Podcasts Grocery Nerds

#10: The Future of Natural Sweeteners with CEO Aaron Henderson

Published Date: August 11, 2026
Episode:

In this in-depth interview, Aaron Henderson, CEO of Sweetleaf Stevia, shares his extensive experience in the grocery and CPG industry, focusing on natural sweeteners, supply chain intricacies, and evolving consumer trends like GLP-1. Discover insights on sourcing, product innovation, industry challenges, and the future of natural sweeteners in a rapidly changing market.

Aaron Henderson is the current CEO of Wisdom Natural Brands, makers of SweetLeaf Stevia, with 25+ years of leadership experience driving growth across marketing, sales and brand strategy. As former CEO of The Touch Agency, Aaron worked on 200+ brands and saw 38 acquisitions. Co-founder of Midnight Venture Partners, a leading early stage venture capital fund focused on better-for-you brands.

Latest Episodes

From Corporate to Community: Liz Abunaw’s Grocery Revolution

From Corporate to Community: Liz Abunaw’s Grocery Revolution

Liz Abunaw shares her journey from corporate food sales to founding 40 Acres Fresh Market on Chicago's West Side, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in community-focused grocery retail. This episode explores supply chain strategies, community impact, and the importance of business acumen in independent grocery success.
#17 The Efforts Behind Unionizing at Mother’s Market in 2026

#17 The Efforts Behind Unionizing at Mother’s Market in 2026

In this episode, we explore the labor issues at Mother's Market, a natural food store in California, through the perspectives of Omar, a worker, and Andrew, a union organizer. We discuss unionization efforts, management challenges, and what it takes to improve workers' lives in the retail food industry. labor rights, unionization, grocery ...
#16: Farm To People: Transforming The Food Supply Chain

#16: Farm To People: Transforming The Food Supply Chain

In this week's episode of Grocery Nerds, we dive deep into the mission of Farm to People, a company dedicated to revolutionizing how we shop and eat by connecting consumers directly to local and regional food systems. Michael Ray Robinov, the founder, shares insights into their innovative approach to grocery delivery while emphasizing the ...
#17 The Efforts Behind Unionizing at Mother’s Market in 2026

#15: The Purpose Pledge: Redefining Business Responsibility

In this episode, Seth Goldman and Les Szabo discuss the Purpose Pledge, a framework for defining and operationalizing purpose-led business practices. They explore how this initiative promotes stakeholder capitalism, internalizes externalities, and aims to shift business norms towards sustainability and social responsibility. As Chief ...
#14: Kara Rubin’s Grocery Journey From Whole Foods to Brand Building

#14: Kara Rubin’s Grocery Journey From Whole Foods to Brand Building

In this episode, Kara Rubin shares her extensive experience in the grocery industry, from her start at Whole Foods to her work supporting emerging brands and developing supply chains. She discusses the evolution of food retail, category management, talent development, and the importance of community and mutual support in the industry. Kara ...
#17 The Efforts Behind Unionizing at Mother’s Market in 2026

#13 Andrea Abel’s Fight to Improve Food Justice in Texas

In this episode, Andrea Abel, Executive Director of Farm Share Austin, discusses the organization's efforts to improve food justice in Austin, Texas. She highlights the challenges of funding cuts, the importance of local farming, and innovative programs to increase food access for underserved communities. Andrea joined Farmshare Austin as ...
#12: From Cashier to Author: Ann Larson’s Industry Insights

#12: From Cashier to Author: Ann Larson’s Industry Insights

Ann Larson shares her journey from grocery store worker to author, revealing the hidden realities of the grocery industry, labor struggles, and potential reforms. Discover insights on corporate power, worker solidarity, and how consumers can support change. Ann Larson’s writing on education, debt, and low-wage work has appeared in The New ...
#11: Alicia Kennedy’s Journey: From Vegan Bakery to Food Critic

#11: Alicia Kennedy’s Journey: From Vegan Bakery to Food Critic

Alicia Kennedy, a food writer with a background in food production, discusses her journey from running a vegan bakery to becoming a renowned food critic and author. The conversation explores food systems, veganism, cultural history, and her latest book, offering deep insights into food politics and personal stories. Alicia Kennedy ...
No results found.

SERIES
SUBSCRIBE