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
- (00:53) – Mark Retzloff Part I
- (05:38) – Mark’s Journey
- (15:00) – Organic
- (16:56) – Responses
- (18:18) – Growing the Organic Movement
- (22:13) – Pros and Cons of Retail
- (23:31) – Early Feedback
- (25:52) – In the Know
- (27:57) – Organic Food Production Act
- (39:16) – Organic Dairy
- (47:52) – Selling Horizon to Dean Foods
- (49:56) – Media on Organic Milk
- (51:57) – Next Week: Part II
