The natural and organic foods movement is taking on new meaning—and urgency—as societies better understand the link between the food we eat and the health of our planet. This week we talk to Mark Retzloff, one of the pioneers of the natural, organic, and sustainable food industry. Over his 5+ decades in the industry, Mark has started, led, and managed a roster of big-name natural food and beverage brands, including Horizon Organic Dairy, Alfalfa’s Markets, Aurora Organic Dairy, and more.
Show Notes
Natural and organic foods are pantry staples for most consumers today. But the movement is taking on new meaning—and urgency—as societies better understand the link between the food we eat and the health of our planet.
Mark Retzloff is one of the pioneers of the natural, organic, and sustainable food industry. Over his 5+ decades in the industry, Mark has started, led, and managed a roster of big-name natural food and beverage brands, including Horizon Organic Dairy, Alfalfa’s Markets, Aurora Organic Dairy, and more. Today, Mark leads Flock, an organization aimed at fast-tracking innovations in regenerative agriculture through investments, a network of experts, and an accelerator program with Techstars, among other initiatives.
Listen for Mark’s insights on:
- How he co-founded Horizon Organic Dairy (at a time when organic wasn’t a thing) and scaled it to be one of the nation’s leading dairy brands
- Why listening to consumers is vital on a journey to disrupt big, traditional industries like agriculture and food
- How the power of holding onto a dream can help innovators navigate challenges and execute on visions
Links & Notes
- (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
- (01:59) - Mark Retzloff Part I
- (06:43) - Mark's Journey
- (16:05) - Organic
- (18:01) - Responses
- (19:23) - Growing the Organic Movement
- (23:18) - Pros and Cons of Retail
- (24:36) - Early Feedback
- (26:57) - In the Know
- (29:02) - Organic Food Production Act
- (40:21) - Organic Dairy
- (48:58) - Selling Horizon to Dean Foods
- (51:02) - Media on Organic Milk
- (53:03) - Next Week: Part II
What is Purpose 360 with Carol Cone?
Business is an unlikely hero: a force for good working to solve society's most pressing challenges, while boosting bottom line. This is social purpose at work. And it's a dynamic journey. Purpose 360 is a masterclass in unlocking the power of social purpose to ignite business and social impact. Host Carol Cone brings decades of social impact expertise and a 360-degree view of integrating social purpose into an organization into unfiltered conversations that illuminate today's big challenges and bigger ideas.