Host Louis is joined by Jessica Warden (VP Sales & Biz Dev) and Garrett McBride (VP Operations) to unpack what buyers need to know heading into Fall 2025 including supply/demand, pricing, contracting strategy, and tariffs along with a few noteworthy sourcing updates from Smirk's.

What we cover

• Tariffs 101: Who pays, how Smirk's invoices (tariffs listed as a separate, non-marked-up line item), and how shifting tariffs are changing origin choices.

• Nuts Including walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, pine nuts, macadamias, cashews and Brazil nuts.

• Seeds & Grains Including sunflower, pumpkin, chia, flax/sesame/amaranth, oats, quinoa, coconut oil, water powder and sugar.

• Dried Fruit Including mango, organic banana coins, apples, cranberries, and

• What to do now (Buyer To-Dos)

Questions or coverage requests? Contact your Smirk's trader and we'll build a plan.

Elisa Louis and Jessica Warden recapped their experience at ExpoWest 2025 and there was no shortage of excitement. Smirk's had a strong presence, not only at the main show but also at the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace and the SoCal IFT Show.

The event itself was bustling, drawing 70,000 attendees and 3,000 exhibitors, with a condensed, mid-week schedule that kept the energy high.

Elisa and Jessica dove deep into major trends shaking up the organic and natural foods world. Listen for more details regarding:

Protein Reigns Supreme
Protein-packed everything stole the show. Highlights include pasta sauces and overnight oats to pretzels and even meat snacks. Interestingly, there was a noticeable uptick in real meat products alongside traditional plant-based offerings.

Egg Innovations
Eggs and egg replacements were everywhere. Plant-based "hardboiled eggs" made from almonds and cashews wowed attendees, along with clever egg replacement ingredients like steamed chickpea flour.

Functional Foods & GLP-1 Friendly Products
With a surge in consumer interest around wellness, foods rich in fiber, protein, and gut-friendly ingredients were trending. Brands are already calling out GLP-1 friendliness on labels, catering to new diet trends sparked by medications like Ozempic.

Global Fusion & Chaos Cooking
From miso-infused veggie chips to Indian-inspired lemonade and Korean kimchi salsa, global flavors dominated. The "chaos cooking" trend of blending cuisines without traditional rules was clearly alive and well.

Gut Health & Functional Beverages
Fermentation, probiotics, and drinkable multivitamins were strong players. Functional waters with adaptogens and non-alcoholic craft beverages also made a huge splash, proving that "better-for-you" drinks are here to stay.

Nostalgia Meets Innovation
From root beer float-flavored popcorn to revamped Rice Krispie treats made with quinoa and brown rice, nostalgic flavors brought a fun, playful vibe across the show floor. The retro theme wasn't just reflected in products, but in nostalgic branding too.

Sustainability Front and Center
Upcycled ingredients like imperfect rice, regenerative organic certifications, compostable packaging, and eco-friendly household products were everywhere, signaling a deepening commitment to sustainability.

The overall vibe of the show is best described as contagious energy, endless innovation, and plenty of surprises (including getting locked out of their rental house!). ExpoWest 2025 didn't disappoint, it inspired.

April 2025 Market Report:

Due to recent announcements from the U.S. government regarding potential new reciprocal tariffs on goods imported globally, Smirk's is holding off on issuing a detailed market update.

There is too much uncertainty about which countries and which ingredients will be affected, so no official market information will be provided this month.

Smirk's recommends staying connected through LinkedIn and subscribing to the Smirk's newsletter for real-time updates as the situation evolves.

Want Smirk's help sourcing ingredients spotted at ExpoWest? Connect at smirks.com.

In this episode host Elisa Louis dives deep into the world of co-packers with guests Jason Luedtke, Director of Business Development at ZoRoCo Packaging, and Garrett McBride, VP of Operations at Smirk's. This insightful conversation sheds light on the vital role co-packers play in the food and beverage industry and how businesses can establish successful partnerships.

Topics Covered:

· Understanding the Co-Packing Landscape

· Co-Packer vs. Co-Manufacturer: What's the Difference?

· How to Build a Successful Co-Packer Relationship

Factors for Success:

• Transparency – Open communication about expectations, capabilities, and potential challenges.
• Quality Assurance – Ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance through strong auditing and quality control processes.
• Operational Fit – Matching the co-packer's capabilities with the brand's needs, including equipment compatibility and allergen restrictions.
• Scalability – Aligning production capacity with business growth to avoid overproduction or inventory shortages.
• Geographic Considerations – Choosing a co-packer located near key distribution hubs to minimize logistics costs.

Challenges and Solutions in Co-Packing Partnerships

• Early Issue Resolution: Address problems proactively through consistent communication.
• Written Agreements: Establish clear contracts outlining responsibilities and performance expectations.
• Knowing When to Move On: If a partnership consistently fails to meet needs, it may be time to seek a better fit.

Trends in the Co-Packing Industry

• Rising Demand for Protein: Consumers seek innovative, plant-based, and alternative protein sources.
• Traceability and Sustainability: Increased focus on regenerative agriculture and ethical sourcing.
• Clean Label and Allergen-Free Products: More brands prioritize transparent ingredient lists and allergen-friendly manufacturing.
• Regulatory Compliance: A shift towards natural color alternatives following FDA rulings on artificial dyes.

Market Report Minute: 1:12:03

For more insights, visit ZoRoCo Packaging

For real-time updates or to explore solutions, contact Smirks at what'snew@smirks.com.