Get The Scoop With Smirk's Podcast

By: Smirk's Natural Food Team
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  • Summary

  • The Bulk Ingredient Network for the Natural Food Industry It’s our mission to help you navigate the world of high-quality bulk food ingredients, so you can produce and market products you are passionate about. This podcast is where we share everything we know about bulk ingredients. You’ll hear a wide range of industry feature stories, commodity market news, and expert insights into bulk nuts, seeds & grains, coconut products, dried fruits and much more. Each episode will include Smirk’s own Industry Market Report one of the resources our current clients depend on. It's the latest natural foods industry news compiled by Smirk’s commodity buying experts. You will know the key takeaways for the bulk items your company relies on. We’ll also will go deep into specific ingredients with our product category experts sharing origin info, applications, specs, and new product innovation ideas. We’ll even touch on cosmetic and pet food industry ingredients. You’ll hear the natural products industry stories of our growers direct from their locales around the world. There are amazing people in these communities and our relationships make it possible to source the best ingredients for you. You can count on us to provide boots on the ground information from our grower and processor relationships that you won’t find anywhere else in the industry. So hit the button where you listen to your favorite podcasts and subscribe to the show. https://smirks.com/podcast/
    2023 Smirk's LTD
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Economics
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Episodes
  • Smirk’s Top 10 Countdown – Best Bakery Trends of 2024 EP 13

    Smirk’s Top 10 Countdown – Best Bakery Trends of 2024 EP 13
    Aug 19 2024

    Market Report 1:05:03

    In the latest episode of "Get the Scoop with Smirk’s," hosts Jessica Warden and Zach Schwindt took us on a deep dive into the top 10 bakery trends for 2024. As industry experts who live and breathe baked goods, Jessica and Zach not only shared their insights but also gave us a glimpse of how Smirk’s, a leading supplier of organic and conventional bulk bakery ingredients, is at the forefront of these trends. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways from their engaging discussion in a top 10 countdown format:

    10. Vanilla: A Nostalgic Favorite

    9. 3D Printing: The Future of Baking

    8. Alternate Sweeteners

    7. Social Media's Influence on Bakery Trends

    6. Gluten Free Bakery Items

    5. Functional Foods

    4. Seeds and Seed Flours

    3. High Protein Baked Goods

    2. Plant-Based and Vegan Baked Goods

    1. Sustainability, Upcycled Ingredients and a Resurgence of Organic

    This episode of "Get the Scoop with Smirks" not only provides a comprehensive look at the trends shaping the future of the bakery industry but also showcased how Smirks is leading the way with innovative products and solutions. Whether you're a professional baker or a home baking enthusiast, staying on top of these trends will ensure you’re ahead of the curve in 2024.

    Navigating Supply Chain Challenges

    Garrett McBride, along with his colleagues Jessica Warden and Zach Schwint, delved into the complexities of supply chain management and how Smirks continues to add value for its customers in an ever-evolving market. Here’s a closer look at the key topics they discuss in detail:

    · Strategic Risk Management and Cost Optimization

    · Flexibility in Contracting and Supply Chain Diversification

    · Responding to Global Challenges: El Niño and Beyond

    · The Importance of Prior Planning and Industry Expertise

    This episode of *Get the Scoop with Smirks* underscores the value of having a trusted partner like Smirks in the complex world of ingredient supply chains. From strategic risk management to navigating global challenges, Smirks continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping customers succeed, no matter what the market throws their way.

    August 2024 Smirks Market Report Highlights

    The August 2024 Smirks Market Report provides crucial insights into the current state of the global ingredient markets, with a focus on ocean freight challenges, weather impacts, and crop conditions. Here are the key takeaways:

    Ocean Freight Issues

    · Sunflower Market

    · Pumpkin Market

    ·Coconut Market

    · Coconut Sugar

    · Chia Market

    · Mango Market

    · Cashew Market

    Macadamia Market

    · The Smirk’s team advises customers to act quickly on securing contracts and planning for supply needs into 2025, especially given the ongoing global challenges. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, reach out to the Smirk’s team for support.

    Contact Smirk's: hello@smirk's.com
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Animal & Petfood Bulk Product Ingredients & Industry Trends EP12

    Animal & Petfood Bulk Product Ingredients & Industry Trends EP12
    Jun 14 2024
    In episode 12 of "Get the Scoop with Smirks," hosts Zach Schwint and Garrett McBride dive into the evolving landscape of the pet food industry. Fresh from their debut at the Pet Food Forum in Kansas City, they discuss current trends, ingredient innovations, and future directions for the industry. They also highlight the various bulk ingredients Smirks offers for pet food manufacturers and share insights on market demands and product development. Market Growth and Trends The U.S. pet food market, valued at $43.9 billion in 2023, is expected to reach nearly $60 billion by 2032. Key drivers include premium pet food products focusing on overall wellness, healthy aging, and good digestion. Innovation in pet food is booming, with a significant portion coming from new companies that have emerged in the last five years. Interestingly, Mintel Insights indicates there's even more new product development and innovation going on in the pet food industry, 50 % of which is for dogs and cats, than in human food. Sustainability and Functional Foods There are trends in the pet food industry that mirror what Smirk’s sees in the human food industry including a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, such as recyclable packaging and upcycled ingredients. Pet food facilities are increasingly powered by renewable energy. Pet owners are also looking for functional pet food products focusing on better gut health are trending. Ingredients like quinoa flakes, pumpkin powder, and psyllium husk are in demand for their digestive benefits. The days of a few brands of kibble are long gone! Ingredient Innovation Plant-based proteins, such as pea protein and pumpkin protein powder, are becoming popular in pet food. Gluten-free and non-gluten-free options cater to various dietary needs. Some pet owners are getting DNA tests to determine the best diet for their family pet so options for all types of conditions are being considered. Fruits and vegetables like banana, apple, strawberry, sweet potato, and potato starch are commonly used in pet foods. Alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar and functional oils like coconut and flaxseed oil are also gaining traction. Ingredient benefits and versatility are key for pet food producers, and we discuss ingredients that Smirks offers for animal and pet food and pet treats. These items are typically offered in non -GMO conventional and organic formats. 1. Coconut Products Coconut is a major ingredient in pet food beneficial for dogs. Smirks offers a range of coconut products, including desiccated coconut, coconut sugar, and coconut flour. Coconut oils, such as virgin coconut oil and MCT oil, are noted for keeping pets' coats shiny and healthy. 2. Seeds Flax seeds, chia, sunflower seeds, and quinoa flakes are highlighted for their nutritional benefits in pet food. Flax seeds are available in various forms, while chia seeds are noted for their digestive health benefits. Sunflower seeds are a cost-effective nutritious option, and quinoa flakes are easier for dogs to digest. 3. Plant-Based Proteins and Grains Plant-based proteins like pea, sunflower, pumpkin, and rice protein powders are increasingly used as substitutes for animal proteins. Smirks also deals in various grains and starches, many of which are gluten-free, such as sorghum, tapioca, and cassava flour, providing fiber and protein for pets. 4. Dried Fruits Smirks stocks a variety of dried fruits, including apples, pineapple, mango, cranberries, and banana chips, which are used in pet foods and treats to add nutrition and fiber. Monthly Market Report June 2024 Here's the latest update on ocean freight and key commodity trends impacting the pet food and treat industry. Ocean Freight Updates Ocean freight rates from Southeast Asia have surged to $7,000-$8,000 and are expected to exceed $10,000 by the end of summer. These rates were just $1,500-$3,000 a few months ago. This drastic increase is primarily due to equipment shortages triggered by disruptions like the Suez Canal blockage. Higher freight prices and shipment delays are anticipated throughout 2024. Even with contracts, there are no guarantees of equipment availability when products are ready to load, making it challenging to hedge freight costs. Coconut Products Prices for coconut products have skyrocketed due to El Niño-induced extreme heat and drought in the Philippines. Supplies are tight, with limited offers for the end of 2024. Vietnam presents a viable alternative with ready-to-ship supplies at comparable prices to previous offers from the Philippines. Cashews The cashew market is under pressure due to a shorter crop and an export ban on raw cashew nuts (RCN) from Ivory Coast. This has led to significant price increases and tight supply, with quality concerns adding to the challenges. Pumpkin Seeds Prices for pumpkin seeds are decreasing due to large plantings in China. However, the benefits are offset by rising ocean freight costs, which diminish the ...
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    31 mins
  • ExpoWest 2024 Recap & Product Focus: Gluten Free Bakery Ingredients EP 11

    ExpoWest 2024 Recap & Product Focus: Gluten Free Bakery Ingredients EP 11
    Apr 22 2024
    The Smirk’s team is breaking down Expo West, the largest natural and organic products trade show in the US. It happens every March in Anaheim and this year Smirk’s had 11 people attending to see what’s new and connect with some of the 65,000 people who attend. Jessica Warden and Zach Schwindt join Garrett McBride to review the highlights. TRENDS and INNOVATIONS Regenerative Organic (RO) Certification - RO certified products were widespread, indicating a growing trend towards regenerative agricultural practices. Functional Foods - The trend of functional foods continued, with an emphasis on products promoting gut health and incorporating ingredients like adaptogens. Alternative Sweeteners - There was a shift towards natural sweeteners such as coconut sugar, date sugar, and stevia in various food and beverage products. Plant-Based Alternatives - Plant-based products were prominent, including innovative alternatives like plant-based bacon made from seasoned shredded coconut. Nostalgic Flavors - Brands showcase nostalgic flavors in innovative products, appealing to consumers' childhood memories with modern twists. Eco-Friendly Products - A rise in eco-friendly products was observed, including shampoo and conditioner bars and thin soap sheets for laundry. THE EXPO EXPERIENCE The hosts described the bustling atmosphere of Expo West, with crowded aisles and vibrant booths. The value of face-to-face interactions and networking opportunities is significant and one of the best reasons to participate. Smirk’s continues to connect with producers and potential partners. The overall experience was positive, with many new products and connections made. GLUTEN-FREE BAKED GOODS With the prevalence of alternative flours such as nut-based, seed-based and others, there is now a wide variety of options in the allergen-friendly bakery world. There's a particular focus on crackers, showcasing unique blends like buckwheat flour with cranberries and the use of ingredients like organic banana flour, hemp flour, cassava flour, and more. Smirks offers a comprehensive range of organic and non-GMO seeds, nut butters, dried fruits, and alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar and maple syrup. They also emphasized their ability to meet specific customer needs, such as origin preferences and glycemic-friendly sweeteners. MARKET REPORT Donny Edson shares this month’s report and starts by covering the on-going delays due to shipping and freight issues. It’s likely to continue to take longer to get products, especially on the east coast. He recommends planning ahead keeping the adding longer shipping times to your forecasts. On a good note, new shipping contracts that begin in May will have minimal price increases from last year, which is a big relief since prices were trending up. Donny also covers the new rules affecting the shipments of organic items and the need to have the proper certification filed with customs before picking up product. Smirk’s and others have run into issues and it’s causing delays until things can be sorted. Big picture, things are getting tighter so planning ahead is recommended and expect price increases until availability improves. Product specifics: Desiccated coconuts which had been plentiful are now delayed. Processors are having trouble getting product so we’re seeing delays from six to eight weeks right now. We're seeing prices increase anywhere from 40 to 70%, depending on the origin and depending on the grade. If you're not covered through the end of the year on coconut, you should get covered immediately. Another issue is coconut sugar. As Ramadan ends, packers in Indonesia are concerned about the lack of raw material available to process Most packers are offering new shipments only in June and July forward with limited availability. Stocks in the US are getting very tight, and the spot market is getting tight as well. We expect the shortages to happen and carry on throughout the summertime until new shipments in June and July arrive in the US. Coconut oil prices have risen anywhere from 20 to 30 % depending on if it's VCO or RBD. The demand in the US has been high as many people have delayed shipments. Bottlers are trying to get anything they can to keep the retail shelves full. We don't anticipate the coconut oil price to correct itself for quite some time. Plan ahead. Demand for organic cashews has increased. There’s little inventory and the new crop is slow arriving for processing. Two of the suppliers we work with are fully booked this year on their broken grades and whole grades. We expect this market to stay firm and to get tight. Macadamia nuts are no longer the value they were last year. Supplies are booked out and we’ve seen price increases. The new crop should be in soon, and that should help with availability and better pricing. Amaranth is finally shipping again. Prices have dropped, which is great to see and we hope ...
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    49 mins

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