will pitch live at?Naturally Rising NorCal on Thursday, May 8, at Fort Mason in?San Francisco, sharing their retail innovation with top judges and a lively audience. Naturally Rising Eligibility Criteria ? Brand must be a natural or mission-driven CPG brand ? Annual gross revenue of at least $100,000?and not exceed $2,000,000? ? Launched in retail (physical or online) at least 1 year ago, and a max of 4 years ago. ? Must be an active/paid Naturally NorCal Chapter member (Bay Area or North Bay) at the time of submission ? Headquartered in Northern California ? Previous applicants that have not been selected as finalists are encouraged to apply again APPLY NOW?— Applications are due by?Friday, February 14 https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv SAVE THE DATE?— Naturally Rising NorCal?Thursday, May 8 #naturallyrising #naturallyrisingnorcal #pitchslam #pitchcompetition #communitycelebration

CPG Financing Month is on! You heard from Keith Kohler in last fall's Quick Bites session on Commercial and Alternative Debt. If you want to hear more about all aspects of finance, this series if for you!

?? Calling all Northern California Founders! Ready to take the spotlight? Applications are open for Northern California's premier pitch competition. Apply for Naturally Rising NorCal by Friday, February 14: https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv Naturally Rising?(formerly called?Pitch Slam) is our signature competition celebrating Northern California’s most inspiring, purpose-driven brands. This is your chance to showcase your business, connect with industry leaders, and win a prize package worth $50K+ in cash and services. ??? Finalists will pitch live at?Naturally Rising NorCal on Thursday, May 8, at Fort Mason in?San Francisco, sharing their retail innovation with top judges and a lively audience. Here's your chance to show us what you've got — get in front of top industry change-makers and peers! ?? APPLY NOW?— Applications are due by?Friday, February 14 https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv ??? SAVE THE DATE?— Naturally Rising NorCal?Thursday, May 8 #naturallyrising #naturallynorcal #innovation #community #cpgentrepreneurs #pitchcompetition #pitchslam