The Specialty Food Association (SFA) is partnering with Natural Products Consulting Institute (NPCI) for a series of educational seminars this December, designed to help specialty and natural food companies strengthen their businesses and accelerate growth.
Led by Bob Burke, founder of NPCI and a frequent contributor to SFA Councils and programs, the seminars will explore the topics that matter most to food and beverage entrepreneurs—from developing go-to-market plans and managing distributors to navigating financing and scaling sustainably.
He’ll be joined at the finance seminar by Mike Burgmaier, founder and managing director of Whipstitch Capital and Andy Whitman of Loft Growth Partners and at the sales seminar by John Maggiore, founder of Maggiore Sales & Marketing. Together, they offer practical, real-world insights shaped by years of hands-on work across the specialty and natural products landscape. Both seminars will also feature sessions by leading industry experts, trade customers and investors to deepen and enrich the experience for all attendees.
“As a long-time volunteer with the Specialty Food Association, I’ve been deeply involved in their educational programs at the shows, on webinars and as a volunteer in their mentoring programs. I’m now proud to partner with SFA to take these offerings to the next level.” Burke said. “This partnership reflects our shared goal of offering deeper, more sophisticated content for companies that are ready to scale and lead in today’s marketplace.”
Each NPCI seminar combines expert instruction, candid discussion, and opportunities for networking with peers who share a passion for building strong, value-driven food businesses.
At the December seminars, SFA executives and team members will not only be in attendance to share more information about the organization’s goals for 2026 but also will take part in the seminars as presenters. Attendees will hear directly from Bill Creelman, founder of SFA member company Spindrift, who will share his entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned along the way.
Earlier this year, SFA welcomed Mary Beth Vultee as Senior Vice President of Membership to develop new and engaging educational opportunities that not only help members grow their businesses but also foster community and connection among industry peers.
The partnership with NPCI is one way SFA is enhancing its educational offerings and reflects the association’s ongoing commitment to member education and industry excellence. It builds upon SFA’s existing Maker Prep program—a six-month course designed for early-stage food and beverage founders that blends in-person sessions, self-paced learning, and expert coaching. The addition of NPCI seminars creates a complementary learning path for more established business owners.
For more information and to register, visit Natural Products Consulting’s seminar calendar.