One Step Closer (OSC)

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Nana Joes Granola featured in Forbes! We're proud to share that OSC's Member Nana Joes was recently highlighted in Forbes' "Expo West 2025: Granola Becomes A Staple For All-Day Snacking"! Founded in 2010 by pastry chef Michelle Pusateri, this Bay Area brand is the epitome of artisanal quality. From grinding almond butter weekly to working with top-tier suppliers like California’s Bower Ranch and Houston’s Rio Grande Organics, it’s no surprise they’re a favorite in the granola aisle. As Michelle says, "The flavor combinations and the care is what makes it so special. We have a very high standard for what goes into the bags." And being fully self-manufactured allows them to maintain that high standard in every batch. You can find their delicious granola at Whole Foods across California—trust us, you won’t be disappointed. Congrats to Michelle and Nana Joes on this well-deserved recognition! Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/g2acHHsS #OneStepCloser #ArtisanalFood #IngredientQuality #WomenOwned

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Big Tree Farms Inc. featured in Forbes! We're excited to see OSC Member Big Tree Farms highlighted in Forbes' "Expo West 2025: Global Flavors Simmer Into Every Grocery Aisle"! For nearly 30 years, Big Tree Farms has focused on building relationships with local coconut farmers, using regenerative farming practices to restore soils, honor ancient traditions, and protect natural resources across Bali. Their hand-harvested, organic coconut nectar is transformed into fair-trade products like Coconut Sugar and Coco Aminos—better alternatives to cane sugar and soy. Perhaps best known for their coconut-based sugar, their globally-inspired sauces and marinades are a must-try. They blend authentic Indonesian flavors like ponzu, lemongrass, and tamarind with their signature Coco Aminos to create delicious organic BBQ, sriracha, and soy-free teriyaki and ponzu sauces. As VP of Marketing Susie Picken shares, "Global flavors are hot right now, and we are the ones who can authentically bring the flavors because we have a true story… working with the farmers directly." Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/di7EUz8Q #OneStepCloser #SustainableBusiness #GlobalFlavors #RegenerativeAgriculture

???Reflecting on our State of Sustainable Packaging Innovation & Policy Panel at #ExpoWest Last week, we had a packed room for an informative and solutions driven discussion on the present and future of the sustainable packaging landscape. A big thank you to our moderator, Natalie Kra, MBA/MENV of Resonance, and to our brilliant panelists,?Rhodes Yepsen of Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), Laura Foti of Specright, and Stephanie Barger of TRUE Certification for Zero Waste with?Skippy the guide dog in training!??? These experts shared?concrete insights, advice, and guidance?to help brands and leaders in the audience navigate packaging policy challenges and emerging trends. Here are just a few key takeaways: ???Data & technology are transforming the way we do packaging?– Laura highlighted how streamlining packaging specifications makes tracking impact and driving improvement quicker and more accessible. ???EPR laws need alignment?– Rhodes called out the challenge of the current regulatory environment, and the need to engage with organizations working to rectify EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) laws?for more effective outcomes in truly improving packaging sustainability - not sending us backwards. ???Rethinking circularity?and waste diversion – Stephanie urged brands to consider the impacts and improvement opportunities of their secondary and tertiary packaging, as well as explore ways to?repurpose waste into useful materials, keeping it out of landfills and minimizing pollution. With a very engaging and passionate Q&A that could have continued on if we had more time, it’s clear that these are hot topics. At the?OSC Packaging Collaborative, we’re committed to learning from experts like these panelists, and turning insights into action. Want to be part of the action??Contact?Director Eliza Brady at?[email protected]?to get involved. Thank you very much to Expo West sponsors Specright and Trayak for their support. #SustainablePackaging #CircularEconomy #EPR #ExpoWest #PackagingInnovation #OSC Lara Jackle Dickinson Cindy Curtis-Rivera Rosalyn Stewart

Applications for our 2025 cohort close on March 15th—just one week away. What an inspiring week! ? From the powerful Uplifting Women in Leadership summit with New Hope Network at #ExpoWest, featuring Aarti Shahani and incredible panel of women, to celebrating International Women's Day on Saturday, there's palpable energy and momentum around women’s leadership in natural products. One idea that’s stuck with me is something Kim Perell said: when women pool their power, they become unstoppable. It’s a perfect reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. Why not channel this momentum into year-round support by joining our OSC/JEDI Women's Circles? The conversations at Expo West reminded us why these circles matter: women leaders thrive when connected to other women leaders. - Eligibility: Director, VP, or C-suite level women and non-binary leaders in natural products, food, or CPG (excluding CEOs). - Program start date: April 8th, 2025 ? Apply before March 15th: https://lnkd.in/gXx_8iag #OneStepCloser #WomenInLeadership #NaturalProducts #PeerMentoring #JEDI #ExpoWest #InternationalWomensDay

The news is out! The 2025 Packaging Innovation Awards have been presented onstage at #ExpoWest, during the packed State of Sustainable Packaging Super Session. Congratulations to: ?? Blue Heron Botanicals for Innovation in Materials (Brands) ?? World Centric for Innovation in Materials (Material Providers) ?? Allison at Activist Skincare for Innovation in Refillables These natural products leaders leaders have exemplified the meaning of packaging excellence and resilience, and we were so proud to present them with their Packaging Innovation Awards this morning. Read more about the winners here: https://lnkd.in/gyFsa3t4 Lara Jackle Dickinson Sarah Shaw Cindy Curtis-Rivera Dana Smith Natalie Kra, MBA/MENV Rosalyn Stewart Allison Callaway Theora Jackson Chasity Roesler Sydney Dean Jenna Fitch Victoria Camron

So excited after State of Naturals this morning! Michelle Obama kicked things off by announcing her new drink brand, and I wrapped up the session by sharing our latest project at One Step Closer (OSC): Purpose Pledge. Check out purposepledge.org for our official launch today!

Join us for the State of Sustainable Packaging Innovation & Policy Panel at #NaturalProductsExpoWest! Following the Packaging Innovation Awards Ceremony, experience and learn from an enriching panel discussion that brings together industry leaders to explore the critical relationship between policy and innovation. Panelists Rhodes Yepsen of Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), Laura Foti of Specright, and Stephanie Barger of TRUE Certification for Zero Waste, will share insights into how regulatory frameworks influence innovation and how businesses can successfully adapt to evolving policy landscapes. This panel will be moderated by Natalie Kra, MBA/MENV Kra of Resonance and One Step Closer (OSC). Thank you New Hope Network, and Jenna Fitch for providing the space for so much growth and learning in our industry. When: Wednesday March 5th, 10:00 - 11:30 AM PT Where: Anaheim Marriott, Grand Ballroom F, 700 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802 #ExpoWest #NaturalProductsExpoWest #OSC #SustainablePackaging #NewHopeNetwork

Announcing: Ask the Experts Roundtables @ Expo West! Running a natural products business can be hard, finding the right partners to support you along the way can be even harder.? Join One Step Closer and our partners on March 6th at Expo West for a dedicated networking and business support session geared towards emerging and established CPGs. Get support with everything from executive advising, capital and alignment funding, sustainable packaging, PR, legal, HR, purpose-driven business models and more! Featuring breakout conversations, this session brings together entrepreneurs and expert advisors in a collaborative environment that fosters small group discussions focused on generating actionable outcomes and valuable relationships.? ? Join experts from: OSC's Packaging Collaborative Purpose Pledge Grounded Capital Stratagem LLP OSC Advisory DAF Capital Partners Dadascope Communications Do Good CFO Flourish HR Nutri8 Details and (free) registration is available here: https://lnkd.in/eHK78baU

We're thrilled to announce our judge panel for the upcoming OSC Packaging Innovation Awards. This panel consists of an exciting mix of impact-driven professionals, bringing diverse perspectives to the table. We're grateful for the expertise and insights these judges are bringing to the selection process and look forward to unveiling the winners at #NaturalProductsExpoWest in just a few short weeks. There's only a few days left to submit your packaging innovation - don't miss out! Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ed_WN7-E A huge thanks to: Lara Jackle Dickinson from One Step Closer (OSC) Stephanie Barger from TRUE Certification for Zero Waste Rhodes Yepsen from Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) Natalie Kra, MBA/MENV from Resonance Laura Foti from Specright

Our 2025 Expo West Experience e-Guide is here! Find all of our activations, including special content sessions, plus a complete One Step Closer (OSC) Member directory in one place. Help us spread the word about all the incredible initiatives our community is bringing to Anaheim! Special thanks to Sarah Shaw for creating this fantastic resource. ?? Bookmark our website to stay updated on all things Expo West: https://lnkd.in/ew76mkab