Matt Thomas, Buyer’s Council Chair, Co-Owner of Rhizome Marketing, said in the release: "We are thrilled to be working with the Plant Based World Conference & Expo, and collectively working to raise awareness of plant-based foods and products, offer education, and provide expertise to discuss accessibility and affordability through this terrific event and throughout the year. The Buyer's Council was formed prior to the first annual event in 2019 and we are excited to welcome back many of our members and announce the addition of Marcellus Harris, Asst. Commodity Manager, Poultry, The Kroger Co and Parker Brody, Global Category Manager, Whole Foods Market to help us bring plant-based products to the mainstream market."
Related: Plant Based World Expo: “This Is Here to Stay, and Keep Growing” The Latest in “Free-From” Foods Plant-Based Innovation
Other members of the council include:- Jorge Perez Avilla, Sr. Sourcing, Sprouts
- Regan Figueroa, Category Director Specialty & Cheese, KeHe Distributors, LLC
- Erica Gibson, Vendor Relations Manager, DPI Specialty Foods
- Kevin Murphy, Category Manager, Di Bruno Bros
- Jared Orme, Senior Manager, Natural, Organic and Specialty, AWG
- Stephanie Seper, Senior Vice President Brand Management & Social Responsibility, Hanson Faso Sales & Marketing, Inc.
- Tabitha Sewell, Dairy Category Manager, Dairy & Refrigerated Beverages, KeHe Distributors, LLC
- Steven Spencer, Category Manager, UNFI
- Jason Stein, Category Management Director, National Co-Op Grocers
- Matt Thomas, Buyers Council Chair, Co-Owner, Rhizome Marketing
- Rodd Willis, Director - Natural and Specialty, Dot Foods
- Scott Zoeller, Director, Many Minds Consulting, LLC
Registration for the conference is open,here.