On demand: Natural Food Merchandiser’s Dietary Supplements 101

Supplement sales make a big difference for the bottom line of many retailers in natural and organic channels. But selling those gelcaps, gummies, tinctures and salves isn’t always straightforward.

Regulatory requirements are complex and in flux. New products constantly launch, pressuring retailers to understand the many nuances involved with supplements trends, brands, certifications and overall quality. And education is vital for retail staff and consumers.

Dietary Supplements 101, the first in New Hope’s new year-long Retail Education Series, is now available on demand.

In this kick-off event, a panel of retail and supplements experts dive deep into the key factors that drive retail success in the important supplements aisles. Learn about trending supplements categories, best practices for staff and consumer education, regulatory challenges and more in this informative and lively panel discussion. 

Watch a replay on demand.

Speakers

Bill Giebler, Content & Insights Director 

New Hope Network 

An award-winning writer and seasoned natural products industry veteran—with decades of experience in food and supplement retail, lifestyle mail order and textiles product development—NBJ Managing Editor Bill Giebler reports on dietary supplement, food and agricultural trends and opportunities across New Hope properties. 

Scott Dicker, Market Insights Director 

SPINS 

Scott Dicker is a market insights director for SPINS, a leading wellness-focused data company and advocate for the Natural Products Industry. With a background in nutrition, he believes in the importance of making wellness options more accessible to everyone and that demystifying data can make that happen. By delving into omnichannel comprehensive market wide data, he identifies emerging trends and explores shifting consumer behavior that helps retailers and brands better understand the market and their audience. Dicker has spoken at many leading industry organizations and shows, including New Hope Natural Products Expo, Supply Side, Plant Based World and many more, and been published in top industry resources, such as Natural Products Insider, Nutritional Outlook, and Whole Foods Magazine. He has a long-standing involvement in nutrition and wellness, working as a sports nutritionist and starting multiple entrepreneurial businesses in the field. 

Karen Falbo, Director of Nutrition Education 

Natural Grocers 

With an extensive background spanning more than 25 years in the holistic realm of nutrition, Karen Falbo stands as a luminary in the field. Boasting over two decades of dedicated service to Natural Grocers, she currently holds the position of director of nutrition education. In this pivotal role, Karen spearheads the department responsible for curating all nutrition-related content for the company, including the guidance provided by Nutritional Health Coaches at the store level.  

Karen’s commitment to the transformative potential of food as medicine is nothing short of profound. As a Certified Natural Foods Chef, she not only brings a wealth of expertise to the table but also takes charge of the intricate process of recipe development for Natural Grocers.  

Karen is fueled by an unwavering passion for fostering sustainable food systems. Her dedication to this cause is exemplified by her involvement in the Colorado Food System Advisory Council (COFSAC) from 2010 to 2017. Through her dynamic leadership and advocacy, Karen is proud to work with Natural Grocers to enlighten the public on the crucial importance of supporting sustainable practices in the realm of nutrition and food production. 

Michael Meirovitz, Senior Director, Government Relations 

Council for Responsible Nutrition 

Michael Meirovitz is responsible for managing federal and state policy initiatives on behalf of CRN’s members. He has spent over a decade in various government relations roles, having worked for two prominent lobbying firms and a trade association. Throughout his career, Michael has represented a diverse group of clients including Fortune-500s, local governments, innovative small businesses and start-up companies.  

He began his career in D.C. as an intern for multiple congressional offices, including the Senate H.E.L.P. Committee’s Health Policy Office. Michael is an alumnus of Penn State University, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science, and Johns Hopkins University, where he received an M.A. in Government.  

Moderator 

Douglas Brown, Senior Retail Reporter and Analyst 

New Hope Network 

Douglas Brown worked as a full-time journalist for daily newspapers and magazines for more than 20 years, including six years covering the White House and Capitol Hill and a decade writing about food and agriculture for The Denver Post. He now serves as New Hope Network's senior retail reporter, covering a broad range of industry sectors. 

For more of New Hope Network's coverage of supplements, see