"Purpose-Driven Innovation" was the theme of the July 13 virtual Retail Discovery Session hosted on the Natural Products Expo Virtual platform. In addition to a trend presentation featuring mission-based brands from New Hope Network's Content Director Adrienne Smith, the session featured interviews with representatives from Target, Misfits Market and Thrive Market. In this interview, New Hope's Executive Director of Content Jessica Rubino speaks with Le'Spencer Walker of Target. 

In this clip, Walker dives deep into Target's work to build a diverse and equitable vendor community and talks about what it means to be human-centric. 

All-Access NPEV brand members may also get the chance to meet directly with these retail buyers through the NPEV Community platform, thanks to curated recommendations provided by New Hope Network and based on brand and buyer needs. Other buyers are invited to attend, as well as set up their own meetings with NPEV All-Access brands. The next Retail Discovery Session will take place on November 9, and will focus on "Opportunities in Organic."

Related:Podcast: The role of retailers in creating equitable supply chains